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INFORMATION REGARDING
DRIVING TESTS

Driving Theory Test Explained

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You must have a provisional driving licence to book your theory test, and you can take the test from your 17th birthday onwards, if you get or have applied for the enhanced rate of mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) you can take the test from your 16th birthday.

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The test is split into two parts:

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  • Multiple-choice questions

  • Hazard Perception

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You must pass both parts to pass the test.

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You need to pass the Theory Test before you can get your full car driving licence. Please note if you want to upgrade to automatic transmission or already hold a category B1 driving licence then you do not need to take the car theory test.

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Please click the link below for more information in regards to both parts of the Theory Test from the GOV.UK website:

 

 

 

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Once the theory test is complete you will get the result at the test center. You must pass both parts to pass the test.

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  • Multiple-choice questions - Pass mark: 43 out of 50

  • Hazard perception - Pass mark: 44 out of 75

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Take a Practice Theory Test from the GOV.UK website: click here

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Driving Practical Test Explained

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You can book your Practical Driving Test if you have passed your Theory Test. The Practical Driving Test lasts for a duration of around 40 minutes, you will have to do an eye sight check, you will be ask two of the "show me, tell me questions", you will be tested on your generally driving which will include at least one exercise which includes:

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  • parallel park at the side of the road

  • park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)

  • pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

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You may also be ask to carry out an emergency stop exercise. (Currently 1 in 3 need to carry out the emergency stop exercise).

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Independent driving element of the test will last for around 20 minutes, you will show independent driving by either following a Sat Nav or by following signs, your examiner will explain what they want you to follow.

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More information can be found from GOV.UK, click the link below to be directed:

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The day of your Driving Test (Excluding information during COVID-19 Pandemic).

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We would advise to meet with your instructor 2 hours before the time of your test, this allows time for any extra practice or for any minor issues which may have time to be resolved for example: Tyre puncture, light bulb replacement, in-car device issues, possible error lights on dashboard, pupil not wearing correct or comfortable footwear, forgotten provisional licence etc.

 

All our instructors will do our best to ensure the vehicle and the pupil are ready to avoid any of the above but cannot be held responsible for uncontrollable/unforeseeable issues that may and could arise. The extra time before the test can also help settle pupils nerves and give opportunity for any last minute advice which from our experience and certainly make the difference between a pupil passing or failing the test. 

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We are allowed to enter the test centre no earlier than 10 mins before the start time of your driving test.

Once parked in a bay at the test centre we will walk into the waiting room, most test centres will have toilets if needed. At the time of your test the examiner will call out your name, you will need to present them with your provisional driving licence, the examiner will check your licence and ask you to sign the top of his marking sheet, which you will need to read and sign.

 

Next the examiner will ask you two questions, the first question they will ask is would you like to take your instructor with you on test? The second question is would you like your instructor to listen in at the end for the result and debrief/feedback? (Please speak to your instructor for more information in regards to both questions).

 

You will then be ask to walk out of the waiting area and then shortly after you will need to carry out an eye sight check, once completed you will then be asked to show the examiner to the vehicle you are using for the test. Once at the vehicle you will be asked one of the "show me, tell me questions" this is often but not always done inside the vehicle, please note around this point the examiner will also walk around the vehicle to do some visual checks of the car whilst you are seated inside.

 

The examiner will now enter the vehicle and give you a brief explanation of what to expect on the test, they may also take this opportunity to set up the Sat Nav on the dashboard before you begin to drive, please note the examiner will instruct you when you are to follow the Sat Nav. The test will now begin, Good Luck!!!

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After around 40 minutes you will return and you will be asked to finish in a parking bay, either to drive in forwards or you may need to reverse in, your examiner will give you clear instructions on what they would want you to do.

 

Your instructor will come out to find you once you have stopped and turned the engine off, if your instructor went with you on test then they will wait patiently in the back of the vehicle until the test and feedback have been given.

 

Please note your instructor is not to disrupt the test and will only enter the vehicle or comment if asked to by the examiner. Once the test is complete you maybe given your results soon after switching off the engine, the examiner will provide you with feedback which is very important to listen too. Once the examiner has left the vehicle you will then exit the vehicle and swap seats with your instructor. Your instructor will then drive you home regardless to the result and give you more information and advice. 

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We hope you have found the above information helpful, this is a brief guide on what to expect on the day of the test, we have taken the time to give you this information to help you in anyway possible. Please speak to your driving instructor for more details or concerns/questions you may have.

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For more information about the practical driving test from the GOV.UK website click here.

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