How to Get Your Driving Licence.
Step 1: Apply for your Driving Licence
Before you can begin your driving lessons you need a Provisional Driving Licence. To apply for this you must complete an application form. You can also do this online by clicking the link below or you can wander down to your local Post Office and pick up a form. You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday, however it will not become valid until you are 17. Remember, it takes approximately 4 weeks for your application to be processed!
Step 2: Complete your Theory Test
We suggest that in the beginning you combine your theory study with the early part of your driving lessons so you have the added advantage of having your instructor there to help you out with anything you are unsure of.
The Theory test is made up of 2 parts, the first being a multiple choice section. The second part is a hazard perception test which records your responses to a series of short video clips depicting real life hazards that you may meet while driving. You need to pass both sections to successfully complete your theory test. You can book your theory test with the link below, or we can book it for you.
Step 3: Complete your Practical Driving Test
Before you do your Practical Test your instructor would have carried out a number of mock tests so you’re all ready & know what to expect! Your instructor can book your practical test for you, or you can book your practical test by clicking the link below.
What to Expect
The test is approximately 40 minutes long. The first part will be where the examiner checks your details such as licence and eyesight. Its then time to drive off where the examiner will be testing you on your general driving ability. You’ll also be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres. (the ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres are no longer tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor):
Parallel park at the side of the road
Park in a bay – either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which one).
Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic
During your test you may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. The examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test – these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions’ and can be viewed on student support page. (Don’t worry your Instructor will also go through these with you well before the test!)
‘Tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
‘Show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving – for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers
Independent Driving
Twenty minutes of the test will be Independent Driving – roughly half the test. During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up. You won’t need to set the route – the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with. You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test – you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.
You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it. One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav.
And Finally
At the end of the test the examiner will spend a few minutes completing the form. You can commit 15 driving faults and still pass, but 16 or more will result in a fail. If you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail automatically. You will then be told the outcome! If you have passed – well done! The examiner will offer you a detailed debrief. It is a good idea to have your Instructor present, as you may not take it all in straight after your test. If you haven’t passed don’t worry! With more practise your driving will just get better! Go home, relax and re-book!
