Follow this 2 step process in preparation to becoming a fully licensed road user /
Applying For A Licence
Before you can even get into a car and start learning to drive, you have to get hold of a provisional driving licence. To apply for this, you must complete the D1 application form thats available from either online or your local Post Office.
To apply for your provisional licence online visit www.direct.gov.uk. You will need to:
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Turn 17 within 3 months (but can only drive on the roads when 17)
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Have valid proof of identity
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Be able to read a new style number plate from 20 metres or an old-style number plate from 20.5 meters (about 5 car lenghts away)
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Not be prevented from driving for any reason
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Pay £50 by debit or credit card
You should receive your provisional licence within 3 weeks, although it can take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked. You will need your licence prior to driving. During this time you can learn the Highway code.
The Driving Theory Test
Having received your provisional licence and booked your first driving lesson, its time to start learning your theory and hazard perception test. There are 2 parts to the theory test – a multiple-choice and hazard perception section. You will need to pass both parts to successfully complete your theory test. Once passed you will be able to book your driving test. On the test, you will have to get aleast 43 out of 50 multiple choice questions correctly on the touch screen computer.
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Your provisional driving licence number
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Debit or credit card details to pay for the test (around £20.00)
On the day of the test make sure you are well prepared and have revised and practised as much as possible. Make sure to bring both parts of your driving licence – the photocard and paper counterpart. If you have the old style paper licence, your signed driving licence and a valid passport. If you cant present these at the test centre, you’ re not allowed to sit the test and you will loose your fee! Best of luck on the day of your theory test!
The Practical Driving Test
Great! you’ve reached a point in your driving where your ready to take your test. Just like your theory test you can book your practical test online, however we strongly recommend you dont apply for your test until your instructor thinks you’re ready. Ideally we want you to pass first time, afew ways to help achieve this include keeping an up-to-date track record of strengths and weakness, also doing as many mock tests to help prepare for the formalities of the actual test. Or re arranging your test date 3 clear working days before or 10 days to cancel for a full refund.
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A valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
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Credit or Debit card details to pay for the test (around £60.00)
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Your theory test pass date and certificate number
On the day of the practical test Make sure your instructor is available first. Your instructor will pick you up an hour before, for any last minute preperation and to allow you to ‘fine tune’ anything for the test. You will need both parts of your provisional licence and the theory pass letter. The practical test will cover the following:
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An eyesight check from 20.5 meters away (5 car lengths)
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Manoeuvres / Emergency stop
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Driving for around 40 minutes including 10 minutes of independent driving such as following a series of verbal directions and or different road direction signs.