Getting Started
Before you start your driving lessons
Provisional Licence
Before you can start your driving lessons you need to have a provisional driving licence. If you do not have one you will need to apply for one from the DVLA. You can apply up to three months before your seventeenth birthday (but it will not become valid until you are seventeen). You can obtain a provisional driving licence application form from your local post office or you can apply online.
Theory TestYou can apply online if you are a resident of Great Britain, can meet the minimum age requirement, can meet the minimum eyesight requirement, and are currently not prevented from driving for any reason. You must pay £50.00 by debit or credit card, have a valid UK passport or another form of identity and can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years.
For your security and protection, during your online application, DVLA will carry out identity checks. This may require you to print, fill in and send a completion form by post and enclose a photograph. In certain circumstances a form of identification is also required.
Although you can start your driving lessons as soon as your provisional driving licence becomes valid, you cannot book the driving test until you have passed the theory test.
You should be able to book your theory test within two or three weeks and you will receive your test results on the day of the test.
To book a theory test you will need a valid GB provisional driving licence number; and a debit or credit card for payment. You can book your theory test to take place on or shortly after your seventeenth birthday provided you have a provisional driving licence.
About the Theory / Hazard Perception Test
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part.
The Multiple Choice A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. You will be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50 (86%).
Hazard.Perception The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature everyday road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75 (59%).
You need to pass both parts at the same time to pass the theory test.
Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.
Practical Driving Test
Provided you have a valid provisional driving licence you can start your driving lessons.
You can start driving before you take your theory test. This allows you to combine your theory study with the early part of your driving course. This gives you the added advantage of being able to consult me on any matter relating to your study for the Theory Test. Once you have passed your theory test we can book your driving test and schedule the remaining part of your driving lessons. Practical Driving Tests can be booked online.
To use this online service you will need the following information: A valid GB driving licence number; Surname and Date of Birth; Theory Test Pass Date and Certificate number; Debit or Credit card.
The waiting time for a driving test is (approx) Falkirk 5 weeks. Earlier dates are sometimes available through test appointment cancellations.
From the above you can see that learning to drive can be achieved quickly. However, it is important to book your course in advance to ensure you get the desired lessons and test dates you want. I can advise and assist you in choosing the right training course.