I am a: Car driver Motorcyclist Trainee ADI PCV driver LGV driver Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Getting started The first stage on the road to becoming a holder of a full UK driving licence is to acquire a provisional licence for the vehicle you want to drive. In this case it is for a car which the DVLA call a category "B". You must be at least 17 years of age to acquire a provisional licence for a car, unless you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate in which case you can obtain your provisional when you are 16. You need to acquire application form D1 (previously called a D750) from your local post office. Once you have completed the form you will also need to include: the appropriate fee documentation to confirm your identity Full Valid Current Passport UK Birth Certificate Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate) Adoption certificate ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA Travel Documents issued by the Home Office Certificate of Naturalisation and a passport type colour photograph of yourself. The photograph must meet certain criteria and may have to be signed on the reverse by a suitable person When you have all the necessary items forward them to the DVLA to the appropriate address shown on the application form. You must allow up to 3 weeks for the DVLA to process your application and, if this is your first application for a licence, you are not allowed to drive until you receive your provisional licence and it comes into effect. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Before you go out on the road Once you have received your provisional licence and it has come into effect you need to check all of the following before you begin driving; As a learner driver a qualified driver must accompany you. Most learners have professional tuition with a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor, but you can also practice as long as another driver accompanies you. Your accompanying driver must hold a full car licence have held that licence for at least 3 years be at least 21 years of age Your eyesight must meet the minimum legal requirements, in other words you must be able to read either an old-style number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet approximately). Old-style number plates have letters that are 79.4mm high and 57mm wide. or a new-style number plate from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet approximately). New-style number plates have letters that are 79.4mm high and 50mm wide. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the eyesight requirements you must wear them whenever you drive. You must ensure that the car you are about to drive meets all of the following requirements You, as the learner, must be covered by third party insurance (as a minimum) for the specific car you will be driving The car must have and display a valid road fund licence (car tax) If the car is 3 years or older it must have a valid MOT certificate It must be in a safe and roadworthy condition The car must be fitted with L plates (D plates in Wales) to both the front and rear of the car Anyone who does not comply with these requirements could be liable to a maximum fine of £1,000, discretionary disqualification or 3-6 penalty points (as could the learner driver). Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Starting to drive Learning to drive is one of the most complicated skills you will ever have to acquire. As well as learning the many controls and pedals in the car, you will have to obey the rules of the road, take into account the differing road and weather conditions and be aware of other road users and anticipate their potential actions – in most driving scenarios you will have to use all of these skills at the same time. Virtually all learners (98%) have professional tuition and you will probably benefit the most from that tuition when you first start to learn. To develop confidence it is important that your experience of learning to drive is a positive one from the outset. A professional instructor can ensure this will be the case by: Providing you with a structured course of tuition Selecting routes and roads that are appropriate to your experience Not overloading you by asking you to perform tasks that are too advanced or taking you into inappropriate traffic situations Providing a well-maintained vehicle usually fitted with dual controls for your safety and comfort. The DSA have set out a driving syllabus of topics that you need to learn, practice and master to be able pass the UK practical driving test and to become a competent driver. It is called the "Driver's Record for Pupils" download. It lists the main topics and skills required, and as each topic is introduced your instructor can then grade your progress according to your ability. The grades are as follows: topic introduced under full instruction prompted seldom prompted independant You can see that the higher the grade the more competent you are becoming at a particular skill and, consequently, less reliant on your instructor. Remember, you are not merely preparing to pass a test, you are learning the driving skills you will require for the next 50 or 60 years (hopefully). So it is important that you have thorough training via a comprehensive and structured course. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: The theory test You will need to sit a driving theory test if this is your first licence or you want a licence for a new category of vehicle. For instance you may hold a full motorcycle licence, but you will still need to pass an appropriate theory test if you wish to acquire a full car licence. However, if you are upgrading a licence, say from an automatic car licence to a manual car licence, you may be exempt. Check the DVLA’s website for further details. You must pass the theory test before you can apply for the practical driving test. The theory test was introduced in 1996 to test a new driver’s understanding of the skills, legislation and responsibilities with driving a particular vehicle. The test has seen many changes over the years but this is how the theory test works today the test is made up of two parts; namely the multiple choice question and answer section and the hazard perception section. You must pass both parts on the same attempt, in other words if you pass the multiple choice section but fail the hazard perception you will have to sit both parts again. The multiple choice section consists of 35 questions randomly selected from the DSA’s database of over 880 questions. The test is presented in a multiple-choice