Don't forget your L plates!
Don't forget your L plates!
The first thing you will need before starting any driving lessons is a provisional driving licence. You can get an application form (D1) from the DVLA online. You can apply for you licence as soon as you are 15 years and 9 months old, however you can only start driving when you turn 17. The one exception to this is if you receive the enhanced rate of mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – in this instance you can start driving at 16.
You cannot sit your practical test until you have passed your theory. It’s a good ode to get yourself a highway code or theory test practice book to study for the test as soon as you have your provisional licence. You can book your theory test online. The test comprises a multiple choice section and a hazard perception test. These are taken one after the other at your local theory test centre, you can find your nearest theory test centre online.
You can use the online government resource to practice the theory test before you take it.
When you arrive for your theory test you will need to take your photocard licence with you.
When you pass you will be issued with a theory test pass certificate, you will need this to book your practical test.
You should research instructors in your area; you could even ask your friends and family who they would recommend. If you pay someone to give you lessons they must be a qualified and approved driving instructor.
You can drive a car with the supervision of an adult over the age of 21 who has held their full licence for three years. One way of getting practice in between lessons is to hire a dual control vehicle with a friend or family member supervising.
Your driving instructor will be able to tell you when they think you are ready to take your driving test. You can find your local practical test centre online. Your driving instructor should be able to help you too. You can book your test online or over the phone. You should have a few items ready to book your test such as:
You will need to take your theory test certificate and photocard licence with you on the day of your practical driving test. Your practical driving test will take approximately 40 minutes, although it can sometimes feel like hours longer.
You will meet the examiner in the test building and both head over to the car. You will be asked to read a number plate at a distance of 20 metres, if you can’t the test will stop there and you will have failed. The examiner will ask you two ‘show me, tell me’ questions where you will either have to tell the instructor how you would carry out a specific safety check or show them, or both.
You will be told to start the car and given directions. During the test you will be asked to pull over and drive off safely, carry out one reverse manoeuvre and do 10 minutes of independent driving.
At the end of your test you will find out if you have passed or not. The pass mark is fewer than 15 minor faults and no serious or dangerous faults (majors).
