Pass Your Test
Practical Tests can be booked by post, by phone on 03002001122 or on the internet at http://www.dsa.gov.uk.
To drive legally and unaccompanied in the United Kingdom you must pass the Driving Test.
There are some temporary exceptions for persons who are not normally UK resident.
These can be found on DVLA Form D100 which is available from most post offices, or from the DVLA web page.
Until you have passed the driving test you must hold a valid, signed Provisional Driving Licence for the category of car being driven.
You must display "L" Plates and be accompanied by a supervisor who is at least 21 years old and who presently holds now, and has held a full licence for the vehicle being driven for at least three years.
A Provisional Licence holder is not allowed to drive on motorways even if supervised by a qualified driver or an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
To drive a motor car you must be 17 years old unless you are disabled, in which case, if you receive higher rate disability allowance you can learn to drive at 16 years old.
To become a qualified full licence holder you must pass both the Theory Test (including the Hazard Perception Test) and the Practical Driving Test.
These test are both conducted by The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) which is an agency of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Driving lessons can commence before either test is attempted but the Theory Test must be passed before you are allowed to book a Practical Test.
The Theory Test certificate lasts for 2 years during which you must pass the Practical Test or re-sit and pass the Theory Test again.
To find out more about the Theory/Hazard test, please go to that section on this website or click here.
Practical Tests can be booked by post, by phone on 0870 0101372 or on the internet at http://www.dsa.gov.uk.
The person making a telephone booking must be the credit card holder but not necessarily the test candidate.
You must have your driving licence number available and the Theory Test Pass Certificate number.
The current cost a Practical Tests on weekdays are £56.50 and Practical Tests at weekends are £67.00. (Prices correct as of April 2008)
Candidates for the tests must produce at the time of test, their valid signed provisional licence and approved photographic evidence of identity such as a passport, employers identity card, student union card, trade union card or bus pass.
If none of these are available a photograph, signed and dated on the back by an acceptable person, accompanied by a letter confirming that the photograph is a true likeness of the candidate will be accepted.
Details of the precise form the letter should take and a list of acceptable persons is given on the test appointment letter or card.
Your ADI is considered to be an acceptable person.
The Practical Driving Test
When you have passed the Theory test you can apply for a driving test appointment.
The Driving Test lasts for about 40 minutes during which you must demonstrate to the examiner that you have ,at all times, full control of the car, are aware of the actions of all other road users and are able to deal with them, even in unusual or unexpected circumstances.
You will be asked to perform two reversing manoeuvres and for one in three candidates an emergency stop is additionally carried out.
You will be expected to drive on busy roads and dual carriageways.
The most asked question by candidates is always "How many lessons will I Need?" There is no specific answer to this question as there is a tremendous variation between different people in their ability to learn the co-ordination and observational skills required to drive safely.
Factors affecting this include physical dexterity and age of the candidate, The DSA have recently released figures and stated that on average it is not unreasonable to have a combination of 33 professional lessons together with 23 private lessons, a total of 56 hours. Remember this is an average and some clients will need less and some more.
You must present, at the time of test, your Provisional Licence, Photographic Evidence of Identity and your Theory Test Pass Certificate, failure to do so will result in the test being cancelled with the loss of your test fee.
The examiner will mark your driving according to three criteria:
- Dangerous faults – Faults which cause actual danger to other road users.
- Serious faults – Faults which could potentially cause danger to other road users.
- Driving faults – Faults which do not constitute a danger to other road users.
Committing 1 Dangerous or Serious fault, or more than 15 Driving faults will result in failure, this reflects the skills required to drive on modern roads in modern traffic conditions, without being a danger to yourself or any other road user.
You will be given the result at the end of the test together with an explanation of any problems that the examiner feels need highlighting.
Eye Sight Requirements
You must satisfy the examiner that in good daylight you can read a vehicle number plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1in) high at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (about 67 feet).
Number plates with a narrower font, such as the new style number plates introduced during 2001, should be read from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet).
If you need glasses or contact lens to read the number plate, that is fine. However, you must wear them during the test and whenever you drive.
If you have had sight correction surgery you should declare this when you apply for your provisional license.
How your examiner will test you
Before you get into your car your examiner will point out a vehicle and ask you to read the number plate.
If you can't speak English or have difficulty reading, you may copy down what you see, If your answer is incorrect, your examiner will measure the exact distance and repeat the test.
If you fail the eyesight test
If you can't show your examiner that your eyesight is up to the required standard
- you will have failed your driving test
- your test will go no further.
