Starting your journey
So, you are interested in learning to drive? There are a number of steps you must take as you start your journey from novice to full license holder and beyond. I have given you some details to help you on your way, along with some useful links and reference tools.
1. Applying for your provisional driving license
A provisional driving license allows you to learn to drive on all UK roads except motorways, provided you are supervised.
You can be supervised by your driving instructor or any other
driver, as long as they're over the age of 21 and have held a full driving license for a minimum of three years.
You must be at least 15 years 9 month of age, be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters and you will need to provide:
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A valid identity document, such as a passport (unless you a valid biometric passport)
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Addresses where you have lived over the last 3 years
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Your National Insurance number if you know it
Apply online with the DVLA or, you can pick up a Form D1 from your local Post office. Once you have received your licence, get in touch and we can plan your first lesson.
2. Theory and Hazard Perception Test
You must have a provisional driving license to book your theory test. You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday onwards or from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
There are 2 parts to the test:
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50 multiple-choice questions (from 14 th April 2020, 3 questions will be based on a short video clip). These will test your knowledge of the Highway Code, the theory of driving, rules and laws related to driving.
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Hazard perception - 14 videos that test your ability to spot developing hazards on the road. One video will contain two hazards, so you need to identify 15 developing hazards in total.
You book and take these two elements as a single test and you must correctly answer 43 out of the 50 multiple-choice questions and on the hazard perception element, score a minimum of 44 out of 75, to pass the test.
Once you have successfully passed the Theory Test, you are able to book and take the practical driving test. Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years and you must pass your driving test in that time, otherwise, you’ll have to pass the theory test again.
I recommend reading the Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs book and using the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit App, which is available on both iOS and Android App stores.
3. Practical Driving Test
The practical is a test of your competence and ability, and to make sure you're capable of driving alone and will last for around 40 minutes.
Once you have met your examiner, you will have your eyesight checked by reading a car registration number from 20 meters, followed by one question on car safety and maintenance.
You will then be assessed on your general driving ability in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. The examiner will give you directions that you should follow throughout.
You will also be asked to do one of the following exercises and you may also have to complete an emergency stop:
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Parallel park at the side of the road
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ï‚·Park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out
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ï‚·Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and re-join the traffic
You’ll have to demonstrate your ability to drive for independently for about 20 minutes by following either directions from a sat nav or traffic signs. The examiner will tell you which you have to follow.
You may make some faults during the test, and these fall into 3 areas – dangerous, serious and minor. You mustn’t get any dangerous or serious but are allowed up to 15 minors.
When you arrive back at the test centre, the examiner will refer to notes made throughout the test and tell you whether you have passed or failed. They will also give you feedback which will
help as you continue on your driving journey and if you wish and think it helpful, I can also listen to the feedback. When it comes to driving standards, the DVSA examiners really know their stuff and their feedback is invaluable.
When you are ready to take your test, I will let you know, giving you sufficient time to get your test booked in.
Click Here where you can also find more information.