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Nick Mann DipDI
Driver Training
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Frequently asked questions about learning to drive
How does the new drivers act effect me?
How can I get my provisional driving licence?
Is the emergency stop one of the test manoeuvres?
Will I fail if I get one of my safety questions wrong?
Will I get an Insurance discount after completing Pass Plus?
Could I have two examiners in the car on my driving test?
Do examiners have pass and fail levels they keep to?
What happens if I take my test in an automatic car?
How long does it take for my full licence take to arrive after passing?
Can you drive on the roads without passing a theory test?
Can I pick which manoeuvre I do on my driving test?
What do I need to do with my car insurance when I pass my test?
What documents do I need to take with me to my tests?
Will I fail if I take a wrong turn on my driving test?
Can I wear sun glasses on my driving test?
When will my driving start on the day of my practical test?
How long will my practical driving test last?
When can I drive after passing my test?
What will I learn from my mock driving test?
When will my test be cancelled due to bad weather?
How will I know when I am ready for my driving test?
When is the best time to get private practice?
When can I book my theory and practical tests?
How does the new drivers act effect me?
Under the new drivers act (1995) your driving licence will be revoked if you build up six or more penalty points within two years of passing your driving test. You’ll need to reapply for your driving licence as a learner driver and re-sit both your theory and practical driving tests. Any penalty points you gain before passing your first driving test are taken into account. However, having six or more doesn’t mean your licence will be revoked straight after you pass your test. Gaining further points after passing your test, taking your total to six or more, will mean your licence will be revoked.
How can I get my provisional driving licence?
To apply for your provisional driving licence (Current first licence fee £50) you need to complete the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA or post offices. You can also apply online at DIRECTGOV. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, and a passport style colour photograph. You will also need to be able to read a number plate at 20 metres. For car drivers, the provisional licence will become valid on your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. You can not take your theory test until your provisional licence becomes valid, although you can book before that time.
Is the emergency stop one of the test manoeuvres?
No, it is an exercise that is carried out in about 25% of ‘L’ driving tests. So it could appear in your test in addition to one of the specified reversing manoeuvres.
Will I fail if I get one of my safety questions wrong?
Getting one or either of the safety questions incorrect, at the start of your test, would gain you a driver fault from the examiner. So it will not directly cause you to fail an ‘L’ test. The only way that it could cause a fail, would be in the event that you would rack up fifteen driver faults on the test route drive, and then the safety question fault would tip you over the edge!
Will I get an Insurance discount after completing Pass Plus?
It was reported recently in the press that the Pass Plus, did not have an effect driving skills and that insurers no longer offer discounts for those who complete the course and gain the certificate. Whilst there is no proven date on skill enhancement. Most would agree that new drivers receiving a further six hours professional tuition, in new areas and enhancing their driving skills, can only be of benefit. Making the recipient better prepared for their future driving life. Some insurers do not offer Pass Plus discounts and many insurance comparison web sites do not help to search out potential savings. But the can be found, the list below shows some companies, who may be able to help young drivers save with Pass Plus discounts.
- 4COUNTIES INSURANCE
- AA INSURANCE
- ADRIAN FLUX INSURANCE
- CHURCHILL INSURANCE
- CIS
- CLICK4GAP (ENTER CODE 'PASSPLUS10GAP')
- DIRECT LINE
- ENDSLEIGH
- I-KUBE
- PRIVILEGE
- ROYAL AND SUN ALLIANCE
- SWINTON
- YOUNG MARMALADE
- Young drivers could also contact Adrian Flux for a tailored quote.
Could I have two examiners in the car on my driving test?
Yes, very occasionally. Normally there is only one examiner present for a driving test, which he/she would conduct from the front passenger seat. Though to maintain quality standards of driving tests, and also keep regular checks on examiners, a second supervising examiner could be present, and would generally sit behind the conducting examiner. This need not be of any great concern to you, as they are present to monitor that the test is carried out correctly, rather than be assessing your driving. Avice as always with extra passenger weight in the car, is to remember to use extra gas/revs when moving away, especially on hills.
Do examiners have pass and fail levels they keep to?
