This discussion is now closed.
Check out other Related discussions
- Failing to learn to drive is my biggest disappointment
- Driving and lost about what to do
- Driving lessons
- Driving lesson nerves???
- Struggled to see a number plate 20 meters away
- 🚗 Near Miss! Will I Get in Trouble? 🚗
- tips for moving away for uni
- Move out or stay home and save more money
- Manual vs Automatic
- Asking
- After how many lessons were you allowed to drive home?
- Help! Struggling to Book My Driving Test 😩
- internal pressure to learn how to drive
- Trainee Sales Negotiator Interview
- Make the examiners walk back to the centre !!!
- Is it better to learn manual or automatic?
- should i learn manual or automatic?
- Husband keeps saying that I wouldn't pass my practical driving test.
- what is the full process for riding a motorbike?
- Is it necessary to learn how to drive?
Advice for Learning to Drive
Whilst I realise that this is the motoring forum, and not just about learning to drive/driving lessons/driving tests etc I thought this might be a useful thread….
You cannot start to learn to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and is in your possession. Generally you won't be able to learn to drive until you are 17, but if you are in receipt of the higher rate of disability allowence you can start to learn how to drive when you reach your 16th birthday. You are allowed to apply for your licence up to 2 months before your licence is due to start. But you are not allowed to drive on the road until your licence has arrived and not until you have turned 17 (or 16 if that applies to you.) To apply you will need to fill in an application form, which you can get from most post offices - it is a D1 form.
Finding an instructor and booking a lesson:
When you are looking for an instructor it might be worth asking around friends and family first to see if they can suggests anyone. Whilst there are many very good instructors out there, like with everything, there will be ones who just want the money off you and don’t give you what you need/want. If there aren’t any that people can recommend then there will be lots in the phone book. Ring up plenty of driving schools. You will probably want to know what car they use (manual or automatic), what length of lessons they do, when do they do them (evenings and weekends?)The cost for a normal lesson and then do they do any student discount, discount for multiple bookings etc. Check how they charge for the test day (do they charge for 2 hours or however long you are out for, or are there special test fees?) Do they do any theory tuition? There will be some schools that you like the sound of more than others. Book one lesson with one of them and see how it goes. Don't get talked into block booking lessons with them to start with, whilst you do save in the long term paying for 10 lessons in one go - or whatever their offer is, if you decide you want to swap after a couple of lessons with them, you wont have saved anything! Some people will be fine with the first instructor they go with, and others won't. It is your money though, and you are paying them, so if you aren’t happy with them you can swap after as many or as few lessons as you want.
EDIT: Just adding a point in here. There are alot of questions from people about if the AA/BSM etc are better than other driving schools. There is going to be mixed opinon on this one! AA and BSM, along with other driving schools and individual instructors have to pass the various parts needed to come an instructor. I think the AA only use fully qualified instructors (with a green badge) some places use partly qualified instructors (with a pink badge.) This doesn't mean that a pink badge instructor won't be good, just that they aren't full qualified yet. You can always request that you have a green badge instructor if you want anyway. But, going to the AA/BSM is no guarantee of quality. There will be good instructors and bad instructors anywhere you go. Most places will give discount for block booking, student discount etc. I'm not trying to tell anyone to go/or not to go to the big companies, just don't assume they will be the best and don't try ringing any others. Personally I woudn't have gone with them on principle, as I didn't see why they should charge more for different postcodes and why they had to charge me about £6 more per hour than any other company.
Book your first lesson for a time when you are happy with it. It might be best having it from and to home to start with, people often have them to/from school, college etc, but it means that you won’t have friends watching.
Instructors will have dual controls (clutch and brake) and they can use the gear stick and handbrake from their side of the car, and will even turn the wheel if it is needed, so really they can do most things to control the car - except accelerate. Instructors should be calm etc during lessons, and take everything at the individuals pace - but like teachers at school, some will be better at it than others. You shouldn’t stay with an instructor if you don’t feel comfortable with them, don’t like their teaching style etc.
The First Lesson:
Generally, although I know this can vary, the first lesson will be spent on quiet roads learning the basics of the car. If you already know this then tell them, but a lot of people won’t, so they will explain how the car works – the brake, clutch, accelerator, how to change gear. The handbrake, indicators, lights etc. They will show you how to start the car and move off, most people will then have a drive around quiet roads just learning how the car feels when it is moving etc.
Learning to drive:
I think the DSA quote that it takes about 30 hours on average for people to learn to drive. Don’t worry if you take longer than this! Everybody is different and will learn at different paces. You will get there in the end if you stick at it! If you are only have 1 hour a week, you will obviously take alot longer to learn than someone having a 2 hour lessons &/or driving with parents at home.
During the lessons you will learn all the things that you need to pass your test. You will learn how to turn left and right, and deal with big junctions. Learn how to do roundabouts, dual carriageways, country roads, busier roads (near schools, shops etc.) You will also learn the manoeuvres needed for your test, these will be turn in the road, parallel park, reverse round the corner, emergency stop (and maybe the bay park - depending on which test centre you will be using - they don't all require this one.) See the links and info below about the manoeuvres.
Driving with Parents (or friends):
Alot of people will want to drive other than just lessons, alot of this is personal preference. Generally it is probably a good idea to have some lessons with an instructor, just to check that what parents etc are saying is right, things could have changed alot since they passed. Your parents may well be good drivers, but not know how you should do the manoeuvres for them to be test standard etc. Although, having said that - its up to the individual. If you are driving another car, you will need to be insured on it, have L plates showing on the car, and can only go out with another driver who has held a full licence for 3 or more years.
