GETTING STARTED

To start with you will need to apply for a provisional licence. You must complete the driving application form D1 which is available from most post offices or you can contact Arrow Driving Tuition.

The minimum age which you can legally drive on the public roads is 17. If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16.

The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus).

You must enclose original documentation confirming your identity.

Your eyesight must meet a minimum standard. You should have an eyesight check at least every two years.

You must not drive until you have received your provisional licence.

You are not allowed to drive on your own until you have passed your practical driving test.

THE DRIVING TEST IS NOW IN TWO PARTS – THEORY & PRACTICAL

THEORY TEST

The Theory test is made up of multiple choice questions and a computerised based hazard perception test.

Multiple Choice:

To pass you must answer 30 or more questions (out of 35) correctly within 40 minutes. Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 questions covering all driving topics.

Hazard Perception:

You will see a series of 14 one-minute clips (1 clip has 2 hazards), showing potential hazards involving road conditions, pedestrians or road users.

There are 15 hazards to identify and you can score up to five points on each one, depending on how you respond to them. The sooner you identify a hazard which would cause the driver to change speed or direction the higher your score. You need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass this test.

You need to pass both parts to be successful in the theory test.

You must pass your theory test before you are allowed to take your practical test.

You have 2 years from the date you pass your theory test to pass your practical test.

PRACTICAL TEST – A test of your driving ability.

On your practical test you have approximately 40 minutes to demonstrate everything you have learned in your driving lessons. You will need to show you can drive safely and know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving in all types of road and traffic conditions. The examiner will ask you to do two of three reversing manoeuvres and you may be asked to do the emergency stop.

Show Me Tell Me

You will be asked two vehicle safety check questions, one Show Me and one Tell Me. For a list of questions click here.

Eyesight Check

You must satisfy the examiner that in good daylight you can read a vehicle plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1”) high at a minimum distance of 20.5m (approx 67ft).

The new number plates introduced during 2001 with a narrower font should be read from a minimum distance of 20m (66ft).

If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, you must wear them during your test and whenever you drive.

If you fail your practical test but pass your theory test you need only sit the practical test next time.

You must pass both tests before you can apply for a full driving licence.