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You are required to take two tests
and successfully pass both in order to obtain your full car
driving licence. Before starting lessons and in order to
take the two tests you are required to apply for a provisional
licence via the Driving Vehicle & Licencing Authority
(DVLA). You can obtain an application form via the Post Office
or visit their website at www.dvla.gov.uk for
further information. Please note: you must be 17 years of age
to start taking driving lessons or 16 years of age for disabled
drivers.
THEORY TEST
In November 2002, the new theory test was introduced and consists
of two parts, the multiple choice and the hazard perception and on the 3 September 2007, the theory test changed with a rise in questions and pass mark.
Multiple choice
There are 50 multiple choice questions and you will need to attain 43 correct answers to pass this section.
Hazard perception
The hazard perception remains unchanged at this time. There is 14 video hazard clips.
You must score 44 out of 75 to pass.
The time allowed to pass the theory test will be 57 minutes. The price is currently £28.50*
*subject to change
You must achieve both parts
of the test at the same time to pass. Once you have been successful,
you will be issued with a certificate and you then have a period
of 2 years to achieve your practical driving test. Failure to
pass the practical test within 2 years will result in having
to undertake the whole theory test process again.
You can book
your theory test via the Internet at www.dsa.gov.uk or
by telephoning the Driving Standards Agency booking line on 0870
0101 372.
PRACTICAL TEST
As from 1 September 2003, a new practical test was introduced
that consists of two parts. The first is two vehicle safety
check questions (show me / tell me).
You will be asked 1 show me question and 1 tell me question. Examples of these are published on the Driving Standards Agency website www.dsa.gov.uk and is chosen from the following: tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible warning device, and the liquids used in the braking system, steering, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, or otherwise. Each incorrect answer is recorded as a driving fault, up to a maximum of 2 faults.
Latest figures* from the RAC showed more
than 5 million drivers in Britain don't know how to change
a wheel. Around 4 million admit to having put the wrong fuel
in their cars and nearly 20% don't know how to check the coolant
levels. The whereabouts of the horn, spare wheel and hazard
light is a mystery to significant numbers of drivers, and one
in a hundred don't even know how to open their bonnets.
*published December 2005 / January 2006
The second part is your driving ability. You are allowed up to
15 driving faults before you fail the test; a serious or dangerous
fault results is a failure. In addition to this, before you conduct
the test your eyesight will be checked. You must read a number
plate at a distance of 20.5m (67 feet) where the letters and
numbers are 79.4mm (three and one eighth of an inch). You must
pass your theory test before you can apply for your practical
test. You can book your practical test via the Internet at www.dsa.gov.uk or
by telephoning the Driving Standards Agency booking line on 0870
0101 372 quoting your theory test certificate number at the time
of booking.
When you have passed the practical test:
If your provisional licence was issued after 1 March 2004,
the examiner will keep your licence and send it to the DVLA because
there is no fee to pay for a full licence. You should get your
full licence back within 3 weeks. If your provisional licence
was issued before 1 March 2004, then you will be handed the
licence back with your pass certificate. You will then have to
send these off yourself to the DVLA with a current fee of £9
to claim your licence.
More information about your driving licence can be found at the
DVLA website at: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/applydl.htm
Are you ready for the practical test?
Driving Standard Agency (DSA) Chief Driving Examiner states 'most
people fail the practical driving test each year compared to
those who are successful - the main cause of the failure is inexperience;
preparation is the key to success’’
DSA research shows that on average, people who take about 45
hours professional training combined with plenty of private practice
stand the best chance of passing. Because of the many common
pitfalls, the DSA states it is unlikely that anyone other than
an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) would have the training,
knowledge and experience to teach properly, as an ADI will be
able to assess where you are on the official learning syllabus.
The DSA have produced the top ten reasons why people fail listed
below (top ten reasons based on 12 months to January 2004).
Top 10 reasons why people fail the practical test
1) Observation at junctions (ineffective observation & judgment)
2) Reverse parking (ineffective observation or lack of accuracy)
3) Use of mirrors (not checking or acting on the information)
4) Reversing around the corner (ineffective observation or
lack of accuracy)
5) Incorrect use of signals (not cancelling or giving misleading
signals)
6) Move away safely (ineffective observation)
7) Incorrect positioning on the road (at roundabouts & bends)
8) Lack of steering (steering too early or leaving it too
late)
9) Incorrect positioning to turn right (at junctions & one-way
streets)
10) Inappropriate speed (travelling too slowly or being hesitant)
The DSA produce a wide range of books, CD's and DVD's to help
learn to drive. For more information either call on 0870 241
4523 or visit their website at www.dsa.gov.uk
Another useful website to visit for helpful information is www.2pass.co.uk
