Driving Test

THE DRIVING TEST.......................
You may apply for a driving test when you have passed your theory. The L-Driving Test is used to test your driving ability in a range of different situations from basic pulling away to dealing with dual carriageways and manoeuvres ( turn in the road, left or right reverse, parallel parking. The test is criterion referenced and means that the examiner marks you on his preset criteria. If you meet the criteria you pass, if you fail to meet the criteria you may fail.

When you arrive at the test centre with your instructor you should have with you your Provisional Licence and suitable ID if you don't have a photo licence and your theory test pass certificate. When the examiner shouts your name he asks you for your documents and asks you to read and sign an insurance declaration. You then go out to your car where he will stop you and ask you to read a number plate at 20.5 metres. If you read this correctly, you get into your car while he checks the car for legal tyres and tax.

You are requested to follow the road ahead at all times unless signs or markings tell you otherwise, then you will drive off. The test will last up to 45 minutes and will include two of the three manoeuvres. When you finish your test he/she will tell you how you have done and give some feedback on your drive.

You are marked at three levels of fault. A basic driving fault which by itself does not cause you to fail. However if you were to make more than 15 of these minor driving faults you would fail. You can fail on a serious fault which is usually related to driving in a particularly serious way that is technically wrong or could be potentially dangerous. The final type of fault is a dangerous fault (D), this type of fault normally causes some type of danger to yourself or another road user. This type of fault may also cause the examiner to intervene to prevent an accident. All being well and you pass the examiner will again ask to see your documents and proceed to fill in your pass certificate.

Remember when you get your pass certificate to send it off for your full driving licence as soon as possible.

TOP TEN TIPS..................
1. Check that your instructor has a green licence in the windscreen of the car,this indicates that they are fully qualified on the driving standards agency instructor register Part 3 (a pink licence indicates a trainee instructor who is not yet fully qualified).

2. Check that the instructor's car has dual controls and is in good condition.

3. When checking prices, don't assume cheapest is the best. Check out all the added value benefits, discounts for pre-payment, post-test tuition (motorway, pass plus). Check out how long a 'lesson' is. Some driving schools conduct lessons at less than one hour each.

4. Check that your driving school can help with the Theory Test. You'll have to pass this before you can take your Practical Test.

5. Make sure your instructor monitors your progress on the official syllabus.

6. Only buy a theory book that contains the OFFICIAL questions and answers.

7. Apply for your Theory Test as soon as you start your tuition.

8. Ask your instructor when to apply for your Practical Test (remember you'll need to pass your Theory Test first).

9. Get ready for your test by taking regular lessons with a quality instructor ( preferably two hours per week). Your instructor will advise you on how much tuition you should need.

10. Go for it!

PASS PLUS.........................
Pass Plus is a scheme backed by the Government's Driving Standards Agency and insurers to encourage newly qualified drivers to become better drivers. Pass Plus gives extra experience and positive driving skills that would otherwise take a long time to acquire.

Pass Plus consists of an additional course of six specially designed training sessions to follow on from a successful practical driving test. They cover driving in town, out of town, in all weather, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. When your instructor is satisfied with your performance you receive a certificate from the Driving Standards Agency. Pass Plus really works in helping to make newly qualified drivers safer and better drivers. Many insurers give a discount to people taking Pass Plus - equivalent to a one-year no claims bonus.

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

You can take Pass Plus within your first year of passing the practical driving test. Your Pass Plus instructor can provide more information on the scheme including the content of the training sessions and the small cost involved. The Pass Plus hotline telephone number for information is 0115 901 2633.

DID YOU KNOW?

As a new driver, you are more likely to have an accident in the first year after passing your test than at any other time in your motoring career. Per mile of driving, the risk of an accident involving injury or death is about seven times greater for 17-20 years old than for those aged 40 or over. Drivers under 21 are involved in 15% of all accident deaths. New drivers make up just 10% of licence holders, but are involved in 29% of accidents.

Be a better and safer driver by booking a Pass Plus course TODAY

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