Personally, I couldn't afford insurance long term, but had a week before I took a test, but I found that I struggled to get used to my mums car and it really knocked my confidence. If you can, it might be worth picking an instructor with the same car as your parents.
Theroy Test:
You can take your theroy test as any point after you are 17 (and when you have your provisional licence.) Although it is only valid for 2 years so there is no point taking it if you aren't planning on learning to drive fairly soon afterwards. Also, it can be easier if you have some lessons before you do it, then you will already be aware of some of the signs, roads markings etc and will have started to develop some sense of hazard awareness.
It is currently £21.50 for the theory test.
There are two parts to the theroy test, the set of MCQs (pass mark 30/35) and the hazard perception (pass mark 44/75) .....
The hazard perception part
With the hazard perception, you need to click whenever there is a hazard developing, something which could cause the driver to have to slow down, change direction etc. Without seeing the clip you mean, I'm not sure what it was, but the driver may have been slowing down as they came up behind the bike - meaning that you needed to. Were you coming towards the it? You might have needed to move road position to let the cother car have enough room to go round.
You want to avoid clicking too much, or in a pattern. Click when you see a hazard coming up and then when you get closer to it. For example, you are coming up to a parked car - click - the car may move away, someone open the door, you need to move around it, etc. When you get closer to it (they may then start to open a door etc) click again! I found that otherwise I was often clicking too early - before the hazards had developed enough. You want to try and 'look ahead' down the road so that you can see what is coming towards you - like you would when you are driving, so that you see things as they are developing rather than just when you are on top of them. There will be one clip on the test that has two hazards rather than one, so dont worry about clicking for more than one thing - just dont get to clicker happy!
It is worth getting a CD to practice on, alot of it is just getting the knack right for what they actually want you to click on - just practice loads on the disc and look at the feedback they give you as to what you should have clicked on. I found the actual thing easier than the practice disc that I had been using.
Video clip explaing hazard perception
MCQ Questions:
There is a huge bank of questions from which the questions for the theroy part are taken - this means that you could end up with a range of questions - and they will be different for each person and each time that they take it. There can be questions on road signs, (there will be a picture of a sign and options for what it means.) Questions about braking distances (best thing with these is just to learn them!) Questions about first end things (only basic though), for example there is a motorcyclists on the road after an accident, what is the priority,? Talking to witnesses, maintaining his airway, trying to pull his helmet of etc... Questions about pedestrian crossings.
The best thing is to get a copy of the highway code and know your road signs and read through them. You can get practice CDs and books with all the questions in.
You cannot start to learn to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and is in your possession. Generally you won't be able to learn to drive until you are 17, but if you are in receipt of the higher rate of disability allowence you can start to learn how to drive when you reach your 16th birthday. You are allowed to apply for your licence up to 2 months before your licence is due to start. But you are not allowed to drive on the road until your licence has arrived and not until you have turned 17 (or 16 if that applies to you.) To apply you will need to fill in an application form, which you can get from most post offices - it is a D1 form.
Finding an instructor and booking a lesson:
When you are looking for an instructor it might be worth asking around friends and family first to see if they can suggests anyone. Whilst there are many very good instructors out there, like with everything, there will be ones who just want the money off you and don’t give you what you need/want. If there aren’t any that people can recommend then there will be lots in the phone book. Ring up plenty of driving schools. You will probably want to know what car they use (manual or automatic), what length of lessons they do, when do they do them (evenings and weekends?)The cost for a normal lesson and then do they do any student discount, discount for multiple bookings etc. Check how they charge for the test day (do they charge for 2 hours or however long you are out for, or are there special test fees?) Do they do any theory tuition? There will be some schools that you like the sound of more than others. Book one lesson with one of them and see how it goes. Don't get talked into block booking lessons with them to start with, whilst you do save in the long term paying for 10 lessons in one go - or whatever their offer is, if you decide you want to swap after a couple of lessons with them, you wont have saved anything! Some people will be fine with the first instructor they go with, and others won't. It is your money though, and you are paying them, so if you aren’t happy with them you can swap after as many or as few lessons as you want.
EDIT: Just adding a point in here. There are alot of questions from people about if the AA/BSM etc are better than other driving schools. There is going to be mixed opinon on this one! AA and BSM, along with other driving schools and individual instructors have to pass the various parts needed to come an instructor. I think the AA only use fully qualified instructors (with a green badge) some places use partly qualified instructors (with a pink badge.) This doesn't mean that a pink badge instructor won't be good, just that they aren't full qualified yet. You can always request that you have a green badge instructor if you want anyway. But, going to the AA/BSM is no guarantee of quality. There will be good instructors and bad instructors anywhere you go. Most places will give discount for block booking, student discount etc. I'm not trying to tell anyone to go/or not to go to the big companies, just don't assume they will be the best and don't try ringing any others. Personally I woudn't have gone with them on principle, as I didn't see why they should charge more for different postcodes and why they had to charge me about £6 more per hour than any other company.
Book your first lesson for a time when you are happy with it. It might be best having it from and to home to start with, people often have them to/from school, college etc, but it means that you won’t have friends watching.
Instructors will have dual controls (clutch and brake) and they can use the gear stick and handbrake from their side of the car, and will even turn the wheel if it is needed, so really they can do most things to control the car - except accelerate. Instructors should be calm etc during lessons, and take everything at the individuals pace - but like teachers at school, some will be better at it than others. You shouldn’t stay with an instructor if you don’t feel comfortable with them, don’t like their teaching style etc.
