DRIVING TEST INFORMATION AND ONLINE DRIVING LESSONS

We have practical driving test video lessons, theory test practice using official DSA theory test questions, a UK driving schools directory, hazard perception test information and mock tests using official DSA clips, the show me, tell me test questions and answers, driving test tips, articles that will enhance your driving lessons and lots more.

Below you will find general information on the UK driving test (how to pass practical driving test, how to book driving test, why people fail, theory test etc) as well as tips on choosing the right driving lessons. Our practical driving test video lessons include reverse parallel parking, bay parking, three point turn and many more.

THE UK DRIVING TEST

Although many learner drivers find selecting a driving school & taking their first driving lesson daunting at first, with the correct preparation and some quality driving lessons there is no reason why the freedom of a full UK driving license can't be attainable to all. Yes the driving test is detailed and in-depth which leads some to conclude that its real aim is to fleece those taking the driving test out of their hard earned cash or to provide a good profit for the instructor providing the driving lessons. However, the facts are stark!

Every year 1,000 people die in road traffic accidents involving a young driver, hence why cheap young drivers car insurance is a rarely realised promise. Research shows that it takes 2 years from passing the driving test before a new driver's accident liability falls by less than 50%. Under the New Drivers Act 1997 newly qualified drivers who receive 6 or more penalty points on their driving licence within 2 years of passing their practical driving test will have their licence revoked. To get their licence back they'll first have to reapply for their provisional driving license, pay for even more driving lessons and then re-take the theory & practical driving test (dvd).

So be warned. The more driver training and driving lessons you receive (through driving schools, family or friends) the better. Driving is a skill that must be learned. Yes some people have a greater aptitude for driving than others but all learner drivers will benefit from professional driving lessons provided by competent driving instructotrs.

Get in as much driving practice as possible. Experience as many driving situations as you can. Drive at night, in the country, in town, on dual carriageways and in all weather conditions. This will not only help you pass the practical driving test but also the theory test and hazard perception test. Driving variety and depth should be your main objectives. This level of preparation will not only increase your chances of passing the practical and theory tests first time but also, in the long run, save you money. Learner drivers car insurance.

DRIVING LESSONS - CHOOSING A DRIVING SCHOOL

The prices charged for driving lessons can differ widely. Location is a key factor with the south of the UK being most expensive. Driving lessons here can cost up to £25 per hour. The average across the country is around £22 for a one hour driving lesson. If the price is cheaper than this then make sure you ask whether or not the driving instructor giving the driving lesson is fully qualified. They may not be hence the low price.

Don't be fooled by very cheap driving lessons. Some driving schools may offer incredibly cheap introduction offers such as ten driving lessons for £50. These prices don't always add up. Remember cheap in, expensive out. They pull you in with a cheap deal but then you find yourself advised to have more driving lessons, at the standard rate, than you actually need.

Driving schools all offer discounts if you book in blocks of 10 driving lessons or more i.e. book a block of ten driving lessons and get one driving lesson free. Some schools will also offer student and NHS discounts. Always ask for a discount even haggle. With the economy as it is there are probably more driving instructors than there is demand.

Additional services offered by most driving schools include - a door to door service, a full hours driving lesson (not 50 mins teaching and 10 minutes driving you home), no car sharing (no other pupil in the back waiting their turn) and so on. So make sure you know exactly what the driving school is offering you before you book your lessons. See our driving school glossary to understand the terms they use.

You should always make sure that the driving schools you choose have signed the voluntary Code of Practice. This code of practice, drawn up and agreed by the DSA and driving instruction industry, is designed to provide a framework in which all driving schools and instructors should operate, and covers instructors' personal and professional conduct, driving schools advertising and their complaints procedure. A leaflet outlining the code can be obtained from any theory test or driving test centre or call the DSA on 0115 901 2500. Code of Practice details.

Should you make sure that your driving instructor is fully qualified? A trainee driving instructor can give driving lessons and some driving schools do employ such instructors. If your driving instructor displays a green badge in their car it means they are fully qualified. If the badge is pink then the driving instructor is still training.

