The Provisional Driving Licence

If you need a D1 provisional driving licence, then you can obtain an application form for it from the post office.

  1. You will need to fill in your details, include 2 passport size photos and the licence fee.
  2. Issue of the provisional driving licence usually takes 10 to 14 days.
  3. you may apply before your 17th birthday, but the licence will not be valid until you are 17.

Book Your Test

If you are ready to book your theory test and/or your practical driving test, then you can do so online at this government web site www.dsa.gov.uk

Be Prepared

The current NATIONAL pass rate is in the region of 40%. And for first time candidates, it's even lower!

These are the top ten reasons why people fail their test:

  1. OBSERVATIONS AT JUNCTIONS - observations and judgment
  2. REVERSE PARKING - ineffective observations, lack of accuracy
  3. USE OF MIRRORS - not checking or acting on information
  4. REVERSING AROUND A CORNER - ineffective observations or lack of accuracy
  5. INCORRECT USE OF SIGNALS - not canceling or giving misleading signals
  6. MOVING AWAY SAFELY - ineffective observations
  7. INCORRECT POSITIONING ON THE ROAD - at roundabouts or bends
  8. LACK OF STEERING CONTROL - steering to early or leaving too late
  9. INCORRECT POSITIONING TO TURN RIGHT- at junctions or one way streets
  10. INAPPROPRIATE SPEED - traveling too slowly or being hesitant

Therefore, take enough driving lessons and get lots of practice if you want to pass first time.

Tips for your Practical Driving Test

We would like to share with you some tips to make your practical driving test as painless as possible.

Mock Test

Make sure you are fully prepared for your Practical Driving Test. This can be done by doing a Mock Test. The mock test takes exactly the same format as the real thing and creates the feeling of being under exam conditions as your instructor could play the role of a DSA driving examiner. This is a great way to help you with any nerves you may have and to give you time to practice any weak points in your driving.

On The Day

Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the practical driving test and have all your documents ready. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, try not to be too nervous.

Documents to Take with You

You will need to take 3 documents with you:

  • Your signed provisional driving licence
  • Your theory test pass certificate
  • An acceptable document which contains your photograph and signature which can be any of the following:
    • your provisional licence (photo type)
    • a passport
    • photo-bearing version of cheque or credit card
    • work-place identity card
    • student or trades union membership card
    • card used to buy railway tickets, or
    • a school bus pass.

The Car Used for the Test

The car you use for the driving test must be fitted with the appropriate mirrors, headrests, L-plates, Tax, and must have the appropriate insurance.

The vehicle also needs to be in a clean and good working condition capable of normal performance for that type of vehicle.

The Test Itself

The Practical Driving Test lasts approximately 35 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. When you go to take your Practical or Theory Test, you will need to bring your driving licence or some other acceptable proof of identity that bears your name, photograph and signature.

You will be required to sign your test form, after which you will walk outside with the driving examiner and be given an eye sight test (by reading a number plate). You will then walk to the car where you will be asked two of the 'TELL ME SHOW ME' questions. If you are not using your driving instructor's car for the test, you will then need to bring a valid insurance certificate for the car you will be using.

The driving examiner will assess your ability to drive competently and safely, and will test you on most of the topics you should have covered in your driving lessons.

You will be required to drive along one of the test routes which are designed to be as uniform as possible and to include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. You will fail the test if you commit a serious or a dangerous fault during the test drive. You can also fail if you commit more than 15 driving faults altogether.