It is always a myth over the years that examiners would need to pass or fail candidates to keep pass levels the same, but there is no evidence of this. Individual examiners and test centre results are monitored and logged though, as are pass/fail rates for ages/types of learners appearing for tests, these are published from time to time. Remember that if you don’t make any mistakes the examiner can not mark you down, so that if you drive well and safe you will pass!
What happens if I take my test in an automatic car?
There is nothing different about taking the practical driving test in an automatic car, the test itself is exactly the same in terms of routes and content. When booking the test you will need to inform the DSA of your wish for an automatic test. The major difference is that after passing, you will only be allowed to drive automatic cars with you new full licence. (As opposed to passing the test in a manual car and being able to then drive an automatic car as well)
How long does it take for my full licence take to arrive after passing?
When you pass your test, there are two ways to get your new full licence: 1-The examiner will take your provisional licence off you, and leave you with a driving test pass certificate ,which will allow you to drive straightaway. Normally the new licence will arrive through the post with-in a couple weeks. On the reverse of the pass certificate there is information and a telephone number to call on occasions when your new licence, does not arrive as planned. 2-You may apply for the licence yourself, by complete the declaration on your test pass certificate and send it, together with both parts of your driving licence (photocard and counterpart), document to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ. Advice from the DSA.
Can you drive on the roads without passing a theory test?
Yes, currently in this country. There are some countries around the world where this is not the case, and the theory element must be passed, before new drivers get behind the wheel. It must be remembered that the learner driver (and supervising driver) must both have current and appropriate licences, to drive the vehicle, and obviously the vehicle must be road worthy, taxed, have a mot (if needed) and insured correctly. Some pupils wait to start driving lessons after passing their theory test, and this most make them feel happier about their first times on the road, with the confidence of passing one test already, and the reassurance that good technical knowledge about driving is already in place to draw upon, if needed. But most new drivers will take their theory test, after a starting their lessons. The technical knowledge is then leant hand-in-hand with the practical driving, boosted by road experiences and instructors are always on hand to advise and answer and uncertainties that might arise.
Can I pick which manoeuvre I do on my driving test?
No, the manoeuvre you will be asked to complete on your practical driving test, will be randomly selected by the examiner. They will pick one of tasks you will have completed on your lessons. (Turn-in-the-road, Corner reverse, Parallel park, Bay park reverse). Depending on time, you may be asked to demonstrate the Emergency stop, this will appear in about 25% of tests. Remember that all your exercises will be covered and practiced on your lessons, till you are happy with them all. So when the time comes to take your practical driving test, it should not matter which manoeuvre you are asked to complete as skills will be high in all of them.
What do I need to do with my car insurance when I pass my test?
When a candidate passes their driving test, their licence will change from Provisional to Full licence status, with immediate effect.So if you are already fortunate enough to own and insurance your own car, you will need to make contact with your insurance company to advise them of your success so they can update their records, and maybe amend premiums accordingly. You may find a higher premium is charged, as you will now be driving alone, and most insurance companies may assess newly qualified drivers as more of a risk, than learners driving with friends/family. Similarly if you are a named driver on another persons insurance policy, they will need to update their cover accordingly. This change to the policy will need to me made before you can drive, with your new full licence. Remember that the car will not be insured, until the policy is updated and correct .
What documents do I need to take with me to my tests?
When you take your theory and practical tests, you need to make sure you have the documents to show the examiners .You will need to take both parts of your licence, the photo card and also the green paper counterpart. When taking your practical driving test, you also need to take your theory certificate and a copy of booking confirmation. Remember turning up for any tests without your Photo ID card or Counterpart Driving Licence will mean no test and a loss of fee!
Will I fail if I take a wrong turn on my driving test?
No, taking the wrong turn on a driving test is not a big problem in itself. Driving faults, both minor and serious, are only awarded if there are errors with your driving skills. So as long every action is safely carried out, no marks will appear on your test report. Remember that you can ask examiners to repeat or confirm directions if you are unsure. This also is the case for the new independent driving exercise (which is to appear from October 2010) when 3 directions are given in one hit by examiners. But listening carefully to your directions, will make life easier and calmer for yourself. As any wrong turns could extend your route, or give difficulties when you have to turn round to get back on route. Therefore giving you more driving to be examined!!
Can I wear sun glasses on my driving test?