The First Lesson:
Generally, although I know this can vary, the first lesson will be spent on quiet roads learning the basics of the car. If you already know this then tell them, but a lot of people won’t, so they will explain how the car works – the brake, clutch, accelerator, how to change gear. The handbrake, indicators, lights etc. They will show you how to start the car and move off, most people will then have a drive around quiet roads just learning how the car feels when it is moving etc.
Learning to drive:
I think the DSA quote that it takes about 30 hours on average for people to learn to drive. Don’t worry if you take longer than this! Everybody is different and will learn at different paces. You will get there in the end if you stick at it! If you are only have 1 hour a week, you will obviously take alot longer to learn than someone having a 2 hour lessons &/or driving with parents at home.
During the lessons you will learn all the things that you need to pass your test. You will learn how to turn left and right, and deal with big junctions. Learn how to do roundabouts, dual carriageways, country roads, busier roads (near schools, shops etc.) You will also learn the manoeuvres needed for your test, these will be turn in the road, parallel park, reverse round the corner, emergency stop (and maybe the bay park - depending on which test centre you will be using - they don't all require this one.) See the links and info below about the manoeuvres.
Driving with Parents (or friends):
Alot of people will want to drive other than just lessons, alot of this is personal preference. Generally it is probably a good idea to have some lessons with an instructor, just to check that what parents etc are saying is right, things could have changed alot since they passed. Your parents may well be good drivers, but not know how you should do the manoeuvres for them to be test standard etc. Although, having said that - its up to the individual. If you are driving another car, you will need to be insured on it, have L plates showing on the car, and can only go out with another driver who has held a full licence for 3 or more years.
Personally, I couldn't afford insurance long term, but had a week before I took a test, but I found that I struggled to get used to my mums car and it really knocked my confidence. If you can, it might be worth picking an instructor with the same car as your parents.
Theroy Test:
You can take your theroy test as any point after you are 17 (and when you have your provisional licence.) Although it is only valid for 2 years so there is no point taking it if you aren't planning on learning to drive fairly soon afterwards. Also, it can be easier if you have some lessons before you do it, then you will already be aware of some of the signs, roads markings etc and will have started to develop some sense of hazard awareness.
It is currently £21.50 for the theory test.
There are two parts to the theroy test, the set of MCQs (pass mark 30/35) and the hazard perception (pass mark 44/75) .....
The hazard perception part
With the hazard perception, you need to click whenever there is a hazard developing, something which could cause the driver to have to slow down, change direction etc. Without seeing the clip you mean, I'm not sure what it was, but the driver may have been slowing down as they came up behind the bike - meaning that you needed to. Were you coming towards the it? You might have needed to move road position to let the cother car have enough room to go round.
You want to avoid clicking too much, or in a pattern. Click when you see a hazard coming up and then when you get closer to it. For example, you are coming up to a parked car - click - the car may move away, someone open the door, you need to move around it, etc. When you get closer to it (they may then start to open a door etc) click again! I found that otherwise I was often clicking too early - before the hazards had developed enough. You want to try and 'look ahead' down the road so that you can see what is coming towards you - like you would when you are driving, so that you see things as they are developing rather than just when you are on top of them. There will be one clip on the test that has two hazards rather than one, so dont worry about clicking for more than one thing - just dont get to clicker happy!
It is worth getting a CD to practice on, alot of it is just getting the knack right for what they actually want you to click on - just practice loads on the disc and look at the feedback they give you as to what you should have clicked on. I found the actual thing easier than the practice disc that I had been using.
Video clip explaing hazard perception
MCQ Questions:
There is a huge bank of questions from which the questions for the theroy part are taken - this means that you could end up with a range of questions - and they will be different for each person and each time that they take it. There can be questions on road signs, (there will be a picture of a sign and options for what it means.) Questions about braking distances (best thing with these is just to learn them!) Questions about first end things (only basic though), for example there is a motorcyclists on the road after an accident, what is the priority,? Talking to witnesses, maintaining his airway, trying to pull his helmet of etc... Questions about pedestrian crossings.
The best thing is to get a copy of the highway code and know your road signs and read through them. You can get practice CDs and books with all the questions in.
Scroll to see replies
Manoeuvres
These can be hard to explain as everybody seems to learn them in different ways and different 'methods' work differently in different cars. There are 3/4 manoeuvres that you will need to learn, depending on your test centre. You will also learn how to carry out an emergency stop. There is the turn in the road (not a three point turn - you can do it in more than three!), reverse round the corner, parallel park, and they may be a bay parking exercise depending on your test centre.
The most important thing with all of these really is to take them slowly so that you have time to correct things if they start to go wrong, and to do plenty of observations. I have put some links below for more information about each one.
Bay Parking:
I didn't have to do this one, my test centre didn't do it, so can't really comment on it, except to say that I still can't do it now! But then I was never taught it!
Reversing into a bay
Parking in a bay
Bay Parking >>>> has sound as well
TSR, Bay Parking
Turn in the Road
Basically this is as the name says, turning the car around to face the other way. It isn't called a three point turn, you can take more than three to do it, normally though you won't need more than 5! Avoid touching the kerb and this one is pretty easy!
Turn in the road
Turn in the road
Turn in the Road again!