In order to get a pink badge the trainee driving instructor has to pass parts 1 & 2 (a driving theory test, multiple choice test plus hazard perception video test and an advanced ADI driving test which is of a much higher standard than the driving test you will take) of the DSA driving instructor examination and have done at least 40 hours ADI training as well. Then they must do a further 20 hours training shortly after the badge is issued. Part 3 of the exam is a practical test that tests the trainee's instructional ability. These are the facts. The choice is yours.

The DSA Grades UK Driving Instructors as follows-

• Grade 4 - the driving instructor is competent
• Grade 5 - the driving instructor is good
• Grade 6 - the driving instructor has reached a very high standard

TAKING THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Before the practical driving test begins you will be required to pass an eyesight test. You must be able to read a new style number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you fail this test then the practical driving test will go no further. You will fail full stop. If you pass the eyesight test you will then take the show me, tell me test. For information on the show me, tell me test follow the link above.

During the practical test you will be expected to drive for about 40 minutes in various road driving situations. You will be asked to perform two of the three reversing manoeuvres, a parallel parking, reversing into a side road or bay parking. You may also be required to perform an emergency stop. What the driving test examiner looks for,

IN ORDER TO PASS THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST, YOU MUST DRIVE:

Dangerous Driving Faults - a fault that results in actual danger. Commit such a fault and you will fail the practical test immediately.

Serious Driving Faults - this is when a potentially dangerous incident occurs, when the candidate reveals a recurring driving fault or fails to perform a manoeuvre (parallel parking, bay parking, reversing into a side road, turn in the road, emergency stop) correctly. Receive a serious fault and you will fail the practical test.

Minor Driving Faults - less serious faults, such as hesitating too long at a junction, faults that don't provide any immediate danger. Receive 16 or more minor driving faults and you will fail the practical test.

TOP TEN REASONS WHY PEOPLE FAIL THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Observation at Junctions: Ineffective observation and judgment.

Reverse Parallel Parking: Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.

Use of Mirrors: Not checking or not acting on what is seen.

Reversing Around a Corner: Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.

Incorrect Use of Signals: Not canceling or giving misleading signals.

Moving Away Safely: Ineffective observation.

Incorrect Positioning: At roundabouts or bends.

Lack of Steering Control: Steering too early or too late.

Incorrect Positioning: When turning right at junctions and in one way streets.

Inappropriate Speed: Going too slow or being hesitant.

PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST PREPARATION

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you take them with you. Failing to produce any of these items at the test will result in failure and you will not be eligible for a refund.

When it is time for your practical driving test, the examiner will enter the waiting room and introduce themselves. Your papers will be checked and you will be asked to sign a declaration to say the car you are driving is insured. You can ask for your instructor to sit in the back at this stage. It is also possible that a supervising examiner will sit in the back to examine the examiner. You will then be escorted out of the room and to the car park.

PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE

Check out the DVLA web site for full information on costs and relevant forms.

HOW TO BOOK THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Saturday and weekday evening driving tests are available at some driving test centres. Evening tests are available during the summer months only.

The Practical Driving Test Costs £62.00 if you take the test on a weekday or £75.00, if you take the test during the weekend. You will not get a refund if you fail.

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
On-line via the DSA web site. To book a practical test you will need a valid UK driving licence number, theory test pass certificate number, valid debit/credit card. (book driving theory test)

By Phone - book the practical test by phone using your credit/debit card. The person who books the test must be the cardholder. If you book this way you will be given the date and time of your test immediately. Do this by calling 0300 2001122 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Welsh speakers can telephone 0300 200 1133. Northern Ireland: booking and enquiries 0845 6006700.

• When you phone you will need your:-
• Driving theory test pass certificate number
• Driver number shown on your licence
• Personal details (name, address, day / evening telephone numbers)
• Driving instructor code number (if known- used so your instructor is not double booked)
• Preferred date
• Unacceptable days or periods
• If you can accept a test at short notice
• Disability or any special circumstances

You will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card with details of the time and date of your test.

By Post - no credit or cheque card? Then book the practical test by post. Apply for the test by filling out form DL26 (postal application for a practical driving test appointment) obtained from:

Driving theory test centres, Practical test centres, an Approved Driving Instructor, The National test booking line on 0870 010 1372, downloaded from here

Send completed form and payment to:- DSA, PO Box 280, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE99 1FP

CANCELLING THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

HOW MANY DRIVING LESSONS TO PASS THE DRIVING TEST