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FAQ

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Before you start

New drivers & learners - What you need to know

Virtually everything you will need to know if you are thinking of learning to drive.

How to apply for a provisional driving licence?

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles. You can apply for your provisional licence three months before your 17th birthday.

What are the driving eyesight requirements?

Before you start to learn to drive, make sure you are aware of the eyesight requirements. If you need glasses or corrective lenses to meet the requirements, it's a legal requirement that you wear them every time you drive.
The distance requirement for the eyesight test using old style number plates is 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the new-style number plate is used. New-style number plates are easily identifiable starting with two letters eg AB 51 ABC.

What is a photocard driving licence?

Everything you need to know can be found here: - 

Theory test

What do I use to revise?

We recommend Driving Test Success to help you with your revision. You can use the following link for preferential rates - 

What does the UK Theory Test involve and how will recent changes affect you?

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. You can apply for your provisional licence three months before your 17th birthday. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles. 

What does the Hazard Perception element of UK Theory Test involve?

The hazard perception test consists of 14 one minute video clips featuring everyday road scenes of someone driving from 'behind the wheel'. There will be a countdown at the start of each clip before it actually starts. Use this time to look at the road scene being shown to identify what type of roads the vehicle is travelling on. This should give you clues as to what type of hazard to expect. You have a 5 second 'window' in which to score points, so the aim is to 'click' the computer mouse when you see that the driver of the vehicle containing the camera will have to either slow down, stop or take avoiding action. If your reactions are too quick it is possible to 'click' too soon, so the advice is to count one and 'click' again. Beware, too many or a pattern of 'clicks' could invalidate that particular video clip! You can find more information by following the link below.

How do I book my UK Theory Test?

The quickest and easiest way to book your car, motorcycle or instructor theory driving test is to use this link to the online booking service:

The DVSA has published a new YouTube video showing how to book your theory test online which you can watch by following the link below.

Alternatively you can call 0300 200 1122 and follow the instructions in order to book by phone.

WARNING: if you use a search engine to find the booking website and do not go directly through to the gov.uk website to book your test you may end up paying more than you should do for your test. The Theory test is currently £23 and the Practical test is £62 on a weekday or £75 for evenings or weekends.

What if I have lost my Theory Test Certificate?

If you have lost your Theory Test Certificate you can now find the number by following the link below.

Practical Test

How do I book my UK Practical Driving Test?

The quickest and easiest way to book your practical driving test is to use the online booking service. You can use the online booking service between 6.00 am and midnight, Monday to Sunday. Alternatively you can either call 0300 200 1122 and follow the instructions in order to book by phone or you can download a practical driving test application form by following this link to the Driving Standards Agency website.

You MUST use your instructors ADI Number when booking your practical test to prevent double bookings. The DVSA DO NOT notify us directly of tests booked, so please make sure YOU do.

 

Please DO NOT book any last minute tests, even if using our ADI reference number, as we may not be able to accommodate it. We reserve the right to withdraw the use of the tuition car if we deem the candidate to not have reached test standard.

WARNING: if you use a search engine to find the booking website and do not go directly through to the gov.uk website to book your test you may end up paying more than you should do for your test. The Theory test is currently £25 and the Practical test is £62 on a weekday or £75 for evenings or weekends.

What does the UK Practical Driving Test involve?

Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.

The official step-by-step explanation of the driving test has been updated so you know what the whole test will look like from 4th December 2017. You can follow this link to see what to expect:

What are the DVSA Show and Tell Driving Questions?

About the questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.

The examiner will ask you one:

  • ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving

  • ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

Tell me questions:

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

Show me questions:

  1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

  2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

  3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

  4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

  5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

  6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

  7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

What if I have Dyslexia?

The following link will lead to the Driving Standards Agency website where they have an article containing questions and answers describing the potential issues and the solutions being implemented due to the introduction of independent driving into the practical test since 4th October 2010.

Test Routes

Can I find examples of test routes?

Example of test routes that have been used for Oxford, Cowley Centre.

