Take driving lessons
Pass your Theory Test
Pass Plus
You can apply for your provisional driving licence 3 months before of reach the age of 17. However, you cannot drive until your 17th birthday.
Alternatively, you can apply for your provisional driving licence via post by completing the D1 application form available from your local post office. The cost is £43.00.
We advise that as soon as you start your driving lessons you should start studying for your driving theory and hazard perception test.
The DVSA will normally send you your provisional driving licence within 3 weeks of receiving your application.
It is recommended that driving lessons should be taken with a qualified driving Instructor, they will help you to practice and prepare for the practical driving test. It is at this test where you need to show the examiner that you can drive safely without supervision on the roads.
Theory tests are taken at your local theory test centre using a computer touch screen.
The theory test is divided into two parts – multiple choice and hazard perception.
In order to pass the multiple choice part of the theory test you need to provide correct answers to at least 43 out of 50 multiple choice questions across a wide range of driving and road safety topics.
The hazard perception theory test involves watching 14 video clips, each about a minute long.
In order to pass the hazard perception part of the theory test you must identify hazards that require you to take action, for example changing speed or direction, the earlier the developing hazard is spotted the higher your score. Pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75, both parts must be passed at the same sitting.
Can you drive safely without supervision on the roads? This is what your practical test needs to show. Unless you have this ability, you will not pass your driving test. Do not be tempted to take your driving test before you are ready as you will just end up wasting your money and knocking your confidence.
Your Fifth Gear driving instructor will advise you when you are ready to book your driving test. When you do book your driving test, the DVSA will send you an email confirmation outlining all the details. On the day of your driving test, you will need to bring your provisional driving licence and your theory test certificate.
The Practical driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes and is conducted by a DVSA examiner at your local driving test centre. You will be asked to read a car number plate from a distance, then answer two questions relating to car safety and maintenance known as Show & Tell. The examiner will then take you out on one of a number of driving test routes and he/she will assess your driving ability, competence, and safety. If you commit either a dangerous, serious or more than 15 minor driving faults this will result in a fail.
To maximise your chances of passing your practical driving test first time, your Fifth Gear driving instructor will arrange a number of mock tests prior to your practical driving test to ensure that you are as ready as possible to pass your driving test.
When you pass your driving test your examiner will give you a test pass certificate and ask you to hand over your provisional driving licence so he/she can arrange for it to be exchanged for a full licence which you will receive in the post directly from the DVLA.
Firstly, congratulations on passing your driving test.
Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their driving test due to a lack of driving experience - this is where Pass Plus comes in!
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers, designed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge, it will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and can help you to become a more confident driver on the roads.
Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules which include:
The course will take a minimum of six hours, if more sessions are needed for you to successfully complete the course, this may add to the cost. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course, but you will be continually assessed.
When you have successfully completed the course, you are advised to check available discounts offered by the various car insurance companies taking part in the scheme. The amount you save will depend on the company you choose you may even save more than you paid for the course.New paragraph