This is a question that is asked by many students, and the simple answer if yes. Many are surprised by this, but if you ask yourself why you would wear sun glasses when driving? The reply would be, so that you able to protect your eyes from the sun, therefore enabling you to view the road and surroundings better and more accurately. It would be wise though if you are going to wear sunglasses to have them easily at hand, so that they can be worn comfortably, and without any great distraction from your driving. And for those who worry that their examiner will not be able to see all their mirror checking, they need not fret because it is quite obvious when someone looks into their mirrors, and all the checks you make will be spotted happily as you travel your test route.
When will my driving start on the day of my practical test?
Generally your driving will start an hour before your test booking time. In this time, you will be able to calm any nerves (as best you can!), and practice your driving skills. Its wise to practice all the exercises you could be asked to demonstrate to your awaiting examiner, whilst taking in as many roads/junctions as possible that the time allows. The car safety questions can also be run through, during the course of the hour ‘warm up’.(If you live further away from your test centre, your lesson may start and hour and a half before test time, to enable you to travel to the test centre, and still have time to practice before you take your test.)
How long will my practical driving test last?
Your practical driving test will last 35-40 minutes. As all test routes are slightly different, and the amount of traffic you encounter is totally variable, a similar time for everyone is never possible to achieve. You also have to demonstrate two manoeuvres on the test, and these may take time complete, especially in busier times. Once the test starts, it will pass quickly, and candidates are invariably arriving back at the test centre much earlier than they expect (Time flies when your having fun!). Remember if you are unable or struggle or drive for 40 minutes comfortably, unaided and of course safely, it would suggest that it is too soon for you to take a test, and that more tuition/practice is required.
When can I drive after passing my test?
When you have passed your test, the examiner will give to a pass certificate. This will enable you to drive on your own straight away. With all the excitement of passing, it would be wise to take some time to calm down, so that you are in a fit state to drive safely. Remember that any vehicle you do drive will have to be correctly taxed, insured and roadworthy. If you are a named `L`driver on an insurance policy, the company will need to be informed that you have passed, so they can update their records and you can be properly covered. Your new full licence will take a couple of weeks to arrive, so your pass certificate will need to be shown to the Police, should you happen to be stopped in the course of your driving.
What will I learn from my mock driving test?
The mock or practice test provides a valuable learning tool, as it will show you what the driving test is about and what to expect on the day. You will drive for 35-40 minutes (un-aided) through varied road conditions, and complete the test exercises. Your instructor will assess and mark, as an examiner would. The result will show how "test ready" you are, and show up any areas of development needed. This will help you and your instructor, to best focus practice in the remaining lessons up to the DSA practical test. In terms of driving test preparation the mock lesson, will be the one of the most important times you will have with your instructor. It will help you prepare in the best way, for the big day, which for many can be a very daunting time. For some one of the most difficult aspects in learning to drive is to maintain concentration for long periods of time, and in that time having the confidence to drive un-aided without any reassurances from their instructor that everything is working correctly. The practice test will help to highlight many strengths and allow any weaker areas to be consolidated and built up.
When will my test be cancelled due to bad weather?
The weather will have to be bad for your test to be cancelled. The examiners will only cancel tests if they really have to, and only do so in the interests of safety. In wintertime snow and icy conditions, can cause many driving tests to be cancelled, especially early in the morning. Whilst the major roads may be drivable, the smaller side roads may be unsuitable for driving and manoeuvring. Fog can sometimes be a problem, if viability is limited, in some parts of the test route. Other local factors may cause cancellations, for example flooding to some roads. The DSA will generally rearrange your test date quite quickly. They would like to give you a test, and you would like a test quickly, but invariably the new date that you will have will be one at the end of the current waiting list, at a similar time than the cancelled test. (You do not have to pay another fee, if the test is cancelled due to weather)
How will I know when I am ready for my driving test?
The aim of the driving test, is for the examiner to be happy with your level of driving. They need to be confident that you will handle life diving on your own, in a safe and progressive way and will pose no danger to yourself and other road users. Remember that a practical test needs to be comfortably passed, so good driving can carry on long after the examiner has left you with a pass certificate.So you need to be able to drive safely and positively through all types of roads, junctions and roundabouts. On most test routes (if available) you will have dual carriageway driving as well. You will also need to be able complete all of the test exercises to a high standard. (On the test there will only be two exercises to demonstrate, but all need to be at a good level as you can`t pick what you want to do!). If you still need prompting and help on some aspects of driving during your lessons, then more practice,tuition and confidence is still required. For some it can be false economy trying to take a test too soon, as more lessons (and test fees) will have to be paid out to achieve the goal of gaining a full licence.