Example 1

Name/Road NumberDirection
Driving Test CentreLeft
James Wolfe RoadEnd of Road right
Hollow WayRoundabout right 2nd exit
Horspath DriftwayEnd of Road right
Eastern Bypass Road to Littlemore RoundaboutRoundabout right 3rd exit
Oxford RoadLeft
Ashhurst Way2nd left
Asquith Road (Carry out Turn in Road Manoeuvre)End of Road left
Ashhurst Way2nd right
Dashwood RoadLeft
Spencer CrescentEnd of Road left
Dashwood RoadEnd of Road right
Spencer CrescentLeft
Ashhurst WayEnd of Road left
Rose Hill and onto Henley Ave and Iffley RoadLeft at 2nd Traffic Lights
Start of 10 Minute Independent Drive - Following Signs/Markings for Ring Road London then Oxford Business Park
Donnington Bridge Road and onto Weirs LaneEnd of Road left at Traffic Lights
Abingdon Road to Kennington RoundaboutRoundabout left 1st exit
Southern bypass Road (A423) to Heyford Hill RoundaboutRoundabout left filter lane
Eastern by pass Road (A4142) to Littlemore RoundaboutRoundabout ahead 2nd exit
Eastern by pass Road (A4142) to Cowley Junction RoundaboutRoundabout left 1st exit
End of Independent Drive
Garsington RoadRoundabout ahead
Garsington RoadRight at Traffic Lights
Hollow Way8th Right, after 2nd Traffic Lights
James Wolfe RoadRight
Driving Test Centre

Example 2

Name/Road NumberDirection
Driving Test CentreLeft
James Wolfe RoadEnd of Road Right
Hollow WayRoundabout right 2nd exit
Horspath DriftwayEnd of Road Left at Traffic Lights
Eastern By-Pass Rd1st Left, immediately after Traffic Lights
Beaumont Road / Quarry HollowEnd of Road Left then Immediate Right
Margaret Road1st Left
York Road1st Left
Weyland Road (Carry out Turn in Road Manoeuvre)End of Road Left
York Road1st Right
Rock EdgeEnd of Road Left
Windmill RdTraffic Lights Right
Old RoadTraffic Lights Ahead
Warneford LaneRoundabout Right 2nd exit
Morrell Ave5th Left
Cross StEnd of Road Left
Rectory RoadEnd of Road Left
Cowley Road8th Right
Magdelen Road1st Left
Ridgefield RoadCrossroads Right
Howard StreetLeft
Cricket Road / Rymers Lane5th Left
Littlehay RoadEnd of Road Right
Oxford Road2nd Traffic Lights Ahead into Right Lane
Garsington Road1st Roundabout ahead, 2nd Roundabout Left
Eastern By-Pass Road1st Left
Horspath DriftwayRoundabout Left 1st Exit
Hollow Way3rd Left
James Wolfe Road3rd Entrance on Right, back into Driving Test Centre

Example 3

Driving Test CentreLeft
James Wolfe RoadEnd of Road Right
Hollow WayRoundabout 1st Left
The Slade6th Left at Traffic Lights
Old Road3rd Right
Bickerton Road/All Saints RoadLeft
Latimer RoadEnd of Road Left
London Road2nd Right at Traffic Lights
Headley Way1st Left
Woodlands/Franklin Road (Carry out Turn in Road Manoeuvre)End of Road Left
Headley Way2nd Left
Staunton Road/Jack Straw's LaneEnd of Road Right
Marston Rd2nd Left
Old Marston Road2nd Left
Rippington Drive2nd Right
Lewell AvenueEnd of Road Left
Mortimer Drive/Fairfax Avenue/Rippington Drive3rd Left
Lewell AvenueEnd of Road Right
Mortimer DriveEnd of Road Left
Use un-named Service RoadEnd of Road Left
Oxford RoadEnd of Road Right
Cherwell DriveRoundabout Left 1st Exit
Marsh LaneEnd of Road Left onto Dual Carriageway
Northern By-Pass Road/North Way, A40Roundabout Ahead 3rd Exit
Eastern By-Pass Road, A41422nd Right at 2nd Traffic Lights
Horspath DriftwayRoundabout Left 1st Exit
Hollow Way3rd Left
James Wolfe Rd3rd Entrance on Right in to Driving Test Centre

