NEWS: The driving test is changing in 2010, click here for the latest news.

The driving test is a safety test conducted by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency). They will assess you in your driving to make sure you're a safe driver and not a danger to yourself or anybody else on the road! The driving test used to be something to be feared with strict, stern examiners taking candidates out on the hardest test routes. But now examiners, old and new are fully trained in friendly customer service skills including how to deal with nervous candidates. Which makes the whole driving test a much more positive experience.

You would of needed to of passed both the theory and hazard perception test before you can apply for the practical test. The waiting time for a practical test can be long, especially in London. Only book it when you feel ready. Some test centres operate Saturday and Sunday tests and in the summer, evening tests at an extra cost.

  Important facts about the driving test:  

FACT 1.
Against popular belief, examiners do not have a quota for test passes or fails. If you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your test.

FACT 2.
Your instructor or a friend can come along on the test, but they must not interfere in any way.

FACT 3.
Female candidates taking the theory driving test have a better pass rate than males and the male candidates have a better pass rate than females on the practical test.

FACT 4.
The test takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

FACT 5.
Your examiner will want you to drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions. You will be given directions clearly and in good time

"Only book it when you feel ready"

and asked to carry out set manoeuvres. Your examiner wants you to do well and will try to put you at your ease. She or he won't say very much whilst you are driving though because it may distract you.

FACT 6.
Drive in the way that you have been taught. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, concentrate on whats coming up next on your test. It might be a minor mistake and may not affect your end result. You are allowed a maximum of 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous. Your examiner  will be looking for an overall safe standard. You won't fail for one minor mistake.

More information:  Book your driving test online: www.direct.gov.uk Phone:              0300 200 1122  List of local test centre's in south east London can be found here.  Book driving lessons Phone:        07940 114260   0208 650 6153

 

So, what will the test include?        The test is in three parts... 1. The eyesight test (Reading a number plate from 20.5 metre's). 2. One show me and one tell me question. 3. General driving, including two of the following: Reversing around a corner Turning in the road Reverse parking , maybe bay parking . You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. At the end of the test, whatever the outcome, your examiner will give you feedback on how you drove. If any questions, nows the time to ask!

But how do you know if you're ready to take it?                                        

The DSA recommend around 40 hours of driving lessons plus plenty of private practice to make sure you're ready and consistantly getting it right without any help. But everyone learns at different speed's, some people take less lessons and some take more. Don't take the test just for the 'experience', it will be a waste of time, money and a big disappointment. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready to take the test, helping you become a safe driver and get you up to test standard as quickly and safely as possible.

 

On your driving test day don't forget to bring with you...

 

Both parts of your provisional license (paper part and plastic card), theory test certificate and your driving test appointment letter. If you don't have the new style photocard license then bring some other proof of identity such as your passport. Forgetting something could result in your test being cancelled!

 

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Passing the driving test means you can wave goodbye to waiting for public  transport in the rain and relying on other people, so get booking your driving lessons and get started! Providing you have a provisional license then simply phone 07940 114260 or 0208 650 6153. Our driving school covers most of south east London. You could be starting tomorrow and only have to pay for your driving lessons once your driving instructor arrives at your door!

 

Finding a good driving school is difficult, find out here why you've just discovered one of the best ones...  (click)

Refresher driving lessons are getting more and more popular, find out more about it here...     (click)

Intensive lessons for people wanting to learn to drive quick. Click here to find out if you're up for it...      (click)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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