Useful Information
A provisional driving licence can be obtained at the age of 17 years. You can apply for this up to 3 months before that date. Application forms can be obtained from the Post Office or by contacting the DVLA. Click on http://www.dvla.gov.uk.
At your first lesson you must present both parts of your licence to the instructor, for inspection and insurance purposes.
You must study for and pass a theory test which includes a Hazard Perception test before you can apply for a practical driving test. It is possible to study for this and even sit the test on your 17th birthday. However most pupils tend to wait until they have started their practical lessons. Then advice can be given regarding reading materials and computer software.
Before taking your first driving lesson you must be at least 17 years of age and hold a provisional driving licence.
Theory Test
This test comprises multiple choice questions (MCQ) followed by a separate Hazard Perception test. It is taken on a PC at a local centre in Sidcup. There are 50 questions in the MCQ part of the test and the pass mark is 43.
The Hazard Perception part of the test consists of 14 video clips of “on road” situations taken from the driver’s viewpoint. Each clip lasts a minute but one clip has 2 hazards, making 15 in total. You must click on the mouse as soon as a potential hazard appears on the screen. The earlier you click, the higher the score from 5 down to zero. The maximum score is 75 (15 times 5) and the pass mark is 44.
The theory pass is valid for 2 years. This means that you must pass your practical test before the end of this period.
The theory test can be booked online on the DSA website. Click on http://www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.
The cost, as at 30th March 2009, is £31.00.
Practical Driving Test
This takes place in the driving school car and lasts about 40 minutes. It starts with an eyesight test, followed by the “show me / tell me” part of the test where you might be asked to open the bonnet and answer some minor maintenance questions.
This is followed by general driving which will include 2 of the 4 possible manoeuvres (turn in the road, parallel park, reversing around a corner, and bay parking).
You will be marked on your general performance with emphasis on the safety of other road users and eco driving. You will pass if you score 15 or less minor driver errors, 16 is a fail. No “serious” or “dangerous” errors are allowed.
The practical test can be booked online on the DSA website. Click on http://www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.
The cost, as at 30th March 2009, is £62.00.
Useful Websites
http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk Useful information regarding vehicle driver/owner.
http://www.dvla.gov.uk Driver licensing online.
http://www.tsoshop.co.uk The Stationery Office shop for books on driving.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/highwaycode The Highway Code online.
http://www.passplus.org.uk Information regarding the Pass Plus scheme.