When is the best time to get private practice?
The more driving on the roads you have the better before a driving test, as experience is vital to enable driving in the pressurised test environment (and stressful times afterwards). Bur remember to continue to drive in the same controlled and thoughtful manner, as you would in driving lessons, otherwise bad habits can soon develop. When is the best time to get private practice? Once you can comfortably control the car, and have learnt the skills that you will need to be able to stop and emerge safely at all road junctions and roundabouts. Your supervising passenger will not have control over the vehicle, and may not have experience in handling learner drivers. So it is also worth remembering that whoever is sitting alongside you on your drive, will need time to feel confident themselves as well! So to avoid stressful situations, it is best to be patient for private practice till the time is right. Your instructor will advise of the best time and way to gain extra practice. Do not worry if you are unable to get private practice, most learners only have lessons up to their test. It will not be a problem for you, your experience will be built up with your instructor, with a few extra hours of driving. What is the best way to practice? When you and your supervising driver feel happy and confident with each other, try to practice in similar ways as you do on your driving lessons. Therefore you need to drive through varied routes and different road conditions, so experience is built up across many skills. If possible take the importunity to practice the test manoeuvres, they should be similar in all vehicles to the way you would learn them, on your lessons.
When can I book my theory and practical tests?
Theory Test: You need to have your provisional licence and also be seventeen years old, before you take your theory test. But you can book your test up to three months before your seventeenth birthday, and take immediately afterwards. Practically, you need to carefully select a suitable time so that your study is complete and you are confident with all the subject matter the test will cover. For the theory test questions you need to score at least 43 of the 50 questions there is to answer, and score at least 44 out of 75 for the hazard perception element. After an unsuccessful theory test, you can book another test straight away, but there needs to be three working days between the two dates. (If you have a full licence for another category of vehicle, you may not have to take another theory test. Check with DVLA if you are unsure.) Practical Test:This can only be booked once you have passed the theory test (the certificate is valid for two years). The test date chosen will need to give you enough time to prepare your driving skills and enable plenty of opportunity to build up confidence and experience on the roads. After an unsuccessful driving test, you can book another test straight away, but there needs to be ten working days between the two dates.
How many hours of driving lessons will I need?
“Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test.” DSA quote. There is no set amount of hours that someone will require towards their driving test. There are lots of factors to take into account: Age: Older learners generally have more hours to learn new skills. Experience: It takes a while to build up road time, but those who have ridden motor bikes for example, will be at an advantage to those that have not. Vehicle Skills: If someone has never operated any mechanical devices, they will need time to learn and co-ordinate all the controls. Confidence: For everyone driving on the road is different, it may take some longer than others to be comfortable driving. Co-ordination: Some find using all the controls, thinking, judging, assessing and deciding on the roads comfortable after a short time, but for others this make take a little longer. Practice: For those who have a private car to practice in outside of lessons, this will allow skills to develop quicker, so less lessons may be required. Each learner will develop at a different rate, so the amount of tuition will vary for each individual. As a general rule, new learners will need approximately 2½-3 hours for each year of their age, as well as 22+ hours private practice outside normal driving lessons. Remember that the aim of lessons is to learn to drive safely and positively, so driving tests can be comfortably passed. To you can judge yourself when your hours before a test are correct, when you can drive independently through all types of roads and junctions, and complete all your test exercises smoothly and with good observations.
What car will I drive on my practical test?
Some candidates may be unsure what vehicles the examiners will have available for them to drive on their test. The simple answer is that they do not have any, as the candidate is expected to provide a suitable vehicle for the practical test to take place in. Most who take lessons with a driving school, would naturally take their test in the tuition vehicle they have learnt to drive in. Others who are fortunate to have their own car, may opt to use that for the test. But in this case, those attending tests, in private vehicles would be advised to check the insurance policy extends to driving test cover.
Frequently asked questions about learning to drive
