This must be booked, taken and passed before you can book your practical test.

The theory test has two parts; a multiple choice test and a hazard perception test. To gain your Theory Certificate you must pass both parts. There is alot of good help available for the multiple choice part: online tests, books etc, but there is no substitute for thoroughly reading the Highway Code - thats all of it!!! Similar help is available for the Hazard Perception part. I recommend the DVD from Focus Multimedia. This is available at many places e.g. supermarkets, Amazon. There are other useful sights for practice.

The National pass rate (all tests taken) is now 44%, so it is appropriate and cost effective that you are well prepared to pass first time.
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you can drive safely, know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.

What will the test include? The test will include a check on your Provisional Driving Licience and your theory certificate and an eyesight test. You will be asked to read a number plate at 20.5m so please ensure you wear your glasses. If you are unable to read the number plate the test will be terminated. After the eyesight test you will be asked 2 showme/tellme questions and then be examined on your general driving, including 2 manoeuvres and an optional(chosen by the examiner) emergency stop.

What happens during the test? During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You would normally drive for 35-40 minutes and should drive as you have been taught. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.You are allowed to take someone with you on the test. This person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test. An interpreter may only interpret!

Driving test standards All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required i.e you are safe, you will pass your driving test.

Weather conditions. The DSA does not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate, examiner and other road users. They will reschedule the test at no cost to the candidate.

                      If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you, you will have to take another test at your own cost.

Ready to take the Test? This is sometimes difficult to determine by the candidate, not so by your instructor. Simply speaking, if you can drive for 35-40mins without intervention, verbal or otherwise from your instructor and carry out your manouvres consistently well i.e. 3 times on the trot - you're ready. This would normally be confirmed by a successful Mock Test.

The examiner will take both parts of your old licence and arrange for your full licence to be sent to the address you have confirmed at the start of the test. You will get a "temporary Driving licience", a certificate to prove you passed your test. Every newly qualified driver must go through a probationary period of two years after passing their driving test. Your driving licence will be revoked (under the New Drivers Act) if you build up six penalty points within two years of passing your driving test. You’ll have to re-apply for a provisional licence and resit your driving test so please continue to drive to the high standards you showed during your driving Test.

The examiner will give you and your instructor feedback as to why and make suggestions for improvments.