Video clip of turn in the road
Reverse round a corner
This one can be hard to find explanations that work for, there is such a variety of corners, methods used for a tight corner won't work well for a big sweeping corner. Basically though, you will be pulled up before the corner, shown which one you need to reverse into. You then drive just beyond it and reverse turning into the side road - going around the corner. You need to avoid hitting the kerb as you go round, but trying not to go too wide either. When you get around the corner you will need to straighten up so that the car is fairly close to the kerb!
Tight Corner
Sweeping corner
Reverse around a corner
Video clip for reverse round a corner
Parallel Park or Reverse Park
This is where you pull up parallel to a car and reverse back, turning the car into the space behind the parked car. You will be expected to do it in about 2 car lengths - that is 2 lengths of the car you are driving. Main problems with this are either turning in too close to the car you are parking behind (don't clip the other car!!!) Touching the kerb, or going the other way, and not touching the kerb but being far to wide from it!
Reverse Parking
Reverse Parking
Parallel Parking
Video clip for reverse park
Emergency Stop
These are carried out in about 1 in 3 tests, so you may get one, or you may not! One of the main faults people seem to get with this is that they stop fine, but then rush to move off again and don't do proper observations. This means checking both blindspots and all your mirrors.
Emergency Stop
These can be hard to explain as everybody seems to learn them in different ways and different 'methods' work differently in different cars. There are 3/4 manoeuvres that you will need to learn, depending on your test centre. You will also learn how to carry out an emergency stop. There is the turn in the road (not a three point turn - you can do it in more than three!), reverse round the corner, parallel park, and they may be a bay parking exercise depending on your test centre.
The most important thing with all of these really is to take them slowly so that you have time to correct things if they start to go wrong, and to do plenty of observations. I have put some links below for more information about each one.
Bay Parking:
I didn't have to do this one, my test centre didn't do it, so can't really comment on it, except to say that I still can't do it now! But then I was never taught it!
Reversing into a bay
Parking in a bay
Bay Parking >>>> has sound as well
TSR, Bay Parking
Turn in the Road
Basically this is as the name says, turning the car around to face the other way. It isn't called a three point turn, you can take more than three to do it, normally though you won't need more than 5! Avoid touching the kerb and this one is pretty easy!
Turn in the road
Turn in the road
Turn in the Road again!
Video clip of turn in the road
Reverse round a corner
This one can be hard to find explanations that work for, there is such a variety of corners, methods used for a tight corner won't work well for a big sweeping corner. Basically though, you will be pulled up before the corner, shown which one you need to reverse into. You then drive just beyond it and reverse turning into the side road - going around the corner. You need to avoid hitting the kerb as you go round, but trying not to go too wide either. When you get around the corner you will need to straighten up so that the car is fairly close to the kerb!
Tight Corner
Sweeping corner
Reverse around a corner
Video clip for reverse round a corner
Parallel Park or Reverse Park
This is where you pull up parallel to a car and reverse back, turning the car into the space behind the parked car. You will be expected to do it in about 2 car lengths - that is 2 lengths of the car you are driving. Main problems with this are either turning in too close to the car you are parking behind (don't clip the other car!!!) Touching the kerb, or going the other way, and not touching the kerb but being far to wide from it!
Reverse Parking
Reverse Parking
Parallel Parking
Video clip for reverse park
Emergency Stop
These are carried out in about 1 in 3 tests, so you may get one, or you may not! One of the main faults people seem to get with this is that they stop fine, but then rush to move off again and don't do proper observations. This means checking both blindspots and all your mirrors.
Emergency Stop
This looks like a helpful thread. I ask anyone who has any good advice on other things related to driving, for example specifics on manouvres, maybe insurance... to add things in. But, try and keep it to the point, and I only want good advice here, and only things related to the topic.
Parallel Parking - Pull up next to another car so that the bumpers are kissing. As soon as you start moving back, put one full turn to the left on the steering wheel. when the front of your car reaches 2 Oclock (45 degrees ish), take the turn off and put one turn on to the right. Then, straighten up. this should really help you master the manouvre.
Reversing around a corner - Make sure that you can see the corner of the curb in your left wing mirror all the time. Don't feel that you need to keep excessively close to the curb as you will probably end up clipping it then fail. just take your time, if you rush it, then you are likely to screw up.
Turn in the road - For every movement you make forwards or backwards, put the handbrakre on.
My Test Route didn't involve reverse parking, so i don't really know any techniques! sorry! Can someone else pitch in here?
Just remember that the examiner isn't looking for a perfectly executed manouvre. there is a fairly large margin for error so long as your observational skills are there!
Reversing around a corner - Make sure that you can see the corner of the curb in your left wing mirror all the time. Don't feel that you need to keep excessively close to the curb as you will probably end up clipping it then fail. just take your time, if you rush it, then you are likely to screw up.
Turn in the road - For every movement you make forwards or backwards, put the handbrakre on.
My Test Route didn't involve reverse parking, so i don't really know any techniques! sorry! Can someone else pitch in here?
Just remember that the examiner isn't looking for a perfectly executed manouvre. there is a fairly large margin for error so long as your observational skills are there!
Practical Test:
You cannot book this until you have taken and passed your theory test, you must then take it within 2 years of this as your theory cert will expire. Talk to your driving instructor about when you think you should put in for it. Everybody will be different and you don't want to rush it too much and end up wasting money and knocking your confidence by failing when you shouldn't have taken it. Having said that, alot of people find that the first test is good experience and helps them to know what to expect if they have to do it again.
It is currently £48.50 for a weekday test and £58.00 for a weekday evening or Saturday test.