format, in other words you are given a question and a choice of answers. Depending on the individual question you must select between 1 and 4 answers to score a mark (all of the official questions and functionality are included in our interactive eBook, which you can purchase from this site). The theory test questions cover a wide range of driving related topics including the law, traffic signs, road procedure, accidents, etc. Here is the list of the fourteen categories as used in the current DSA question bank for car drivers. Alertness Attitude Safety and Your Vehicle Safety Margins Hazard Awareness Vulnerable Road Users Other Types of Vehicle Vehicle Handling Vehicle Loading Motorway Rules Rules of the Road Road and Traffic Signs Documents Accidents Your theory test questions will be selected from across all of these categories, so it is important to have prepared thoroughly before you sit the test. Luckily, all of the official questions from these categories are included in our interactive ebook, which you can purchase from this site. The ebook can also recreate the exam situation by randomly selecting 35 questions from the entire bank and testing you against the clock (just like the real thing!). Currently the fee to sit the theory test is £20.50. Our interactive ebook costs £3.99 a good investment in our opinion! Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Hazard Perception In November 2002 the DSA introduced a Hazard Perception element to all theory tests. It is one of a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of people killed or injured on Britain’s road by 40% by 2010. Young drivers (17-21) make up only 7% of all licence holders yet are involved in up to 1 in 7 (15%) of accidents involving injury. One in five newly qualified drivers has a crash within a year. Obviously, an element of these figures can be attributed to lack of experience. Better training and testing (such as Hazard Perception) is seen as one way forward. Hazard Perception is all about scanning the road, spotting problems early and responding appropriately and in a controlled manner. In most situations, if you spot a potential problem early enough, you should be able to minimise any problems by making a gradual change in speed or direction as opposed to reacting late and having to brake harshly or swerve or, worse, respond too late and be involved in an accident. Acquiring good Hazard Perception skills is something that is best achieved in the practical situation of driving with your instructor. In the early stages of learning to drive he will act as an extra pair of eyes and will point out potential situations to you and talk you through them. As you become more adept at controlling the car you will have more time to focus on your surroundings and look further ahead at the developing road situation. With experience and guidance you will learn how to spot problems and how to respond appropriately. The section on ‘Sitting the Theory Test’ shows you how you are tested on your hazard perception skills. There are hazard perception CD-ROMs and DVDs for sale on this website which will reinforce your training. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Applying for the theory test Once you are consistently passing your mock tests using our interactive ebook, and you have completed your hazard perception training, it may be time for you to sit your theory test. Talk to your instructor before making a final decision. Booking by Telephone You can book a theory test via telephone using a debit or credit card. You can then discuss a suitable time, date and theory test centre appropriate for your needs. You will also be able to discuss the languages the test is available in and the facilities for people with special needs. Theory Test Booking and Enquiry Line 0870 01 01 372 Welsh Language Booking Line 0870 01 00 372 Text phone 0870 01 06 372 Minicom Machine Telephone 0870 01 06 372 Special Needs Section 0870 01 01 372 Northern Ireland Enquiries & Bookings 0845 06 06 700 Fax booking 0870 01 04 372 Booking via the Internet You can also book a theory test via the internet by clicking here. This link will take you directly to the DSA’s online booking page. Booking via Post You can also book a theory test via post. You can download the appropriate form here (hyperlink). When booking your theory test please ensure you have available your DVLA or DVLNI number and a valid debit or credit card – the person who books the test must be the card holder. The current fee for sitting the car theory test is shown here The languages that you can sit the theory test in are shown here Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Sitting the Theory Test Once you have booked your theory test you should receive written confirmation from the DSA. Make sure to check the time, date and location of your test on the card. If you wish to cancel the booking or change the date or location you can do so via telephone or online as long as you provide the DSA with at least three clear working days notice. Try to turn up at the test centre at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. If you are late you may not be able to sit your test and may lose your fee. If you are not sure of the location of the test centre find it via our search in the column on the right of this page, and click the online map link. When you attend the test you need to bring with you Your appointment card or booking number and Both parts of your photocard licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) or your signed driving licence and suitable photographic identity. Examples of suitable photographic identity can be found here (pop up hyperlink) If you do not bring the appropriate documents you will not be able to sit the test and you will lose your fee! Once the theory test invigilator has checked your documents and completed the registration you will be taken through to the test room. You may not take any personal items with you. All items should be placed in the lockers provided. In the test room there will be a number of computer screens. The invigilator will show you to the screen you will use; it should display your name and the category of test you are sitting. You may not talk or communicate with any of other candidates. If you have any problems you should attract the attention of invigilator. The theory test is made up of two elements: the multiple-choice question & answer section and the hazard perception section. At present you sit the multiple-choice question & answer section first. Multiple-choice Section Before the test begins the computer screen will display