Information

Before You start to drive

You must be 17 years of age and have a valid, signed provisional driving licence. These take about 4 weeks to be sent to you after you apply for one, so if you want lessons as soon as you are 17 apply early!

You will also be sent a copy of the Highway Code-as a driver it will be your responsibility to know the rules and regulations about driving in the UK...you will be tested on this information during your theory test, so starting to read up will help you understand all the information.

Please bring your provisional driving licence on your first lesson with me.

Eyesight

You must be able to read a number plate from 67 feet.

Practice

Learning car control skills and how to deal with different road layouts are best done with a qualified driving instructor. When you have enough confidence I will advise you about private practice, and anyone that is going to supervise you. You must be accompanied by a driver who;

• Is at least 21 years old
• Has held a full car driving license for 3 years
• The car you are using to practice must display L-plates front and back (these must be removed when you are not driving the car)

As a provisional car driver you are not allowed to drive on motorways.

Practice on as many different types of road as you can. When you practice try not to obstruct other traffic. Most drivers understand learner drivers need to practice, but don't try their patience too much!

Try not to annoy local residents i.e don't practice emergency stops in the same street, or reverse repeatedly around the same corner.

The Theory and Hazard Perception Test

These are separate tests but will be taken on the same day-the theory multiple choice questions first and then the hazard perception test.

The theory test consists of 35 multiple choice questions, it is computer based and you select your answers by touching the screen or using a mouse. You have 40 minutes for the test, and must get at least 30 correct answers to pass.

The hazard perception test is also on the computer. The test will contain 14 video clips each lasting about 1 minute. Each clip contains one or more hazards and you will have to respond to them by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see the hazard. There are 15 scoreable hazards, the earlier you respond the higher your score. Out of a total of 75 points, you must score at least 44 to pass.

You will need to pass both of the tests together to complete your theory test. If you pass one, but fail the other, you will fail overall and have to take the theory test again. The theory test is currently is £21.50.

The Driving Test

You must pass the theory test before you can apply for the practical driving test.

This is a test of your ability to drive safely, complete the set exercises and demonstrate to the examiner through your driving that you have a thorough knowledge of the Highway Code.

I will inform you when I believe you are ready for the test-you will have to drive consistently well, with confidence, and without my help or guidance. Waiting until you are ready will save you money; each go at the test costs currently £48.50 as well as paying for my time and the car on the lesson (£38).

On the test day you must bring your theory test pass certificate, your test appointment letter and both parts of your photo card licence (if you only have a paper licence you will need to take this and some photo ID).

The test will last about 40 minutes. It will start with the eyesight test. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for evidence that you have reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific manoeuvres. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more results in a fail. However,if you commit even one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test automatically.

Whether you pass or fail I will drive you home. If you fail you are unable to take another test for about 10 days.
After you have passed the driving test you will be on probation for 2 years, if you obtain 6 or more penalty points you will loose your licence and will have to reapply for a provisional licence and start all over again.

The Pass Plus Course

When you have passed your driving test you can improve your driving further by taking a Pass Plus course. It is a scheme that consists of 6 modules including town, motorway and night driving. On completion you will be given a certificate, which enables participating insurance companies to give you discounts on car insurance. I can give you a list of these companies as part of a Pass Plus information pack.