GETTING STARTED
For most people the minimum age at which you can start driving lessons is 17. You will need to obtain a provisional licence by completing a D1 form from the Post Office and sending it to the DVLA with your passport or birth certificate and a passport sized photo as ID. You can apply up to three months before your 17th birthday and you could then book your first lesson for the big day!
You must make sure any vehicle you use is roadworthy and fully taxed and insured and you will need to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor or by another person over 21 years of age who has held (and still holds) a licence in the relevant vehicle category for at least 3 years. The car must display L plates.
Requirements may vary for those who are disabled or who hold a licence from another country. Full information about the legal requirements can be found on the government website.
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO LEARN TO DRIVE?
Learning to drive takes time. Driving Standards Agency research shows that the current average driving lessons you will have to take is 45 hours of driving tuition, with an additional 22 hours private driving lessons to pass. Everyone is different, some will develop quicker whilst others may take significantly longer. However long it takes, you can be sure that once you have passed your test, you will be ready to face almost any situation on the road.
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WHAT WILL I LEARN ON MY DRIVING LESSONS?
All driving lessons are tailored to suit the individual and follow the DSA syllabus. This starts from learning about the controls of the car, continues through moving off and stopping, junctions, roundabouts, lane discipline, traffic lights and more. Then we have the manoeuvres that honestly are much easier than you think. Learning to drive is a challenge, at times frustrating but ultimately rewarding and once achieved a life changing skill.
Lesson times are flexible as are pick up and drop off points and you will never have to share the car with another pupil. Call 07950 683514 to discuss your requirements.
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THE DRIVING TEST
In order to achieve driving independence you will need to pass both a theory and practical test.
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WHAT COMES FIRST?
You can start driving lessons as soon as you are 17 and have obtained your provisional licence. However, you have to pass the theory test before you can apply for the practical test. After passing the theory test you have up to 2 years to pass the practical test, otherwise the process must be started again.
Generally it is a good idea to start studying for the theory test at an early stage - the theory compliments and helps develop your practical driving skills.
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THE THEORY TEST
The theory test is made up of 2 parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test.
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
Part 1 - Multiple choice
A question and several answer options will appear on screen and you have to select the correct answer by touching the screen. Some questions require more than one answer. You will be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. Part 2 - Hazard Perception The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 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. To achieve a high score you need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is 5. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
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THE PRACTICAL TEST
The test will include an eyesight check where you will be expected to read a new style number plate from a distance of 20 metres. You will then be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from: reversing around a corner; turning in the road; reverse parking. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop exercise.
The driving part of the test will last about 40 minutes. During the test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow and ask you to carry out the set exercises. Throughout the test you should drive in the way you have been taught. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. However if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
If you would like to be accompanied by your driving instructor or by another person who must be over 16 years old, you must ask the examiner for their agreement. On returning to the test centre the examiner will explain the result - if you would like your instructor present during the debrief, again you should ask the examiner.
When successful in passing the practical test the examiner will take your provisional licence and provide you with a pass certificate that acts as a full licence until the real thing arrives in the post.
Both theory and practical tests can be booked by calling 0300 200 1122 or Online. BOOKING YOUR TEST: