In recent years several changes have been made to the test designed to help make people become safer drivers.These include the introduction of two new elements: new elements:
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The Theory Test in 1996 |
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The Hazard Perception test in 2002 |
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Before learning to drive, you must have a provisional driving licence. Apply for yours online or visit your local post office to obtain the D1 form. |
Preparing to learn to drive
What you need to drive legally in the UK and the documentation
you will require to get you started.
The minimum age which you can legally drive a car on the public roads is 17.
If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16.
Until the day you pass the practical part of the Driving Test you are not allowed to drive on your own.
You will need to apply for a provisional driving licence.
You can apply for a provisional driving licence quickly and easily online or by completing the D1 application
form available at most post offices.
The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus).
All applications made by filling in the D1 form will also require original documentation to be sent to the DVLA
to confirm your identity.
The following documentation is accepted by DVLA as confirmation of your identity:
– Full Valid Current Passport
– Birth Certificate
– Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate)
– Adoption certificate
– ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA
– Travel Documents issued by the Home Office
– Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration
You MUST NOT drive until you have received this first licence and you have signed it in ink.
Your eyesight must meet a minimum standard. Ask Shrley for details.
The Driving Test is split into two parts:
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A computerised Theory Test of mainly multiple choice questions together with a video-based Hazard Perception Test. |
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A Practical Test of your driving. |
You must pass BOTH parts before you recieve a full driving licence.
The DVLA will then automatically send your full licence to you.
Note:
You must pass your Theory Test before you are allowed to apply for your Practical Test.
Your Eyesight
Have you ever had your eyes tested?
Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes examined every 2 years. The eye examination is a health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision.
A good time to have an eye test is just before you start learning to drive
It is useful to mention to the optometrist that you are about to start learning to driving.
They may suggest that you wear glasses or contact lenses to assist your vision.
When you take your practical driving test one of the first things your examiner will do is to give you a test before you get into the car.
They will point out a vehicle and ask you to read the number plate.
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 OK.
However, you must wear them during your test and whenever you drive.
If you have had sight correction surgery you should declare this when you apply for your provisional licence.
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 this part of the test your examiner will mark that your eyesight has failed to meet the required standard and your test will be terminated.
At Shirley’s we take your eyesight seriously
. We recommend that if you have any doubts about your ability to meet the eyesight requirements easily, that you seek advice from an optician before you start learning to drive.
If you are colour-blind it does not stop you from driving, but you should make sure that your driving instructor is aware of your problem. They will want to be extra sure that you can recognise road signs by the shapes and understand the sequence of lights at traffic signals and pelican crossings, as this is more difficult without the colour to help you.
As part of our mock test assessment you will be required to pass the same eyesight test. This should help prepare you for your actual test and put your mind at rest about this part of the examination.
Personal preparation
The Driving Test is split into two parts:
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A computerised Theory Test of mainly multiple choice questions together with a video-based Hazard Perception Test. |
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A Practical Test of your driving. |
You must pass BOTH parts before you can apply for a full driving licence.
Note: You must pass your Theory Test before you are allowed to apply for your Practical Test.
No two people are the same and you must decide for yourself how you wish to go about your learning for both parts of the test.
The Theory Test
Learning to drive is just as much about knowing how to be safe on the roads as it is about handling the car. Therefore much of the Theory Test concentrates on 'reading the road' so that learners understand how to avoid accidents.
The Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists was introduced by the DSA in July 1996.It is designed to improve the safety of newly qualified riders and drivers by making them think carefully about the right attitudes needed to drive safely on today's busy roads and reduce the risk of accidents.
The areas covered by the Theory Test include:
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driver attitude |
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traffic signs and regulations |
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effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driver behaviour |
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safety and environmental aspects of vehicles |
In November 2002 the Driving Theory Test was changed.
In addition to answering 35 multiple choice questions, you are also tested for hazard perception skills. You will need to pass both elements of the test at the same sitting to pass your theory test.
You'll take your Driving Theory Test using a computer located at your local Driving Standards Agency Theory Test Centre.
You'll be required to register at the reception desk and allocated a booth containing a computer loaded with your personal theory test.
The test is available in a variety of languages other than English and there is also an option using British Sign Language for candidates who are deaf.
The Practical Test
The purpose of the practical Driving Test is to find out whether you can drive safely, without supervision, on the roads.
You will not pass unless you can show the examiner that you have this ability.
Once you have passed your Theory Test you should discuss with your instructor about when you should apply for a Practical Test.
Don’t be tempted to take your test before you are ready, as you will simply waste your money. Provided you give ten clear working days notice, you can cancel your test appointment without losing your fee.
Your Driving Instructor can help with your test application.
After about 2 weeks you will receive your test appointment card. Make sure you show this card to your instructor and keep it somewhere safe.
The Practical Driving Test is straightforward. It lasts approximately 38-40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner.
Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
