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All the useful information you need in one place
Applying for a provisional licenceBefore you can start learning to drive, you have to get a provisional driving licence. To apply for this, you must complete the DVLA’s D1 application form their website or at your local Post Office. You can apply for your provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday although you cannot drive on the road until you have turned 17 and have the provisional licence in your possession. You must bring your provisional licence with you on your first lesson. Please be aware of online copy cat sites as they will charge an administration fee on top of the actual cost – you should only go through the official DSA website.
The Highway Code is essential reading for everybody learning to drive. It contains all the rules and regulations that relate to driving in the UK. As a driver, it’s your duty to know these rules – if you don’t abide by them, you’ll be breaking the law and could end up being prosecuted and this could lead to you losing your licence.
The Highway was last updated in 2022, so make sure you are aware of the changes.
The app is for all road users and makes it even easier – and more fun – to keep up to date with the rules of the road.
What’s new?
The app costs £3.99 and is available to download on both Android and iOS platforms, find it here.
Since 1996 all candidates wanting to take a practical driving test must first pass a theory test. The theory test is made up of two parts, a multiple choice section and a hazard perception test. The multiple choice is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse. You must answer 50 questions and get a minimum of 43 correct to pass.
With the hazard perception test your responses are recorded through the use of a computer mouse button. You must click as early as possible when you see a developing hazard with a maximum score of 5 available per hazard. There are a total of 15 developing hazards giving a possible total of 75. You must score at least 44 in order to pass this part of the test. You will need to pass both parts to successfully complete your theory test.
We offer free access to Theory Test Pro which is an online study programme that provides you with everything you need to pass your car theory test.
You can book your theory test through the Official Gov website. Please be aware of online copy cat sites as they will charge a booking fee on top of the actual cost – you should only go through the official gov website.
Accompanying drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a full licence for at least 3 years for the type of vehicle that is being used for example, you must have a manual car licence if you’re supervising someone in a manual car.
The vehicle being used must be insured for the learner driver, have a current MOT certificate (vehicles over 3 years old) and current road fund licence (road tax).
L Plates must be displayed front and rear when a learner driver is driving and L plates should be removed when full licence holders are driving.
A rear view mirror is advised for the accompanying driver to improve rearward observations.
It is the responsibility of both the accompanying driver and the L driver to check all legal requirements are in place.
The accompanying driver has the same legal responsibilities as the driver and should be aware of the actions of the L driver at all times.
Accompanying drivers should NOT use or touch a mobile phone or satnav when the vehicle is on the move or in traffic. They should find a safe legal and convenient place to park and switch the engine off if they need to use a mobile device/satnav. They are also responsible for ensuring that the L driver is complying with the law regarding the use of mobile phones and satnav. Hands free devices are not “hands free” if you touch them.
Remember – a learner driver will respond well to a calm, non confrontational manner better than being shouted at or not being guided or helped when needed.
For more information accompanying drivers should visit the gov.uk website for the full responsibilities that apply to them.
Since 1996 all candidates wanting to take a practical driving test must first pass a theory test. When your instructor thinks you are ready, you will need to apply to take your practical test at your local Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test centre.
You can do this online at the official DVSA website (or use the link on your Student App), you will need your personal driving license number, theory test pass reference number and a method of payment.
Please be aware of online copy cat sites as they will charge a booking fee on top of the actual cost – you should only go through the official DVSA website.
Before you do any driving you’ll be asked to perform an eyesight check and then be asked some vehicle safety questions (show and tell). You’ll then be tested on your general driving ability, including one reversing exercise and an independent drive. One in three tests will include an emergency stop.
The driving test will last about 40 minutes. Your examiner will be looking for evidence that you’ve reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific maneuvers. You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, however, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you will fail.
You must bring the following items with you to the test. If you don’t the DVSA may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.
Theory and Practical test costsAs of March 2022
Theory test – Price for a theory test is £23.00. Make sure you book your theory test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
Practical test – Price for a practical test is £62.00 on weekdays or £75.00 on weekday evenings (4.30pm onwards), weekends and bank holidays. Make sure you book your practical test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
Don’t forget on test day you will need to also pay for a two hour session with your instructor – an hour before to have a last minute practice and calm your nerves and an hour for the test.
Once you have passed you will need to notify the Driver and Vehicle licensing Agency (DVLA) and exchange your test pass certificate and provisional driving licence for a new full driving licence as soon as possible. This is normally done by the examiner on passing the driving test.
If your details on your provisional licence are incorrect (ie your address) you will need to apply for your full driving licence online or by post. Your test pass certificate is valid for 2 years but should be exchanged as early as possible.
“Globally, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death among young people, and the main cause of death among those aged 15–29 years.
The high level of risk associated with young drivers is due to a combination of youth and inexperience. Their inexperience means they have less ability to spot hazards, and their youth means they are particularly likely to take risks like dangerous overtaking or speeding.
So, if you are looking to develop and broaden your driving skills you should consider taking a Motorway course, click the link for more information. Other courses such as refresher lessons are also available.
Here are a few useful links for further reading.
The Highway Code – The Highway Code website
DVLA – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Think! – The Governments Road Safety website
Brake – The Road Safety Charity
RSOPA – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Thanks to Dave at begin driving i managed to pass my test with only 1 minor. He was very good instructor, always making ... Read more
I passed first time with Tracey as my driving instructor, she was kind, understanding and patient throughout my entire t... Read more
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I took driving lessons with Tracey from Begin Driving and I couldn’t have be... Read more
Steven was such a great instructor. He made you feel confident and not afraid to ask questions, which he then answered p... Read more
Learning to drive felt really easy and stress-free with Steven - the way he explains things and how the car works is gre... Read more
Had an amazing time with Begin Driving. Allan is a fantastic instructor, he was patient and reassuring throughout, and k... Read more
Martin is a great instructor, highly recommended not only because I passed but because how he teaches his students, very... Read more
I’d highly recommend Joshua Ticehurst as a driving instructor! I passed my driving test first time, and I genuinely coul... Read more
Very good experience with Begin Driving. I’d originally booked with a separate firm who forgot about my booking, which w... Read more
It’s was a great time driving with David for the last 2 months working up to my test, great guy to learn with and was ve... Read more
I honestly couldn’t recommend Nicolle enough! She is an absolutely amazing driving instructor and made learning to drive... Read more
I honestly can’t recommend Steven enough! After having to stop driving for quite a long period of time with my previous ... Read more
Tracey taught my Daughter Amy who has high end anxiety. The whole time she was kind and understanding, and patient. She ... Read more
Tracey was absolutely amazing with me. She is kind, patient, and friendly. I always felt in safe hands and she always be... Read more
I have learnt how to drive with Steve and I really could not have possibly asked for anyone better. He is incredibly kno... Read more
Normally this would take 2-3 weeks but post covid this is more likely to be anything from 2-4months.
We offer FREE online theory training to all our customers.
You can book online using the links on our website and your Student App. Make sure you book your theory test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
You can book online using the links on our website and your Student App. Make sure you book your practical test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
Price for a theory test is £23.00 (March 2022). Make sure you book your theory test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
Price for a practical test is £62.00 on weekdays or £75.00 on weekday evenings (4.30pm onwards), weekends and bank holidays (March 2022). Make sure you book your practical test through the Official DVSA website – click here.
No – you can only book a driving test after you have passed the theory test.
As long as your details are correct on your provisional licence at the time of passing your driving test the examiner will take your provisional licence and fast track your new full driving licence for you. Normally this process will take approximately 2-3weeks.
