Learning to Drive Basics
There are a number of things you should be aware of before you begin learning to drive, and here we’ve got all the information and advice you need to get you started, from age limits to details about theory and practical tests.
In the UK the minimum age for holding a provisional licence is 17-years-old, and you will need to be in possession of this licence before you can start taking lessons. You can apply for a provisional licence up to two months before your 17th birthday but you cannot go out on the open road until your birthday. In addition, any car you drive before passing your test must display L-plates at the front and rear.
If you want to ride a moped then you can apply for a provisional moped licence when you are 16-years-old but you have to pass the CBT test before you can drive on the road. Alternatively, if you want to learn to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a bus or coach (PCV) you must be over 21 years of age and hold a full driving licence for a car.
To get a full driving licence for a car, you must pass two separate tests, a theory test and a practical test, and below we outline the facts you should know about them both.
Theory Test
The theory test has 35 questions in two sections; a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception section. The multiple choice questions cover a range of driving issues, including alertness, attitude, safety and your vehicle, safety margins, hazard awareness, vulnerable road users, motorway rules, rules of the road, traffic signs, and accidents. A score of 30 or more is needed to pass the theory test.
Many people worry about taking their theory test but you should remember that it is designed to test your knowledge, not trick you; so many questions are based on common sense. With a little preparation and practice you should pass your theory test with flying colours.
Practical Test
More than one million people fail the practical driving test each year, so if you don’t pass first time don’t worry about it, you’re not the only one! You should only book your test when both and your instructor feel that you are ready to take it, so there is a good chance that you’ll pass.
On the day of the test you’ll first meet the examiner at the test centre, who will ask for three documents: your signed provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate, and photo identification, such as a passport. Next you will accompany the examiner outside, where you'll be asked to read a number plate from 67 feet away. If you cannot do this, your test ends there, so make sure to have your glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
From here you will get into the car and the examiner will briefly explain how the test works, and then you can start the car and move away. The test lasts for around 40 minutes, and during that time you will be asked to perform two or three manoeuvres, and maybe an emergency stop. You may also be asked to demonstrate a hill start and an angled start.
You are allowed some minor driving faults, which are errors that do not create a danger for other road users, but if you make 16 or more of these mistakes, you will fail. You will also fail if you make a serious error, so take care and concentrate throughout the test.
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