Learn To Drive
Learn to Drive
Getting Started
Before you can even get into a car and start learning to drive, you have to get hold of a provisional driving licence.
To apply for this, you must complete the application form D1 that's available from either the 'Driver or Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service', or from your local Post Office. Alternatively you can now apply for a provisional licence online. Visit www.direct.gov.uk and follow the directions. It takes about 4 weeks for your application to be processed and for your licence to be sent to you - so if you want to start learning to drive as soon as you hit 17, make sure you apply early!
The Highway Code is essential reading for everybody learning to drive. It contains all of the rules and regulations that relate to driving in the UK. As a driver, it's your duty to know these rules - and remember if you don't abide by them, you'll be breaking the law and could end up being prosecuted. This could lead to you losing your licence, so it's worth getting to know what's what!
We recommend that you also read "Essential Skills", a DSA publication. This book is about the skills of driving a car and will help new drivers with their practical driving lessons.
According to the DSA (Driving Standards Agency), those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on their driving test.
Remember the DSA figures are just a guide and not a guarantee of how many driving lessons you'll need to rip up those L-plates!
Your Driving Theory Test
The theory test is made up of two parts; a multiple choice section and a Hazard Perception test.
The multiple choice bit is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse, while the hazard perception test records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
You'll need to pass both parts to successfully complete your theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other, you'll fail the whole test, and will have to take both parts again.
You can book your Theory test through the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) website or your Instructor can arrange it for you.
Applying for Your Practical Driving Test
So you've had all your driving lessons and you're ready to go - what next?
You need to apply to take your test with your local DSA centre.
You can do this online from the DSA website , but we strongly recommend you don't apply for your test until your Red Instructor thinks you're ready. Your Red Driving Instructor can also arrange your test date for you, if you want them to.
The Practical Driving Test
Before you do any driving you'll be asked to perform an eyesight check and then be asked some vehicle safety questions. You'll then be tested on your general driving ability, including two reversing exercises.
The 'Driving' part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for evidence you've reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific manoeuvres.
You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. However, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you'll fail the test automatically.
You must bring the following items with you to the test. If you don't, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee
An appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L- Plates, that's suitable for the test
Don't worry our Driving School cars are perfect for the job and readily available!
The appropriate theory test pass certificate.
Your appointment letter confirming your test time and date
Both parts of your photo card licence. If you don't take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you'll lose your fee
If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and separate approved photo identification with you
Our Driving School believes it is beneficial to gain as much practical experience as possible when learning to drive, but we strongly recommend that learners should first have professional instruction from an approved driving instructor, who can then give you specific areas to practice, when ready, during private practice.
The Driving School has produced its top ten tips for accompanying a learner driver to help maintain road safety, ensure good driver attitudes and to avoid you picking up bad driving habits.
1. Legalities - the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must hold a current full license, in the relevant vehicle category and have held it for at least three years
2. The vehicle - the vehicle must be road-worthy, taxed, have a valid MOT where necessary and be properly insured for both you and your accompanying driver
3. Are you ready? - learning basic car control with a professional instructor is highly recommended prior to taking any private practice. Your instructor will be able to tell you if and when you are ready
4. Is your accompanying driver ready? - the majority of drivers do not keep up to date with the changes to the Highway Code. Any bad habits or lack of knowledge the accompanying driver has could be passed on to you
5. The learning environment - the accompanying driver must remain positive, even when things go wrong, offering constructive criticism, not telling you off, when mistakes are made
6. Accept responsibility - the accompanying driver is in charge of you and is therefore responsible for your actions. The same mobile phone and fitness to drive rules apply to them even though they will be sitting in the passenger seat
7. The route - the accompanying driver must give clear, concise directions for a pre-planned route that will avoid you having to experience something that is far beyond your capabilities and experience. Don't forget, learner drivers are not allowed to drive on a motorway
8. Communicate - ensure the instructor and accompanying driver talk regularly. The instructor may even invite the accompanying driver to sit in on some of the professional lessons to create a partnership, avoiding contradicting information
9. Keep records - keep records of your private practice. This will help both the instructor and the accompanying driver compare progress and plan your development
10. Planning - try to avoid going out for 'a bit of a drive'. Make sure both you and your accompanying driver know exactly what areas need improvement, the standards expected and how to practice this to avoid creating bad driving habits.
Help Documents
This documents make be useful and helpful, please click on them to download a copy.
The 10 Most Common Reasons For Driving Test Failure
Top tips for passing your Driving Test - At the First Attempt
Safety Check Questions For The Driving Test (car test category B 1st July 2008)