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1) Apply for a Provisional Licence
2) Begin taking driving lessons
3) Take theory test
4) Take practical test
Learning to drive is an exciting process, yet can seem a bit daunting to begin with. You will have made the right choice in taking lessons with a Fully Qualified Instructor, but before you can begin your course you need a PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE. You can apply for a Provisional Licence if you:
> are a British resident.
> meet the minimum age requirement (17 years old, although you can apply 2 months before your 17th birthday - the licence becomes valid on your 17th birthday).
> can meet the minimum eyesight requirement (read a new style number plate at 20 metres, or an old style number plate at 20.5 metres).
> are currently not prevented from driving for any reason.
> have a valid UK passport or another form of identity.
> can provide addresses of where you have lived for the last 3 years.
The current fee for a provisional licence is £50
The length of time it takes you to learn to drive will vary from pupil to pupil. This could be due to a number of factors, such as whether the pupil has access to a car for private practice between lessons.
Understandably you will be focused on the driving test. However, it is important that you use your training to gain knowledge and skills that you can take beyond the test, and that will make you a safe driver for many years to come. It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of Pass Plus to strengthen your skills - this could also save you money on your car insurance (see courses for more details).
Although you do not need to have passed the Theory Test before you begin your driving lessons, you will need to have passed before you can book your Practical Driving Test.
I would recommend that you study and take the test as soon as possible, so that what you learn can help you with your practical driving lessons.
Currently the theory test is in 2 parts - Multiple Choice and Hazard Perception. Both parts must be passed in the same test for you to pass the theory test.
> Multiple Choice
You will be asked 50 multiple choice questions in 57 minutes, using a computer to answer. To pass you must answer at least 43 of these correctly.
> Hazard Perception
You will be shown clips on a computer, and respond to developing hazards by clicking the mouse. You will be marked on how early you identify the hazard, with the maximum score for each clip being 5. To pass you must score at least 44 out of 75.
The current fee for the theory test is £35.
I will be available to answer any questions regarding your theory training. There are a range of text books, question books and CD-ROMs you can use - please contact me if you would like some advice on what is suitable for you.
Everyone is nervous before their test, but you can be safe in the knowledge that I would not advise you to take the test unless I believed you could pass it.
The first stage of your test will be a check that your eyesight is up to the required standard (see above). This is followed by two 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions, which are about how to check or operate certain aspects of the car (this will be covered in your driving lessons).
Then you will be required to drive for about 40 minutes, during which time you will be required to carry out 2 reversing exercises, and possibly an emergency stop.
After the test you will be given your result. You are allowed a maximum of 15 minor faults. However, you are not allowed any serious or dangerous faults, and a fault of such nature would result in a failed test.
On passing the test, the examiner will advise you on how to apply for your full driving licence.
The current fee for the driving test is £62 for weekdays, and £75.00 for weekday evenings or weekends.
On passing, it is important to remember that this is just the beginning, and you will continue learning and gaining experience for as long as you are a driver. Pass Plus is a course which can help to give you more skills and experience, and could help to reduce your car insurance.
