Theory Test - £31

You need to pass a Theory Test before you can apply for and take a Practical Test.

Some Theory Test changes came into place last September - the questions were refreshed and Case Studies were introduced. I'll give you more details during your lessons.

Briefly, from 28th September 2009 some car and motorcycle multiple choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study shows a scenario that five questions are based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving.

It's a good idea to study for your Theory Test just before, or as you start, learning to drive. Combining what you read about with what you come across on the road joins it all up, and helps you become more confident as you take the wheel.

A Theory Test can be arranged at any UK Centre and once the test is passed, your certificate is valid for 2 years. It is permissable to drive before you have passed the Theory Test but until you have passed you have no entitlement to a Practical Test and will therefore be unable to book one.

The Hazard Perception part of the test is taken during the same session as the Multiple Choice part. The pass mark for this element is 44 out of 75. Click here for more info.

You need to pass both parts at the same appointment to get a Pass Certificate.

The maximum time allowed to complete the Multiple Choice questions part of the test is 57 minutes and you will need to achieve a pass mark of at least 43 correct responses out of 50.

Once you are regularly passing both parts as you take mock tests, you are ready to take the official Theory Test. Make sure you are ready, though. I can advise you on that as you don't want to waste your fee - you want to pass first time!!

The Practical Driving Test - £62 weekdays/£75 Saturdays

Test appointments are controlled by the Driving Standards Agency and are subject to waiting lists. If your preferred test time is unavailable I will keep trying on your behalf to get a more suitable appointment. It's best that we agree together when you are getting near test standard so that your test appointment is arranged in plenty of time.

The Practical Test is all about making sure that those who pass the Theory Test are competent and safe in the basic skills of driving. The requirements of passing the test are a combination of practical skills and mental understanding.

The open road can be a risky environment, and your test will show whether you are ready to go out there alone or whether you need a little more practice first.

You’ll be asked to sign a declaration that the insurance of your vehicle is in order. Without this the test can’t proceed.

You’ll need to have with you:

• Your signed Provisional Licence (both parts if you have a Photo Licence). If your licence doesn’t have a photo you’ll need additional photographic ID, such as a valid passport. See the DSA website for an up to date list of acceptable photo ID.

• If you misplace your licence, you must apply for a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which could take up to 15 days. If this happens, you may have to rearrange your test.

• Your Theory Test pass certificate.

• Your appointment letter.

Eyesight Test:

Your driving begins with an eyesight test. You have to be able to read a normal number plate from a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (67.5 feet). If you need glasses, that’s OK. If you fail the eyesight test your driving test will stop at that point and you will have failed.

Vehicle Safety Checks:

You will have to answer 2 from a possible 19 vehicle safety check questions, falling into 3 categories:

• Identify….

• Tell me how you would check….

• Show me how you would check…..

These questions are designed to make sure you know how to check that your vehicle is safe to drive. If you turn up for your test in an unsuitable vehicle you will forfeit your test fee. Refer to the details on the back of your appointment letter.

Although some checks may require you to identify where fluid levels should be checked you will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels. You may refer to vehicle information systems (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels and tyre pressures.

All vehicles differ slightly so it is important that you get to know all the safety systems and engine layout in the vehicle in which you plan to take your practical test.

DL25 - this is the form the Examiner uses to mark your drive. Open the link to view it and see how the DSA explain what you need to do on each of the headings in order to pass. DL25 link.

You will be expected to drive for about 40 minutes along normal roads following the directions given by the examiner. The roads are selected so as to provide a range of different conditions and road situations and a varied density of traffic.

Your examiner will select suitable areas for you to carry out the set exercises, telling you to pull up and stop, then explain the exercise before you do it.

You may or may not be asked to perform an emergency stop.

You will be asked to perform 2 reversing exercises selected by the examiner from:

• Reversing round a corner.

• Reverse parking – behind a parked car or into a marked bay.

• Turning in the road.

Throughout the test the examiner will be assessing:

• Whether you are competent in controlling the car.

• Whether you are making normal progress for the roads you are on.

• How you react to any hazards that occur in the course of your test.

• Whether you are noticing all traffic signs, signals and road markings, and reacting to them in the correct manner.

You will also be given some feedback on your Eco Driving, ie how your technique affects the environment and your car.

In order to pass your test you must drive:

• Without committing ANY serious or dangerous faults or….

• Without committing more than 15 driving errors of a less serious nature.

If during your test you do not understand what the examiner says to you, ask him or her to repeat the instruction.

You should feel confident:

• About driving in ALL conditions.

• That you know the Highway Code.

• That you can make decisions on your own about how to cope with hazards, without having to wait for your instructor to tell you what to do.

It’s not as bad as some people would have you believe – if you’re ready, you’ll pass!!