instructions on how this section works. If you wish, you may try some sample questions to get used to the layout of the test. When the test begins 35 questions will be randomly selected from the DSA’s question bank. The screen will display one question at a time together with a choice of answers. Also displayed will be an instruction as to how many answers you should select; it will be between 1 and 4. If you don’t select all of the right answers you will not get a mark. To select an answer touch the button on the screen next to the appropriate answer. The background of the answer text will change colour to indicate your choice. You can move backwards or forwards through the questions by pressing the ‘next’ or ‘previous’ buttons. If you wish to highlight a particular question so that you can come back to it later press the ‘flag’ button. You can press the review button at any point during the test and you will be provided with a summary of how many questions you have answered, how many are unanswered and how many questions you have flagged. From this review screen you can review all of the questions, review only the unanswered questions or review only the questions you have flagged. You are allowed 40 minutes to answer all of the questions. Once you are satisfied with your answers you can end the test or if you have run out of time the test will come to an end. The minimum pass mark is 30 out of 35 correct answers (our interactive eBook mimics this same scenario) Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Hazard Perception section After the multiple-choice you are provided with a break of up to 3 minutes before you sit the hazard perception section. This section of the test consists of 14 video clips featuring everyday driving scenarios. They are filmed in a vehicle and it is as if you are in the driving seat. Thirteen of the clips feature 1 developing hazard, (hyperlink pop up here) but one of the clips have 2 developing hazards (hyperlink pop up here). You are marked according to how quickly you respond when you see the hazard. In other words, the quicker you click on the mouse the more points you will get (maximum of 5). However, be careful. You will score nil points if you cheat by repeatedly clicking on the mouse. You will only be shown each clip once. You will not be able to review a clip again. The current pass mark for the hazard perception section for car drivers is shown here (hyperlink pop up here). Once you have completed both elements of the test you may leave the examination room. You should be given your result almost immediately but at worst after 30 minutes. Congratulations if you have passed! Your theory test pass is valid for 2 years – if you do not pass the practical driving test in this time you will have to resit the theory! If you have failed, bad luck (maybe you should consider studying with our interactive eBook). You must resit both elements of the test again. You can book another theory test immediately, however, you must allow 3 clear working days before you actually sit it. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Are you ready for your Practical Driving Test Naturally, most learner drivers are keen to pass their practical driving test at the earliest opportunity and to then enjoy the freedom and benefits that come with holding a full driving licence. However, the current pass rate is only 43%* and for first time candidates it’s even lower. The overriding reason for such a high failure rate is candidates sitting the test before they are fully prepared. Listed below are the top ten reasons* why people fail; 1.Observation at Junctions – ineffective observation and judgement 2.Reverse Parking – ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy 3.Use of Mirrors – not checking or not acting on the information 4.Reversing Around a Corner – ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy 5.Incorrect Use of Signals – not cancelling or giving misleading signals 6.Moving Away Safely – ineffective observation 7.Incorrect Positioning on the Road – at roundabouts or on bends 8.Lack of Steering Control – steering too early or leaving it too late 9.Incorrect Positioning to Turn Right – at junctions and in one way streets 10.Inappropriate Speed – travelling too slowly or being hesitant Ultimately, your instructor will be the best judge of when you are ready to sit your practical driving test. He will have been trained to assess your current standard of driving to measure your likely progress if you were to apply for a future test date to recognise the level of competence and skill required to not only pass the practical driving test, but to also be a safe and competent driver for life. Remember, if anything, your performance will be worse on the day, due to nerves and the pressure of the occasion. Research shows that learner car drivers who have had around 40 hours of professional tuition and plenty of private practice, stand the best chance of passing their practical driving test*. As a learner can you answer "Yes" to all of these questions? 1.Have you covered all of the topics on the "Driver’s Record for Pupils"? If so have you achieved Grade 5 (independent) on every topic? 2.Can you drive on all types of road and in all traffic situations without any assistance from your instructor or accompanying driver, be it verbal or by using the dual controls? 3.Do you feel confident enough to tackle any driving situation alone? 4.Can you perform all of the manoeuvres (e.g. reverse parking, reversing around a corner, etc) without any advice or verbal/physical intervention from your instructor? 5.Have you sat a mock test with your instructor? If so did you pass? During this exercise your instructor will pretend to be an examiner and direct you around a route similar to a driving test route. He will also ask you to perform any or all of the driving test manoeuvres. Unless required he will not intervene verbally or physically during any part of the mock test. As you drive your instructor will mark down any faults that you commit and you can then discuss them at the end of the ‘test’. