TESTS
DVSA Theory
1.
Multiple-choice questions
In the first part of the test you will have around an hour to answer 50 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 43 or more. You will be presented with one question at a time, and can navigate forwards and backwards, until you are happy with all your answers. To answer a question you must select the option using the touch-screen. There is a 15min practice session so you can get used to the system.
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2.
Hazard Perception - a video test about spotting hazards on the road.
The hazard perception part of the test follows the multiple choice part, after a short break. The test consists of 14 video clips, about a minute each, showing a variety of driving situations from the driver's point of view. You are assessed on how quickly you spot 'developing hazards', by clicking the mouse as soon as you see them. In 13 of the clips there is one developing hazard, and in 1 (random) clip there are two developing hazards, but you can click several times for each video. A developing hazard is something that would cause the driver to change speed or direction, e.g. cars pulling out of driveways, cyclists turning, and pedestrians crossing. The best way to improve your hazard perception is to practice whenever you are in the car - try spotting hazards as either the driver or passenger.
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THE OFFICIAL HIGHWAY CODE
All the official rules for any road user
THE OFFICIAL
DVSA THEORY TEST FOR CAR DRIVERS
Includes the entire theory test question bank, including full explanations of the answers. Some editions include the Highway Code.
KNOW YOUR TRAFFIC SIGNS
All the most common road signs and markings you may encounter, including those you need to know for your theory test.
THE OFFICIAL DVSA GUIDE TO DRIVING: the Essential skills
A comprehensive driving manual from the DVSA, covering all the subjects you need to know for your test, and safe driving for life.
Practical
1.
The test will take place in the driving school car. On the day of the test, I will collect you at least an hour before your scheduled appointment, giving us plenty of time to get to the test centre and go over any questions you have. Around 10mins before your appointment time we will park at the test centre and enter the waiting room. The examiner will introduce themselves, and will ask to see your driving licence (both parts), and possibly your theory test certificate and booking confirmation.
2.
The test will begin in the car park with an eyesight check - you will be asked to read a number plate from around 20m. You will then be asked two safety questions about the car - your instructor will have fully prepared you on these.
3.
After getting in the car, you will be asked to move off and follow the directions given by the examiner. The driving part of the test will last around 40mins, starting and finishing in the test centre car park, and will include one reversing manoeuvre and a range of road and traffic conditions. It's important that you drive as you normally would. You can make up to 15 driving mistakes and still pass the test. However, if you make a serious or dangerous mistake you will fail (but the test is likely to continue).
4.
You are allowed to take anybody over the age of 16 with you on the test, but they must not interfere with the test in any way. It is often helpful to have the instructor in the car, so if you don't pass the test this time it is easier to work on the necessary improvements - however, this is entirely up to you on the day.
5.
At the end of the test, the examiner will spend a moment evaluating the result of the test. You will then be informed whether you have passed on this occasion.
6.
If you have passed you will be given a pass certificate. The examiner can arrange for your new licence to be sent to you automatically.
7.
If you are unsuccessful, you (and the instructor) should listen to the debrief given by the examiner so you know which areas need more work. You can take another practical test a minimum of 10 working days later.
You must usually have passed your theory test before booking a practical driving test; however, you don’t need a theory test to book a:
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tractor test
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test to upgrade from automatic to manual
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test to progress through the motorcycle categories (progressive access)
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car and trailer test
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lorry and trailer test
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bus and trailer test
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large lorry test, when you’ve got a medium lorry licence
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large bus test, when you’ve got a medium bus licence
When you are approaching the required standard I will advise you on how to make a test booking with the DVSA, taking into account the current waiting time (normally around 6-8 weeks). The current price for practical tests is £62. The test centres we would normally use are Portsmouth, Farnborough, Chichester and Guildford.
See below for a video explaining the practical test.
In the UK on average, successful pupils have had 47hrs of lessons with an approved driving instructor and 20hrs private driving practise, however, this can vary greatly between pupils.
In order to book your theory test you must have your provisional driving licence. The current cost is £23 and you can book your test on the DVSA online booking system. Most pupils study for the theory test in their own time, though I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding either part of the test.
There are 2 parts to the theory test and you must pass both on the same attempt:
CPC
To drive a lorry, bus or coach professionally as the main part of your job, you need to obtain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Initially, you usually need to pass 4 tests (2 CPC) to get ‘upgrade’ your licence, unless you have ‘acquired rights’ because of your existing driving experience.
You don’t need the full Driver CPC if you:
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don’t want to drive for a living, for example you want to drive for a hobby or carry passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use
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drive in certain other situations, such as taking your vehicle for a pre-booked annual test (MOT)
You still need to pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests of the qualification.
How to get and keep the full Driver CPC
Apply for a provisional lorry or bus licence.
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Pass the 4 tests that make up Driver CPC to qualify.
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Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.
You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every 5 years, and every year when you reach 65.
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Below are some useful videos to help you study for your CPC mod 4 test.
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OTHER VEHICLES
If you wish to take any of the motorcycle tests including CBT, we would recommend training with Excelerate, which can offer guidance on all aspects of training, clothing and bikes; your test would normally take place at Farnborough test centre.
If you require a coach or tractor licence, please text to find out fees and further information.