The day of your test:
When you go for your test you need to take, your theory test pass certificate and both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart.) If you have changed your name etc since they were issued you need to take proof/evidence of that. You don’t need to take it, but it is probably worth taking the letter or printout with the time, date and place of your test on it. Check this to make sure that you know what time you need to be there! If you have lost any part of your licence or your theory cert you could risk turning up without it and hoping you will be ok – but in general I don’t think you will be allowed to take your test. 0870 0101372 seems to be the phone number that you need to ring to ask about any missing or incorrect documents.
If you are having a lesson before your test then make sure that your instructor knows what time your test is (and where it is.) If you are taking the test in your own car, make sure that it is fit for being used in a test (check the regulations which are on the DSA website.) Also, make sure that you know where the test centre etc is, and that you will be able to get there in time - maybe have a practice run before hand (at a similar time to your test) so you know how long it will take you to get there. Also, if you are taking your test in your own car make sure that there is someone who can come with you in your car to the test centre.
You are allowed to ask for a friend or your instructor to sit in on your test if you want, but they must not interfere in any way. They will have to sit in the back of the car and won’t talk during the test. I did this on one of my tests and both me and my instructor found it helpful. I had failed a several tests by this point, and my instructor didn’t know why as I was driving well in lessons. It meant that he could see what I was doing wrong on my test, and in future lessons he could help explain that to me better.
Taking your test
When you get to the test centre you will wait for your examiner to call your name. Then you have to show him/her your photocard and paper part of your licence and you theroy cert. If you have had a change of name/address etc to what is on these then take evidence of this. You will be asked to sign the test sheet which is saying that the car is insured for the purpose of the test (if its an instructors car it will be, if its you own then check with your insurance company.) They will then ask you to take them to your car. They will give you the information about your test (which its sounds like they have learnt off by heart) "the test is 38-40mins and will take in a variety of roads and situations...." On the way they will ask you to read a number plate at the set distance, if you get this wrong you get a couple more chances, but if you can't get it right then thats it - you can't take your test. Make sure you try this before, I struggled on my first test and had to work the letters out - got my eyes tested before my next test and found I needed glasses!
Show Me, Tell Me Questions:
You will then have the show me/tell me questions (one of each) the list of these is on the DSA website. Here!If you can't do them, its only a minor, so don't worry too much! You can then get in your car and sort your seat etc out whilst the examiner starts to fill their sheet in (car reg etc.) They will explain that they want you to follow the road ahead unless they tell you otherwise. They will then tell you that you may move away when you are ready. Make sure that you use mirrors (and indicators if they are needed) alot of people forget this in their rush to move away.
The Test:
You will be asked to do 2 manoeuvres during the test and maybe the emergency stop. If you are asked to do the emergency stop you will be warned before hand, so don't worry about them suddenly springing it on you. But you need to be alert still as you may need to do an unplanned one if (for example) a child runs into the road etc. There is loads of advice people can give during the test. All of which is easier said than done at the time!
Drive how you have been taught, don't go over the speed limit for roads, but try and do the limit - if it is safe to do so. You won't impress the examiner by driving slowly. Make sure that you check mirror often. They will ask you to pull in at the side several times during the test (sometimes on a hill, or close behind a parked vehicle etc) and then ask you to move away. Make sure you check your mirrors (and blind spot) for this, indicate when you are going to move out (if there are any cars nearby) don't just stick an indicator on and wait for someone to let you out. If you are moving away on a hill, make sure you get the bite - and don't roll!!
When you do the manoeuvres, take your time (and do plenty of observations,) but don't take forever over them! If you start to go wrong try and correct it, you will probably only get a minor for control. If you carry on and hit the kerb, then you will fail. Make sure you watch what other cars are doing - they will often wait for you, then when there is a big enough gap try and squeeze past - just stop and let them get on with it!
When you are at busy junctions/roundabouts etc don't rush into going when you shouldn't. If you don't go when you could have done, you will probably only get a minor for hesitation. If you go when you shouldn't have done then you will probably fail for it.
After you have passed your test:
So....the examiner has told you that you have passed! What next? I think with the new licences they take your photocard part off you and send it away for a replacement, if you have a slightly older licence (I did) then you will have to send it off for replacement yourself (with a fee to cover it.) If you send it off yourself then you will need to send the paper part, photocard, cheque for the fee and your pass certificate.
You are allowed to drive as soon as you have received the pass certificate, you don't need to wait for your new licence. You just need to make sure that you have insurance on the car you will be driving. I took a photocopy of the certificate and my licence before I sent them off just because I wanted something to show that I was allowed to drive before my pink licence came through. You don't need to do that though, you can legally drive straight away!
Probationary Period
When you have passed your driving test you will be subject to a two year probationary period. This applies to anyone driving on a licence issued by the DVLA. The two year period begins on the day you first pass the practical test - not when you first drive a car after you have passed your test.
If during the probationary period, you are convicted of driving offences for which six or more penalty points are awarded, your licence will be revoked. If your full driving licence is revoked, you will be treated as if you never passed a driving test. To continue driving, you will have to get a provisional driving licence again and drive with L plates until you have passed both the theory and practical parts of the driving test again.
You cannot appeal the revocation of your licence. However, you can appeal against the conviction or sentence which brought the number of penalty points up to 6 or more, you can apply to the DVLA to have your licence restored pending the result of the appeal. If the court notifies the DVLA that the sentence is under appeal, the full licence should be restored without a further test. There is no minimum period for which the licence must be revoked. As soon as you have passed both the theory and practical parts of another driving test, you can apply for a new full licence. However, the penalty points will remain on the driver’s licence for four years from the date of your offence. After four years you can ask the DVLA to have them removed from your licence.