Example 4

Driving Test CentreLeft
James Wolfe RoadEnd of Road Left
Hollow WayEnd of Road Right at Traffic Lights
Oxford RoadTraffic Lights Ahead then 4th Left
Littlehay RoadCrossroads Ahead
Cornwallis Road1st Left
Outram Road (Carry out Turn in Road Manoeuvre)End of Road Left
Cornwallis Road1st Left
Florence Park RoadEnd of Road Left
Church Cowley Road3rd Right at Traffic Lights
Crowell Road/Littlemore Road/Cowley RoadRoundabout Right 2nd Exit, Roundabout Left 1st Exit
Cowley RoadRoundabout Left 1st Exit
Sandford Road/Henley RoadRoundabout 2nd Exit
Henley RoadEnd of Road Left
A4074 Sandford Link RoadRoundabout Right 2nd Exit
Eastern By-Pass Road, A4142Roundabout Left 1st Exit
Oxford RoadImmediate Right
Newman RoadRoundabout 1st Exit
Cowley Road/Littlemore Road2nd Right
Bartholomew RoadRoundabout Left 1st Exit
Barns RoadRoundabout Right 2nd Exit
Between Towns RoadEnd of Road Right at Traffic Lights
Oxford RoadLeft at Traffic Lights
Hollow Way7th Right
James Wolfe Rd3rd Entrance on Right in to Driving Test Centre

After the practical test

After I pass my UK Practical Driving Test, how does The New Drivers Act affect me?

Under the New Drivers Act your driving licence will be revoked if you build up six or more penalty points within two years of passing your first driving test. You'll need to reapply for your driving licence as a learner driver and resit your driving test.

The following link will give you more information on this subject:

What are the new rules for towing trailers with a car or small vehicle from January 2013?

New driving licence rules will come into force on 19 January 2013, for drivers of cars and small vehicles (category B and BE) to tow trailers. The new rules will apply if you pass your test after that date. Find out how these changes could affect you.

EXISTING CAR OR SMALL VEHICLE DRIVERS

If you already have a licence to drive cars or small vehicles (category B and BE), you'll keep your entitlement to tow trailers. Your entitlement to tow trailers will stay as it was when you passed your driving test. To tow heavier trailers after 19 January 2013, you'll need to follow the rules for new drivers, below.

NEW DRIVERS FROM 19 JANUARY 2013

If you pass your test to drive cars or small vehicles up to 3,500 kilograms (kg) (category B) from 19 January 2013, you'll be able to tow:

  • light trailers weighing no more than 750 kg

  • trailers weighing more than 750 kg, where the combined weight of the towing vehicle (car or small vehicle) and the trailer is not more than 3,500 kg

Category BE
If your trailer weighs over 750 kg and the combined trailer and towing vehicle weight is more than 3,500 kg, you'll need to pass a further test. The trailer you tow must not be heavier than 3,500 kg. This test will be shown on your driving licence as category BE.

Category C1E
To tow a trailer weighing more than 3,500 kg with a car or small vehicle (category B), you'll need to pass a test for category C1E.

For more information please use the link below:

What changes were made to driving licence rules in Great Britain from January 2013?

Driving licence rules will be changing from 19 January 2013. There will be many new rules for motorcycles, cars towing trailers, buses and lorries. Find out more about these changes and how they could affect you as an existing or new driver by following the link below.

You can also find a great deal more information about driving licences using the following link, including; Your health and driving, Need a new or updated licence, Endorsements and disqualifications, What you can drive and your obligations, Driving in GB on a foreign licence, Caravans, trailers and commercial vehicles, Driving in other countries on a GB licence, etc.

More General Information about Driving

General Information

Driving on licences from all other countries, and students on a foreign licence

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY/EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EC/EEA) COUNTRIES

All drivers must comply with British minimum age requirements. These are 17 years for cars and motorcycles, 18 years for medium sized vehicles and 21 years for large lorries and buses.

DRIVING ON LICENCES FROM ALL OTHER COUNTRIES, AND STUDENTS ON A FOREIGN LICENCE

If you are a visitor, resident or student in Great Britain (GB) and still have a driving licence issued in the country you have come from, there are certain conditions that affect how long you can drive, and what you can drive in Great Britain.

 

Renewing your driving licence at 70 plus

Your driving licence entitlement will expire when you reach the age of 70 and if you want to continue to drive, the entitlement will need to be renewed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Your renewed licence will normally be valid for three years.

Apply online to change the address on your driving licence

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You can update your driving licence online or send it to DVLA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free of charge unless your photograph's due for renewal.

The Highway Code

Follow this link to reach the adapted online version from the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Highway Code.

Know your traffic signs

The Department for Transport's 'Know your traffic signs' booklet is now available on Directgov. You can go to an individual section for images and information on traffic signs, signals and road markings. Or, you can download the booklet in full, free of charge. Follow this link for more information: 

 

 

 

DRIVING ALONE

DRIVING ALONE

Even though statistics suggest that around 75% of UK motorists have been subjected to road rage at some time the actual risk of physical attack remains extremely low. However, this doesn't mean that lone drivers aren't nervous of driving when alone and they can suffer from a lack of confidence, concentration and increased levels of stress all of which potentially affect their driving and can endanger others around them.
Acknowledging the fear is a help in itself and can help to reduce the chances of it becoming a reality.

