Before you learn to drive with Nayland Driving School, you will need a provisional driving licence. If you don’t already have one, then you can follow the links below to apply for one. The process of getting your driving licence comes with two tests: a driving theory test and a practical driving test.
What is required of you to pass these tests can be found on this page, so you can be sure that you have all the information you need. If you have any more questions about the tests, please check out our FAQs or contact us.
How to Get Your Provisional Licence
Let’s start at the very beginning. Before you can get started on your practical driving lessons, you need to gain a provisional licence. The form needed is the “D1”, which will be available at your local post office. You will need to fill this out correctly and send it to the DVLA, along with two suitable passport photos.
You can apply for a provisional licence online at the DirectGov web site here.
You can learn to drive when you are:
– 17, if you want to drive a car
– 16, if you want to ride a moped or light quad bike.
Once you have a provisional licence, you will be able to book your first lesson! We are a leading driving school with a great first-time pass rate and would be delighted to help guide you to success. We’ll be on hand with useful driving test information and advice at every stage, both during your lessons and here on our site.
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About your Theory Test
Your theory test will take place at a local centre, and when you arrive on the day to take the test, you will be checked in and then provided with your own private booth with a computer to complete the test.
The test consists of two parts; you will need to pass both parts in order to be successful.
Section 1: Multiple choice questions and answers
Section 2: Hazard perception, this is based on 14 video clips. Each clip is a minute long. Your job is simply to click the mouse when you see a hazard. Depending on how soon you spot it you could score anything from 0 to 5 points. This test must be passed before you can apply for your practical test.
Once you have passed the theory test it is valid for 2 years. If your practical test has not been passed within this time, you will need to repeat the theory test.
To book your driving theory test, please visit this website: https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test.
BOOK LESSONPractical Driving Test Advice
So well done, you’ve passed your theory test, you’re now ready to take your final step to gaining your full driving licence! Your practical test might be just around the corner or a little way away; you and your instructor will work together to decide when you are ready. Once you have booked your test, it’s all a matter of preparation! Here is the practical driving test advice we give to all of our learners:
On the day you MUST remember:
Your e-mail confirming the date and time of your test.
Your photo card licence.
Theory test certificate.
Failure to remember all of these things could result in you not being able to take your test. Waiting times for tests can be long right now, so you don’t want to have to book another one. Plus, you’ll have to pay for it all over again! So do take a moment to make sure that you have everything you need.
During your test
At the start of the test the examiner will give you an eyesight test. If you fail this, then the practical test will not continue.
Next, your driving examiner will ask you one of your vehicle safety questions, and the other question will be out on the road. These are also known as “show me/tell me questions”. Just follow that link to see what you can expect.
Then you will go on a drive of approximately 40 minutes. The drive will also incorporate one of the following manoeuvres:
Forward bay park.
Reverse parallel park.
Reverse bay park.
Pulling over on the right of the road and reverse safely.
There is also a 1 in 7 chance of having to do an emergency stop.
As part of the test, you will also have to drive using a sat nav, or drive independently for approximately 20 minutes.
Independent Drive
As part of the test, you will also have to drive using a sat nav or drive independently. The other possibility is that you are asked to follow the road signs to a specific place, such as Mersea, for example.
Remember, you cannot fail for going the wrong way, as long as it is done safely. This is not a driving fault, so do not panic if you do so. Just carry on driving safely and do not become distracted by what is just a common mistake and not one you can be penalised for.
Faults
On your drive, the examiner will record any faults that they observe. You are allowed a maximum of 15 minor driving faults. No serious or dangerous faults are acceptable, and this will result in an automatic fail. You will not be told your result until the end of the test back at the test centre.
To book your practical driving test, please visit this website: https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test.
Talk to Us
To find out more about learning to drive and the steps you need to take to gain your licence, get in touch with the team today! We are here to give you all the driving test information you need and book you in for your very first lesson with one of our experienced instructors. So what are you waiting for?
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