You cannot book this until you have taken and passed your theory test, you must then take it within 2 years of this as your theory cert will expire. Talk to your driving instructor about when you think you should put in for it. Everybody will be different and you don't want to rush it too much and end up wasting money and knocking your confidence by failing when you shouldn't have taken it. Having said that, alot of people find that the first test is good experience and helps them to know what to expect if they have to do it again.
It is currently £48.50 for a weekday test and £58.00 for a weekday evening or Saturday test.
The day of your test:
When you go for your test you need to take, your theory test pass certificate and both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart.) If you have changed your name etc since they were issued you need to take proof/evidence of that. You don’t need to take it, but it is probably worth taking the letter or printout with the time, date and place of your test on it. Check this to make sure that you know what time you need to be there! If you have lost any part of your licence or your theory cert you could risk turning up without it and hoping you will be ok – but in general I don’t think you will be allowed to take your test. 0870 0101372 seems to be the phone number that you need to ring to ask about any missing or incorrect documents.
If you are having a lesson before your test then make sure that your instructor knows what time your test is (and where it is.) If you are taking the test in your own car, make sure that it is fit for being used in a test (check the regulations which are on the DSA website.) Also, make sure that you know where the test centre etc is, and that you will be able to get there in time - maybe have a practice run before hand (at a similar time to your test) so you know how long it will take you to get there. Also, if you are taking your test in your own car make sure that there is someone who can come with you in your car to the test centre.
You are allowed to ask for a friend or your instructor to sit in on your test if you want, but they must not interfere in any way. They will have to sit in the back of the car and won’t talk during the test. I did this on one of my tests and both me and my instructor found it helpful. I had failed a several tests by this point, and my instructor didn’t know why as I was driving well in lessons. It meant that he could see what I was doing wrong on my test, and in future lessons he could help explain that to me better.
Taking your test
When you get to the test centre you will wait for your examiner to call your name. Then you have to show him/her your photocard and paper part of your licence and you theroy cert. If you have had a change of name/address etc to what is on these then take evidence of this. You will be asked to sign the test sheet which is saying that the car is insured for the purpose of the test (if its an instructors car it will be, if its you own then check with your insurance company.) They will then ask you to take them to your car. They will give you the information about your test (which its sounds like they have learnt off by heart) "the test is 38-40mins and will take in a variety of roads and situations...." On the way they will ask you to read a number plate at the set distance, if you get this wrong you get a couple more chances, but if you can't get it right then thats it - you can't take your test. Make sure you try this before, I struggled on my first test and had to work the letters out - got my eyes tested before my next test and found I needed glasses!
Show Me, Tell Me Questions:
You will then have the show me/tell me questions (one of each) the list of these is on the DSA website. Here!If you can't do them, its only a minor, so don't worry too much! You can then get in your car and sort your seat etc out whilst the examiner starts to fill their sheet in (car reg etc.) They will explain that they want you to follow the road ahead unless they tell you otherwise. They will then tell you that you may move away when you are ready. Make sure that you use mirrors (and indicators if they are needed) alot of people forget this in their rush to move away.
The Test:
You will be asked to do 2 manoeuvres during the test and maybe the emergency stop. If you are asked to do the emergency stop you will be warned before hand, so don't worry about them suddenly springing it on you. But you need to be alert still as you may need to do an unplanned one if (for example) a child runs into the road etc. There is loads of advice people can give during the test. All of which is easier said than done at the time!
Drive how you have been taught, don't go over the speed limit for roads, but try and do the limit - if it is safe to do so. You won't impress the examiner by driving slowly. Make sure that you check mirror often. They will ask you to pull in at the side several times during the test (sometimes on a hill, or close behind a parked vehicle etc) and then ask you to move away. Make sure you check your mirrors (and blind spot) for this, indicate when you are going to move out (if there are any cars nearby) don't just stick an indicator on and wait for someone to let you out. If you are moving away on a hill, make sure you get the bite - and don't roll!!
When you do the manoeuvres, take your time (and do plenty of observations,) but don't take forever over them! If you start to go wrong try and correct it, you will probably only get a minor for control. If you carry on and hit the kerb, then you will fail. Make sure you watch what other cars are doing - they will often wait for you, then when there is a big enough gap try and squeeze past - just stop and let them get on with it!
When you are at busy junctions/roundabouts etc don't rush into going when you shouldn't. If you don't go when you could have done, you will probably only get a minor for hesitation. If you go when you shouldn't have done then you will probably fail for it.
After you have passed your test:
So....the examiner has told you that you have passed! What next? I think with the new licences they take your photocard part off you and send it away for a replacement, if you have a slightly older licence (I did) then you will have to send it off for replacement yourself (with a fee to cover it.) If you send it off yourself then you will need to send the paper part, photocard, cheque for the fee and your pass certificate.
You are allowed to drive as soon as you have received the pass certificate, you don't need to wait for your new licence. You just need to make sure that you have insurance on the car you will be driving. I took a photocopy of the certificate and my licence before I sent them off just because I wanted something to show that I was allowed to drive before my pink licence came through. You don't need to do that though, you can legally drive straight away!
Probationary Period
When you have passed your driving test you will be subject to a two year probationary period. This applies to anyone driving on a licence issued by the DVLA. The two year period begins on the day you first pass the practical test - not when you first drive a car after you have passed your test.
