Theory and practical tests
To hold a full licence you must pass both a theory test and a practical driving test.
Theory test
You may take your theory test from the age of 17 years (I have had some students who have passed on their 17th birthday!) and you have to pass this test before you can book your practical driving test.
To book a theory test online you will need a UK driving licence number and debit/credit card for payment. You can apply for your licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. Apply online for your provisional licence at Directgov.
The theory test itself consists of two sections, both of which must be passed on the same occasion:
- A series of multiple choice questions, which test your knowledge primarily of the Highway Code. You must answer correctly at least 43 out of 50.
- A hazard perception test, which tests your ability to identify as quickly as possible developing hazards on the video clips. You must score at least 44 out of 70.
Practical test
On the day of your test it is normal to have a short lesson before the test, to get you driving comfortably and to settle any last minute nerves.
Before the test begins the examiner will ask you two show/tell questions – we will cover these in plenty of time before your test.
The test itself lasts around 40 minutes and you will be asked to perform one of three manoeuvres (you will have plenty of time during your lessons to practise them):
- a reverse parking exercise (either a parallel park behind a parked car, or a bay reverse)
- a turn in the road (often referred to as a ‘three-point turn’)
- a left-hand reverse around a corner.
The examiner may also ask you to perform an emergency stop exercise. During a ten minute period you will also be asked to do some ‘independent driving’ – following road signs, or directions on a sketch plan, or a combination of both.
During the test the examiner will want you to drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions. You are allowed to make 15 driving (‘minor’) faults; you are not allowed to make a serious or a dangerous fault. We will discuss these more fully as you near test standard.
Before your test we will do lots of practise on the various elements of the test, including one or more ‘mock tests’, to help you get used to driving under test conditions.
‘The Official Driving Test’ book, published by The Stationery Office, sets out the full syllabus and explains the test in more detail.
