Getting Started...
Before you start learning to drive you must have a Provisional Licence. Normally, for car drivers, you can apply for your provisional driving licence up to three
months before your 17th birthday. It will however only become valid on your 17th birthday. (So, if you apply for your provisional driving licence before you are 17 you
will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test). If you are receiving Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate your provisional
driving licence will come into effect when you are 16. The same rule applies here aswell, you can apply for your provisional driving licence up to three months before
your 16th birthday. You can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use
online service. To apply for your first provisional licence click here. If you want to apply in person or by post complete the D1 application form that is available from
the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour
photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. To order a provisional driving licence application
form click here.
What’s next? Learning to drive! BEWARE OF ILLEGAL INSTRUCTORS
What Vehicle Can I Use For My Practical Driving Test? (back to top)
A car or van presented for the (category B) driving test must be: - a four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3,500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorised mass (MAM) -
capable of a speed of at least 62.5 miles per hour (mph) or 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) The car or van must also be fitted with: - a seatbelt for the examiner - a
passenger head restraint, which needn't be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat - 'slip on' type head restraints aren't permitted - an interior
mirror for the examiner's use - L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle but not interfering with the driver's or examiner's view - a speedometer that
measures speed in mph and km/h. If your car is fitted with an electronic handbrake, it must be capable of being manually overidden and operated as a conventional
handbrake. The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing, eg the airbag warning light. Convertible Cars Not all convertible cars
are suitable for the driving test. This is mainly due to the lack of all-round vision for the driving examiner. Unsuitable vehicles include: Ford KA convertible, BMW
Mini convertible and the VW Beetle convertible If you on using a convertible car for your driving test, then check it is suitable when you book. BEWARE…Sometimes
your car may become subject to a manufacturers recall. This will usually be due to the car having a fault that requires the manufacturer or dealer to correct. In this
case your car will not be considered suitable for a practical driving test unless you can provide documentary evidence from a dealer, or the vehicle manufacturer, to
prove that your car meets one of the criteria below: - the recall work has been carried out - the vehicle has been checked and no work is necessary - the vehicle is
exempt from the recall work List of makes and models affected
You can take your instructor with you on your driving test (or somebody else!)...read on
The Theory Test... (back to top)
The Theory Test is made up of a multiple choice part and a hazard perception part. To pass your Theory Test, you need to pass both parts. Once you have passed
the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test. The multiple choice part is conducted on a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part
records your responses when you click a computer mouse button. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts
again.
Hazard Perception Test... (Back to top)
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a
computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip
there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing
hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard
perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. You will be shown 14 video clips, which will include 15 developing
hazards. The pass mark is 44 points out of 75. Why not have a quick go at an official Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Hazard Perception Test. See what score you
get, and remember if you need a bit of help then just ask.
You will need to pass your theory test before you can book yourself a Practical Driving Test
Book A Theory Test... (back to top)
The quickest and easiest way to book your car theory driving test is to use the online booking service. To book a theory test online you'll need: a valid UK driving
licence a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) Book a theory test. You can
also book by phone To book a theory with an operator over the phone you'll need: a valid UK driving licence a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa,
Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron,Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) You can book a test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00
pm except on Bank Holidays. Telephone booking: Theory test Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122 Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133 Minicom
booking line - 0300 200 1166 Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177 ReBooking Your Theory Test If you fail your theory test, you'll have to wait at least three clear
working days before you can take it again.
The Practical Driving Test... (back to top)
The driving test is pretty straightforward...believe it or not! It has been designed to see if you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions, know The
Highway Code and can demonstrate this to your driving examiner with your driving ability. At the beginning of your driving test the examiner will ask you two
questions about the your car. One question will be a 'show me' and one will be a 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault
being recorded. If you get both questions wrong, you do not fail your driving test. DRIVING ABILITY The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes.
Throughout this time your general driving and ability will be examined whilst driving in a variety of driving situations. From the 4th October 2010 you will be required to
do one reversing exercise, chosen from the list below: reversing around a corner turning in the road reverse parking You may also be asked to carry out an
emergency stop. Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less
serious driving fault and may not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers your driving to be a danger to other road users your test will be
stopped. From 4 October 2010, your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to
drive safely while making decisions independently. Read on to find out more about independent driving.
Independent Driving in Your Driving Test... (back to top)
Your practical driving test will include approximately 10 minutes of independent driving....DON’T PANIC!!! It’s nothing to worry about, they are still only asking you to
drive your car. During your driving test you’ll have to drive independently by either following, TRAFFIC SIGNS, A SERIES OF DIRECTIONS or a combination of both.
The examiner will show you a diagram to help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions...to see an example of an independent driving
diagram click here. If you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way…it doesn't matter! - that can happen to the most experienced of drivers.
Independent driving is not a geography test after all, it’s designed to test your ability to make your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and
appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going. THE INDEPENDENT DRIVING ROUTE Don’t be afraid to ask for a reminder of the directions. If you
do then the examiner will confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault. If you
go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving. If there are poor or obscured
traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area. Sat nav…what a
great idea!!! You cannot use a sat nav for independent driving. The reason for this is, it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent Driving, tests how you make
your own decisions.
