What you need to know about learning to drive:
Learning to drive can be a scary thought - so what do you need to know before you
begin? Firstly, you need to be at least 17 years old (unless you receive the higher
rate disability allowance, then you can start at 16), you will also need to send
off for your provisional licence - just pick up a form D1 from the Post Office, fill
it in and send it to the DVLA along with a passport sized photo and fee (currently
£45) and in about 2 weeks you will have your licence - this comes in 2 parts - a
plastic photocard and a paper counterpart - it is very important that you don't loose
either part as you will be unable to take your test without both parts!
Next you will need to choose a driving instructor - whoever you chose, if they are
taking payment they should be registered with the Driving Standards Agency as either
a fully qualified driving instructor (ADI - displaying a green hexagonal badge) or
a trainee instructor (PDI - displaying a pink triangular badge).
How many lessons are you likely to need? This is very difficult to answer as everyone
is very different! The DSA figures suggest that the average person will require in
excess of 45 hours professional tuition plus an additional 22 hours private practice,
however please remember that these are "average" figures - you may need significantly
fewer hours or you could require a lot more, just bear in mind that learning to drive
is a life skill, and the goal is to not only pass your test, but become a safe and
considerate driver!
Before you can book your practical driving test you are required to take the DSA
Theory & Hazard Perception Tests - You sit both of these together and must achieve
the required pass mark in both parts to pass and get your Theory Certificate. The
Theory test comprises 50 questions and you must answer at least 44 correctly to pass
and the Hazard Perception test comprises 14 video clips and you are marked for "clicking"
the mouse as soon as possible after spotting the potential/developing hazard.
Your instructor will advise you when your driving has reached the standard required
in order for you to book your Practical Driving Test The test will last for approximately
40 minutes, during which time you will be expected to demonstrate that you can drive
in a variety of conditions, safely and under control and also carry out two out of
the following manoeuvres - Parallel Park, Left Reverse, Turn in the Road or Bay Park,
in addition about 1 in 3 candidates are asked to perform the Emergency Stop. At the
end of the test your examiner will advise you if you have passed or failed, either
way he will advise you of any Minor faults which he has marked against you (You can
accrue up to 15 minor faults and still pass!) You must not obtain any Serious or
Dangerous faults whatsoever though!
Once you have passed your Practical Driving test you are free to drive wherever you
like! However, you are still likely to be very inexperienced and I would highly recommend
that you consider taking the Pass Plus course. This is a minimum of 6 hours additional
training (you can continue driving whilst taking this course) - there is no test
at the end - just an assessment by your instructor. Modules cover subjects such as
Motorway driving, night driving and weather conditions. On completion you will be
sent a certificate, which could enable you to get a discount on your insurance premium
of as much as 30% (ask your insurance company if they participate in the scheme).
In addition, and probably more importantly statistically people who take Pass Plus
are less likely to be involved in an accident.
* all prices correct as at June 2008
T. 07951 602220
E. smiledrivingschool@hotmail.co.uk
©Smile Driving School
2010
