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The whole process | The Driving Test|
The whole process, from applying for a provisional license to passing your test
So you want to learn to drive do you?
then let me take you through the whole process that you will have to go through.
Are you 17 years or older?You can apply for a provisional Driving Licence at the age of 16 years old IF you receive Disability Allowance at the higher rate.
If not then you must be 17 years old or above before you can drive.
Can you read a car number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet)? If it’s the new style car number plate then it is 20 metres (66 feet). If not then you will need to get eyesight correction, either in the form of glasses or contact lenses. These must also be worn every time you drive.
First of all, you will need to apply for a Provisional car Driving Licence.
This can be done by completing an application form which is available from Post Offices. You will need to send a passport style photo with your application form. Some Post Offices now offer the service electronically through to the DVLA.
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues driving licences.
You cannot drive until you receive your licence. When you receive it, you must check it and make sure all the details are correct.
You will receive a card licence with your photo on the front.
Keep them both safe as your Instructor, and the DSA will need to see them. You might have to produce them to the Police if required to do so.
So you now have a licence do you?You now need professional tuition, It is unlikely that any other person can guide you through the syllabus and train you to the standard required.You need to choose a qualified Driving Instructor. There are many advertised but asking friends or family may lead you to someone who can deliver the training you require. Instructors who are registered with the Driving Standards Agency will display a badge in the windscreen of their tuition vehicle. They have to be to charge money for lessons.Who ever you choose, remember if you are not happy, you are free to swap to another Instructor. It is important that you feel happy and trust your Instructor for learning to take place. If you’re dreading your next lesson, then think about what I have just said.Your Instructor should be able to answers any related questions you have. Your Instructor should have some means of recording your progress that both of you can follow. It is called a Drivers Record. This will help you see your strengths and weaknesses.
So you now have a Driving Instructor do you?There is no set number of hours of training that you must have. Different people learn at different rates. If you can get private practise as well then this should assist in your training.In between your lessons you will need to study for the Theory test which you will have to take and pass before taking the practical test. Your Instructor will help you with theory learning during lessons, but the bulk of the study needs to be in your own time.The best place to start is with the Highway Code book which can be purchased from most book shops, newsagents, and on line book stores. Some CD-ROM computer software designed for studying for the theory test contains the Highway Code. Your Instructor should be able to advise you what you need.
When you and your Instructor think you are ready for your Theory test, then your Instructor can advise you on how to apply for it.
On the day of your Theory test, present yourself a little earlier than your test time states on your invitation letter. This will help you to settle down and book in to the reception. You will be asked to put all your hand luggage and mobile phones ect in a locker and then take the key.
You will be shown to a PC and asked to sit and make yourself comfortable. Once you have seen the Introduction and ready to start, then begin.
The first part is the Theory test in which you will be asked 50 questions with multiple choice answers. read the questions thoroughly and select the correct answer(s) by touching the screen on the answer.
You are required to answer at least 43 correctly in order to pass.
The second part is called the Hazard Perception test, which is 14 video clips lasting 1 minute each. You will be expected to watch each clip in detail and click with the mouse button as soon as you see an Hazard starting to develop. You will be expected to continue to click every time the hazard continues to develop right up to the point when it makes your vehicle change speed or direction.
One clip will have two scoring hazards in it. Each clip scores a possible of 5 points with the clip with 2 hazards scoring a possible 10 points. You will need to score 44 or above to pass.
You will have to pass both tests in order to receive your pass certificate before you leave the centre. If you fail either of the tests, you will have to re-apply to sit both tests again.
If you have been having lessons on a regular basis, you should by now be driving to a reasonable standard. Your Instructor would be teaching you the syllabus as required to pass the practical test. When you and your Instructor feel that you are ready for the practical test, then you can apply. Trying to take the test before you are ready could lead to failure, and will result in more expense. You would have to pay to apply again and still afford more driving lessons to avoid going rusty.
This is only a brief description of what is required, as to include every little detail would require a lot of space and time to create. There are plenty of books on this subject, on sale in shops and on-line websites which are driving related. Driving Schools often provide their own publications which you might want to purchase.
So you are going to take the test are you?
Then I wish you good luck.
The Driving Test
Let me take you through what will happen on the day of your Test.
By now you will have an appointment letter informing you of the date and time of your Driving Test. This letter from the DSA will also tell you of the Test Centre that you will take the test at.
Your Instructor should pick you up in good time for you to have a warm up drive before the test. Before you set out, make sure you have your letter of appointment, your driving licence (both parts) and your Theory test pass certificate. The letter from the DSA will tell you what forms of photographic ID you will need to take if you have the old style Driving Licence.
I always say present yourself in a smart appearance, whilst your driving is what’s being measured, if you feel smart and good then this may reflect in your driving. Your Instructor should present a nice clean car (weather permitting). If you are taking your own vehicle, then you need to make sure it will meet all the requirements of the test. If it does not meet the requirements your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.
Once you have parked your vehicle in the Test area, you will have to go and wait in the waiting room. The examiner will enter the room at the time stated on your letter and call your name. Once you have made yourself known to the examiner then He/She will check your documents whilst you read and sign the marking sheet in the top left corner. This declaration will say that you have a valid Insurance for the test vehicle, and that you have lived in the country for more than 185 days.
The Examiner will ask you if you still live at the address on your licence, and then ask you if you would like your instructor to accompany you on the test. If you say no, then the examiner will ask you if you would like your instructor to be present at the end of the test to listen to the debrief.
The examiner will then ask you to lead the way to your vehicle. Before you get to your vehicle, you will be asked to read a vehicle’s number plate chosen by the examiner.
The examiner will ask you one show me question and one tell me question. I will post these in another part of this website soon.
The examiner will ask you to get in the car and settle yourself in. He/She will join you soon after they have walked around the vehicle. You will be told that unless the examiner asks you to turn, or drive independently, or road signs tell you turn, then you will be expected to follow the road ahead throughout the drive.
You will be told that you will be asked to do one manoeuvre and you will also be told that you may or may not be asked to do the Emergency stop. If you understand all that you will be then asked to drive on when you are ready.
The examiner will ask you pull up on the left several times. Some of these times you will have to choose a SAFE, LEGAL, & CONVENIENT place to stop. Others the examiner will tell you where to stop.
During the drive you will be expected to drive briskly within the law, with due regard to other road users and at all times you must drive safely. At the end of the test, you will be asked to switch off the engine and relax. The examiner will then tell you your result. If you have passed then He/She will require seeing your Driving licence again. You will be given a pass certificate and some other leaflets, along with a copy of the marking sheet. If you have failed you will have the reasons explained to you and be given a copy of the marking sheet. You will be invited to apply again. If you gave permission at the start, your instructor can listen to the debrief.
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