Taking Somebody on Test With You... (back to top)
You can take somebody with you on your test if you like…the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) actually encourages it! This will usually be the person who has
taught you to drive, but it could be a relative or a friend. They must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test…ie. remind you to check your mirrors
etc! The person who goes with you will be able to see how you perform during the driving test. To get the most benefit from this, it would be sensible to ask your
instructor to go with you. They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail. If you choose not to take somebody with you on
your driving test, that’s fine. However, at the end of your driving test, you can call your instructor over to listen to your driving examiners de-brief. This is so they can
listen to the result and feedback with you. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed and will explain how you did during the test. If you failed your
driving test, you can take another test ten working days later. Book your driving test
Bad Weather on the day of your Practical Driving Test… (back to top)
The DSA does not conduct driving tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. If your driving test is
cancelled due to poor light or bad weather then the DSA will automatically arrange another appointment for you, at no further cost. However, no compensation will
be paid to you. If you are going to take your driving test, and the weather doesn’t look so good, then call the number that is on the appointment letter to check
whether your test will go ahead. To find your nearest practical driving test centre contact details click here.
Eyesight Requirement... (back to top)
Before you begin your practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a stationary vehicle. The distance requirement for the
eyesight test using old style number plates is 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the new-style number plate is used. New-style number plates are easily identifiable
starting with two letters eg. YS60TDE. (If you can't speak English or have difficulty reading, you may copy down what you see).
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CAN’T READ THE NUMBER PLATE? If you can't read the first number plate correctly, you'll be asked to read a second number plate,
if you can't read this number plate correctly, you'll be allowed to walk forward until you're just over the appropriate distance away. If you still can't read the number
plate correctly, the examiner will ask you to read a third number plate and will measure the precise distance from this number plate. The distance will be 20.5
metres if you're asked to read an old-style number plate and 20 metres if you're asked to read a new-style number plate. If you can't read the third number plate
correctly, and the examiner is satisfied that you don't meet the required eyesight standard, you'll fail your driving test, and the practical test will not continue. This
will be recorded as a fail on the examiners marking sheet. Your interpretation of the number plate along with the correct one will be written on the back of the form
along with the measured distance. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate then the law requires you must wear them whenever you
are driving, including whilst on your test. You're not allowed to remove your glasses/corrective lenses when carrying out test manoeuvres (reversing etc). If you
used your glasses/corrective lenses to read the number plate and take off/out your glasses/corrective lenses during the practical test, your driving examiner will
remind you that it is a requirement of law that you wear them. If you refuse to wear them, the test will not continue. If you fail the eyesight requirement; the examiner
will ask you to sign a form DL.77 –which acknowledges you were unable to comply with the eyesight requirements. The examiner (using form DL.77 form) will notify
the DVLA that you did not meet the eyesight requirements and your licence will be revoked. To reapply for your licence, send to DVLA an ‘Application for a Driving
Licence’ (D1), available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You can also download and complete the medical questionnaire V1 and
return it with your D1 form. When your application arrives at DVLA they’ll ask the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to conduct a separate eyesight test for you at a
test centre. If you’re successful you’ll still have to pass the DSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test. After the eyesight check the examiner
will ask you two questions about the your car. You don’t need to be a mechanic to answer them...you just need to know the very basics. To read the
OFFICIAL questions then click here.
Special Needs Test... (back to top)
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests are booked online or over the phone. The examiner then
knows which type of special needs you have so reasonable adjustment can be made. For the independent driving section, this could be by asking you which method
you prefer - following traffic signs or a series of directions (a maximum of three), which are supported by a diagram. In some cases this may be shortened to just two
directions. WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T SPEAK ENGLISH? Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English. For
example, sometimes they will write place names so it is clear to you where you’re being asked to drive to. You can have an interpreter along with you on your test if
you wish. They must be 16 years old or over. Your approved driving instructor can act as your interpreter.
Book A Practical Driving Test... (back to top)
The quickest and easiest way to book your car Practical Driving Test is to use the online booking service. To book a practical driving test online you'll need: a valid
UK driving licence your theory test certificate number a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo
cards are accepted) click here to book a practical test online You can also book by phone To book a practical driving test with an operator over the phone you'll
need: a valid UK driving licence a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron,Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted) You
can book a test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays. Telephone booking: Theory test Theory test
booking line - 0300 200 1122 Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133 Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1144 Fax booking line - 0300 200 1155
ReBooking Your Practical Driving Test If you fail your practical driving test, you'll have to wait at least ten clear working days before you can take it again.
Find your nearest Practical Driving Test Centre
Manage Your Test Booking... (back to top)
You can check your test appointment details online, or change or cancel your test if your circumstances change. The online booking service is available
between 6.00 am and midnight, Monday to Sunday. CHECK MY PRACTICAL TEST? You can check details of tests for both past and future bookings,
including the date, time and location. To view your test booking online, you will need two of the following three details: - your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland
provisional driving licence number - your application reference number - your theory test pass certificate number Check your practical test . CHANGE YOUR
PRACTICAL TEST? You can change your test time or date, as long as your driving instructor is available on the new time/date. If you change the test booking
within three clear working days of your original test date, you will have to pay an additional fee. To change your test booking online, you will need two of the
following three details: - your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number - your application reference number - your theory test pass
certificate number Change your practical test CANCEL MY PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST? You can cancel a test booking without losing your fee if it s more than
three clear working days before the test date. If not, you will lose your test fee. To cancel your test booking online, you will need two of the following three details:
your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number your application reference number your theory test pass certificate number
Cancel your practical test
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© Owen & Cullen Drivng School 2011
Driving Lessons in Barnsley, Driving Lessons in Sheffield, Driving Lessons in Rotherham, Driving Lessons in Wakefield
Book a Theory Test
Practical Driving Test
Independent Driving
Suitable Driving Test Vehicles
Accompanying a Test
Bad Weather
Eyesight Requirements
Show Me / Tell Me Questions
Provisional Driving Licence
Driving Lessons
Theory Test
Hazard Perception
Special Needs Tests
Book a Practical Driving Test
Manage Your Bookings
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