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Applying for the Practical Driving Test Once your instructor has indicated that you are at test standard, these are the ways that you can book a practical driving test; Booking by Telephone You can book a practical driving test via telephone using a debit or credit card. You can then discuss a suitable time, date and test centre appropriate for your needs. You will also be able to discuss the facilities for people with special needs. Practical Test Booking and Enquiry Line 0870 01 01 372 Welsh Language Booking Line 0870 01 00 372 Text phone 0870 01 06 372 Minicom Machine Telephone 0870 01 06 372 Special Needs Section 0870 01 01 372 Northern Ireland Enquiries & Bookings 0845 06 06 700 Fax booking 0870 01 04 372 Booking via the Internet You can also book a practical driving test via the internet by clicking here (hyperlink). This link will take you directly to the DSA’s online booking page. Booking via Post You can also book a practical driving test via post. You can download the appropriate form here (hyperlink). When booking your practical test you will need the following information to hand; Your driver number as shown on your licence Your theory test pass certificate number Driving school number, if you know it Preferred dates and unacceptable dates Your credit/debit card details. Please note that the person booking the test must be the card holder. The current fee for sitting the practical driving test is shown here (hyperlink pop up here). Once you have completed the booking you will be given a reference number and you should receive a confirmation letter in the post within a few days. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: The Day of the Test Your instructor will provide you with a lot of support and encouragement leading up to your test date. It is important to approach the exam in a positive frame of mind; worrying about potential scenarios and outcomes may only destroy your confidence and affect your performance on the day. On the day of your test please ensure you take with you all of the necessary original documents (not photocopies). These are; Both parts of your photocard licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart) or your signed driving licence and suitable photographic identity. Examples of suitable photographic identity can be found here (pop up hyperlink) your theory test pass certificate your ‘"river’s Record for Pupils", if you have completed one. When reporting for your driving test try to turn up 5 or 10 minutes early. There will be a waiting room at the test centre, and once the examiner is ready he will come out and call your name. Whilst he checks your documents he will ask you to sign a declaration regarding the vehicle you are using for your test and insurance cover. If everything is in order the examiner will ask you to lead the way to your vehicle and your practical driving test begins. The UK driving test is extensive, but listed below are some of the areas that will be covered during your exam; eyesight check by asking you to read a number plate at the prescribed distance basic vehicle maintenance checks will be examined in the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ element. Click here (hyperlink) for more details. Moving away and stopping Using mirrors and signalling Safe positioning Anticipation and planning Appropriate use of speed Junctions and roundabouts Pedestrian crossings The manoeuvres which may include the turn in the road, reversing around a corner, reversing into a parking bay, reverse parking, the emergency stop The examiner will give you clear and concise instructions in good time throughout the entire test. He will often ask you to park appropriately before he gives you any detailed instructions. If you do not understand anything ask him/her to explain again. However, in general, your examiner will not make conversation or small talk during your test – he is not being rude but merely wants to allow you to concentrate on driving. In general the test will last around 40 minutes. To pass you must avoid making any serious or dangerous faults and must avoid making no more than 15 driving faults. The examiner will mark any faults that you have made on a Driving Test Report form. At the end of the test he will tell you whether you have passed or failed and will explain the faults he has marked on the report. He will then provide you with a copy of the report and a pass certificate if you were successful or an application form for another test if you failed. If you have failed discuss the test and the Driving Test Report with your instructor. He will be able to explain in more detail what the various categories and marks mean. Try not to be too disheartened by the result - regard the test as part of the learning process and use the report as a basis for your future lessons. If you have passed…congratulations! You will now be eligible to apply for a full car licence. However, please remember that you are still a very inexperienced driver and far more likely to be involved in an accident in your first year on the road – a fact that will be reflected in the insurance premiums you will pay. Knowledge Base for Car Drivers: Now you’re on the Road Possession of a full car licence does not mean you are as able a driver as any other motorist on the road. Your lack of experience will put you at a greater risk than other drivers. Just because you’ve torn up your L-plates doesn’t mean you have to stop learning though. There are a number of ways you can still improve your skills and possibly save some money as well. Pass Plus This scheme has been developed for newly qualified drivers. It provides extra training to enhance your skills and once the course has been successfully completed you may be eligible for a discount on your insurance. The tuition is carried out by Approved Driving Instructors and it is likely that your existing instructor will be registered to carry out the course. In short the course is designed to Show you a positive style of driving Help you to safely gain more experience And improve your observation and decision making skills There is no examination at the end of the course, but your instructor will certify that you have satisfactorily completed the training and you will then be issued with a Pass Plus Certificate of Completion. Advanced Driving Course There are 2 principal organisations in the UK that run advanced driving courses; RoSPA and the IAM. They both have local groups that you can join and their aim is to teach you advanced driving and thereby make you a better driver. Individuals who have passed the respective tests are then eligible to become members, which in itself brings further benefits. For more details go to their websites: www.rospa.org.uk www.iam.org.uk   Getting Started Before you go out on the road Starting to drive The theory test Hazard perception Applying for the theory test Sitting the Theory Test Hazard Perception section Are you ready for your Practical Driving Test Applying for the Practical Driving Test The Day of the Test Now you’re on the Road Find me a Theory centre Town / County