Useful Information
I have collated this information from various sources based upon the questions I am commonly asked as an ADI.
How to apply for a driving licence
Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.
You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the current fee. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.
You can apply for your first British provisional driving licence online, click here.
When applying for your driving licence from the DVLA you should let them know if you have:
· any visual condition which affects both eyes (not including short or long sight or colour blindness)
· any visual condition which affects your sight, (not including short or long sight or colour blindness), for example, if you have sight in one eye only.
If you have had sight correction surgery you should declare this when you apply for your provisional licence.
Before the practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle. The distance requirement for the old-style number plate is 20.5 metres. The distance requirement for the eyesight test with the new-style number plate is 20 metres. New-style number plates were introduced on 1 September 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters ie AB51 ABC.
Who can supervise you?
If you want to practise your driving with an accompanying driver, the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years.
As a learner driver you must display 'L' plates in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.
How to book your theory and practical tests.
Booking online
To book a test online you will need:
· a valid UK driving licence
· a theory test certificate number (when booking a practical test)
· a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
Booking and managing a theory test
· To book a theory test click here.
· To check, change or cancel a theory test click here.
Booking and managing a practical test
· To book a practical test click here.
· To check, change or cancel a practical test click here.
Booking by phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you will need:
· a valid UK driving licence
· a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
To book a practical test with a Call Centre Agent over the phone you will need:
· a valid UK driving licence
· a theory test certificate number
· a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
You can book a practical test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Theory and Practical Test booking line -
0300 200 1122
Driving Test Fees
For up to date driving test fee information visit www.direct.gov.uk
New Drivers Act
This affects you if you first passed your driving test on or after 1 June, 1997.
If you reach six or more penalty points within two years of passing your driving test (ie during the probationary period), the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will automatically revoke your driving licence when notified by a court or fixed penalty office.
To regain your full licence you must then:
- obtain a provisional licence
- drive as a learner
- pass the theory and practical test again
Penalty points counting towards the total of six include any you incurred before passing the test, as long as the offence took place not more than three years before the latest penalty point offence.
Points imposed after the probationary period will also count if the offence was committed during that period. Passing the retest does not remove penalty points from your licence, and if the total reaches 12, you are liable to be disqualified by a court.
Theory Test
The pass mark for the Theory Test questions is now 43, and candidates have 57 minutes to complete this part of the test. In the Hazard Perception part of the test the pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75 points; there are 14 video clips with a total of 15 scorable hazards.
To practice your theory test online, click here.