If during the probationary period, you are convicted of driving offences for which six or more penalty points are awarded, your licence will be revoked. If your full driving licence is revoked, you will be treated as if you never passed a driving test. To continue driving, you will have to get a provisional driving licence again and drive with L plates until you have passed both the theory and practical parts of the driving test again.
You cannot appeal the revocation of your licence. However, you can appeal against the conviction or sentence which brought the number of penalty points up to 6 or more, you can apply to the DVLA to have your licence restored pending the result of the appeal. If the court notifies the DVLA that the sentence is under appeal, the full licence should be restored without a further test. There is no minimum period for which the licence must be revoked. As soon as you have passed both the theory and practical parts of another driving test, you can apply for a new full licence. However, the penalty points will remain on the driver’s licence for four years from the date of your offence. After four years you can ask the DVLA to have them removed from your licence.
A tip about mirrors - it's best to check them too often than not enough. Also, even though a lot of the time you can just check them by flicking your eyes up, the examiner won't always notice this and might not realise you've done it. If you make a deliberate (small) head movement, they'll know you're checking. That was one of the few things I didn't get any minors for in my test!
I know this sounds very stupid, but it paid off for me, night before my test, i took a massive walk around a canal walk, with the highway code, and sat in a quiet little benched area, and read from front to back cover. All the stuff with roundabouts, speed limits on motorways and country lanes. I did this as it took me a few months from passing the theory to actually having the practical, and i had forgotten a few things.
Also a few hours before my test, i read through the high-way code quickly again just to refresh my mind. And another stupid thing as well, i went into the test telling myself i won't pass, so i didn't act to "cocky" when driving, which made me take much more attention, and pass first time.
Also, when looking into the rear view mirror, don't move your head, as it take attention off the road ahead of you, only glance for a second or so!
After a few times of turning my head towards the rear view mirror for like 4-5 seconds, the instructor covered my eyes for that amount of time (when parked up) and wow, it was a long time, and could cause a nasty crash if there is someone in front of you or to the side.
Also a few hours before my test, i read through the high-way code quickly again just to refresh my mind. And another stupid thing as well, i went into the test telling myself i won't pass, so i didn't act to "cocky" when driving, which made me take much more attention, and pass first time.
Also, when looking into the rear view mirror, don't move your head, as it take attention off the road ahead of you, only glance for a second or so!
After a few times of turning my head towards the rear view mirror for like 4-5 seconds, the instructor covered my eyes for that amount of time (when parked up) and wow, it was a long time, and could cause a nasty crash if there is someone in front of you or to the side.
Remember, if you are a dual carriageway, move into the left lane as soon as you can. There were bits of my test area that were small bits of dual carriageway but you could easily not notice..
Everytime the car comes to a complete stop (handbrake). Allways check both blind spots before moving off. If a car approaches, perhaps during a manouever. Allways STOP. To show you have seen it. if they don't move, then continue. Checking very carefull at every point of the manouever to make sure they aren't going to come past you, in which case you would stop and let them pass.
Remember at the test centre to use the indicator if needed. I very rarely need to use an indicator when in a parking area. But chances are there will be 4 or 5 other people just about to move off. Lights on etc, so indicating is necessary.
Everytime the car comes to a complete stop (handbrake). Allways check both blind spots before moving off. If a car approaches, perhaps during a manouever. Allways STOP. To show you have seen it. if they don't move, then continue. Checking very carefull at every point of the manouever to make sure they aren't going to come past you, in which case you would stop and let them pass.
Remember at the test centre to use the indicator if needed. I very rarely need to use an indicator when in a parking area. But chances are there will be 4 or 5 other people just about to move off. Lights on etc, so indicating is necessary.
Roadrage
Despite what your instructor and parents may tell you, roadrage is acceptable. Lets face it. As much as we'd sometimes like others to be telepathic, they simply aren't. So, if you don't shout at the offending driver how are they supposed to know they can't drive?
The most common place to experience roadrage is on roundabouts. When the offending driver pulls out in front of you simply brake at the last possible minute to get them shaken up, then follow close behind flashing your lights. Alternatively in the summer when windows are open start shouting. Wave your fist also to get your point across even more.
Another one of my pet peeves are the drivers who force their way out into the middle of the road so you have no option but to let them out. Now i'm a considerate driver and in most cases will let people out. Not in this instance. This can be dealt with by first of all speeding up so they can't get out (giving them a dirty look and possibly a hand gesture as you drive by) then once they are behind you, proceed to let every single car out at following junctions ensuring to get their blood pressure rising.
Something we all have to contend with at one time or another is the tailgater which usually comes in the form of a Vauxhall Nova. Slowing down to under the speed limit is guaranteed to annoy the offender. When the opportunity arises speed away leaving the chav standing. Is a sure way to impress his girlfriend who resembles something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
To finish off if you do a lot of travelling it may be worth investing in some 'road rage' cards. These can be purchased from the following link:
http://www.roadrage.com/
If you have any additional questions or are unsure how to deal with a certain situation feel free to PM me.
Despite what your instructor and parents may tell you, roadrage is acceptable. Lets face it. As much as we'd sometimes like others to be telepathic, they simply aren't. So, if you don't shout at the offending driver how are they supposed to know they can't drive?
The most common place to experience roadrage is on roundabouts. When the offending driver pulls out in front of you simply brake at the last possible minute to get them shaken up, then follow close behind flashing your lights. Alternatively in the summer when windows are open start shouting. Wave your fist also to get your point across even more.