Lone driver's fears can usually be grouped into a few categories:

  • Vehicle Breakdowns

  • Car Parks and parking

  • Being followed (probably the biggest fears that lone drivers have)

The following actions can be taken in each of these areas in order to minimise the risk and, therefore, the fear:

AVOID OR MINIMISE BREAKDOWNS

  • Always carry a fully charged mobile phone, or have an in-car charger. (Remember the rules on using phones whilst driving)

  • Join a breakdown organisation - it really isn't that expensive and certainly gives you some 'peace of mind'

  • Have your car serviced regularly and carry out routine checks yourself on fuel, oil, coolant, windscreen washer, brake fluid levels, etc. (Breakdown companies attend over 50,000 call outs due to drivers running out of fuel)

SAFE PARKING

  • Choose well lit areas at night.

  • In multi-story car parks try to park on the ground floor, or near a lift if you can't. Keep away from pillars, corners and areas where someone could hide.

  • In open car parks try to park as close to the pedestrian exit as possible and keep away from shrubs, bushes and again anywhere else where someone could hide.

  • Reverse into the parking space means that you can drive forwards more easily if you feel in danger. (It really is easier than driving forwards into a parking space as well!!!). Practice makes perfect or we could teach you, in your car, in just one hour how to perfect it.

  • If returning to your car at night try to get someone to accompany you or if this is not possible, have your keys ready and check through the windows to see that no-one is hiding in the car before entering.

  • If someone does approach, and you're not sure of their intentions, lock the doors, start the engine and if necessary sound the horn.

BEING FOLLOWED

  • Try to keep calm. We know that this is easier said than done sometimes, but they are very unlikely to 'run you off the road' so you do have time to assess the situation.

  • Find out if you really are being followed or if it is just a co-incidence. If you know the area you could drive in a circle around a housing estate or if on unfamiliar roads you could simply drive round a roundabout twice or leave a motorway and re-join at the same junction.

  • If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or somewhere where there will be lots of people. You don't need to get out of the car, you can attract attention by flashing your lights or sounding your horn if necessary.

  • Do not drive faster to try and get away. You risk having an accident and becoming even more vulnerable.

  • Under safe conditions practice reading number plates backwards so that if you have to call the police you can give them important information about the vehicle. (Remember the rules on using phones whilst driving) If you are calling the police try to do so after stopping at a busy place rather than using your hands-free kit - it's safer.

  • Other drivers may gesture you to stop because there is a problem with your car - if this happens try to drive to a busy area and stop there. If the person approaches lock the doors and keep your windows closed. If they tell you what the problem is, and you have a phone, simply tell them that you will call for assistance. If you don't have a phone, ask them to call the police for you.

  • When help arrives always check their identification cards before exiting the vehicle.

  • If you are forced to stop by another vehicle stay in the car and lock the doors. You are safer in the car so don't try and run away. You can draw attention to yourself by flashing your lights and sounding your horn. Keep your engine running. If the person approaches drive your car away from them slowly and stop again. Repeat this if necessary as it lures them away from their vehicle and could give you enough time to get away. Use your phone, or pretend, if it's not working. Remember, if you do try to get away to do it in a controlled manner - don't risk crashing.

Useful Links

Gov.UK

The 'Motoring' section gives access to information on all your motoring needs including Learners and new drivers and riders; Driver licensing; Buying and selling a vehicle; Do it online; Owning a vehicle; Provisional Driving Licence applications; Theory and Practical test bookings; etc.

PASS PLUS

Pass Plus is a road safety initiative aimed at improving the skills of novice drivers. New drivers are more likely to have a crash in their first two years of driving than at any other time in their driving career. This is where Pass Plus comes in. After pupils pass their test they can pay for structured tuition from a registered Pass Plus instructor. Pupils reaching the required standard should be entitled to a substantial discount on their motor insurance premium from companies supporting the scheme.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

View driver information about medical conditions; driving licences; learning to drive; entitlement to drive; endorsements and disqualifications; driving abroad; what to do when you have changed your name or address; registering, taxing your car or applying for a refund; number plates and registration marks (including personalised registration numbers); importing and exporting vehicles; fighting vehicle crime and consumer advice on buying a used vehicle.

Department for Transport

Think! is a government strategy on road safety to make roads safer for everyone. Its key targets are to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road incidents. 

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