Another one of my pet peeves are the drivers who force their way out into the middle of the road so you have no option but to let them out. Now i'm a considerate driver and in most cases will let people out. Not in this instance. This can be dealt with by first of all speeding up so they can't get out (giving them a dirty look and possibly a hand gesture as you drive by) then once they are behind you, proceed to let every single car out at following junctions ensuring to get their blood pressure rising.
Something we all have to contend with at one time or another is the tailgater which usually comes in the form of a Vauxhall Nova. Slowing down to under the speed limit is guaranteed to annoy the offender. When the opportunity arises speed away leaving the chav standing. Is a sure way to impress his girlfriend who resembles something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
To finish off if you do a lot of travelling it may be worth investing in some 'road rage' cards. These can be purchased from the following link:
http://www.roadrage.com/
If you have any additional questions or are unsure how to deal with a certain situation feel free to PM me.
A.ndy
Also, when looking into the rear view mirror, don't move your head, as it take attention off the road ahead of you, only glance for a second or so!
After a few times of turning my head towards the rear view mirror for like 4-5 seconds, the instructor covered my eyes for that amount of time (when parked up) and wow, it was a long time, and could cause a nasty crash if there is someone in front of you or to the side.
Also, when looking into the rear view mirror, don't move your head, as it take attention off the road ahead of you, only glance for a second or so!
After a few times of turning my head towards the rear view mirror for like 4-5 seconds, the instructor covered my eyes for that amount of time (when parked up) and wow, it was a long time, and could cause a nasty crash if there is someone in front of you or to the side.
Oh, I'm not talking about doing it for any length of time at all - just to make it an obvious movement.
Yes, but firstly your mum/dad needs to be willing and able, insurance needs to be sorted etc. Apart from that, it's fine to learn from books and private learning but you may find it easier to learn with a qualified instuctor.
rizzyh
Hey do i need an instructor?
Cant i power-revise the DSA practical & theory books
Then use my dad's mondeo for like 2-3 weeks and then do my tests?
Cant i power-revise the DSA practical & theory books
Then use my dad's mondeo for like 2-3 weeks and then do my tests?
Like pgh said you don't need to have an instructor. You can be taught to drive by anyone who has held a full uk driving licence for 3 or more years, and is over 21. You obviously need to sort out insurance and l plates on the car you use. You also need to makes sure that the car is ready for use on a test - the guidelines are on the DSA website (having a rear view mirror for the examiner etc.)
There is nothing stopping you learning like this, but it is probably worth making sure that you dad teaches you what you need to know to pass your test now. Things change over the years, and what he learnt when he first passed his test may have changed now. It will be easy to pick up bad habits from parents etc which you will get marked down for on a test. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing it like this though, its up to you.
Thanks for the advice in here. It's really useful. I'm just about ready to book my first driving lesson...in fact I'll probably phone round a few places tomorrow to find somewhere 
I'm really nervous about it as I don't know much at all about driving....
I'm really nervous about it as I don't know much at all about driving....
Roger Kirk
Thanks for the advice in here. It's really useful. I'm just about ready to book my first driving lesson...in fact I'll probably phone round a few places tomorrow to find somewhere
I'm really nervous about it as I don't know much at all about driving....
I'm really nervous about it as I don't know much at all about driving....
I knew noooooooothing about driving on my 1st lesson but they expect you to know nothing and start with the complete basics. It will be fun
Parallel Park
The 1-2-1 tip-
Once you are parallel with the car, reverse straight and once you see the back of the other car in your window, turn the steering wheel a whole one turn to the left/anticlockwise and at the same time check your blind spot (look over your right shoulder)
Then keep reversing and once your left wind mirror is covering/almost covering the other car's lights then do two turns of the steering wheel to the right. Keep looking behind you.
Then once you think you are parallel, make your wheels parallel by making one turn of the steering wheel to the left.
The 1-2-1 tip-
Once you are parallel with the car, reverse straight and once you see the back of the other car in your window, turn the steering wheel a whole one turn to the left/anticlockwise and at the same time check your blind spot (look over your right shoulder)
Then keep reversing and once your left wind mirror is covering/almost covering the other car's lights then do two turns of the steering wheel to the right. Keep looking behind you.
Then once you think you are parallel, make your wheels parallel by making one turn of the steering wheel to the left.
Related discussions
- Failing to learn to drive is my biggest disappointment
- Driving and lost about what to do
- Driving lessons
- Driving lesson nerves???
- Struggled to see a number plate 20 meters away
- 🚗 Near Miss! Will I Get in Trouble? 🚗
- tips for moving away for uni
- Move out or stay home and save more money
- Manual vs Automatic
- Asking
- After how many lessons were you allowed to drive home?
- Help! Struggling to Book My Driving Test 😩
- internal pressure to learn how to drive
- Trainee Sales Negotiator Interview
- Make the examiners walk back to the centre !!!
- Is it better to learn manual or automatic?
- should i learn manual or automatic?
- Husband keeps saying that I wouldn't pass my practical driving test.
- what is the full process for riding a motorbike?
- Is it necessary to learn how to drive?
Latest
Trending
Posted 2 months ago
Warning! Be very careful using car insurance comparison sites.Last reply 4 months ago
What happens if you accidentally drive your car with no road tax or motLast reply 5 months ago
Best Cheap Car Insurance For Young Drivers Without a Black Box? How much do you pay?
