Having a driving licence and owning your own car is the gateway to independence and freedom. Or so the common consensus goes.
With public transport costs rising in line with swelling user numbers, many people, especially the young are seeking to take advantage of the freedom and mobility that driving a car can give.
Still, learning how to drive, passing your theory test and then the dreaded practical test is no easy task with knowledge of the Highway Code, attitude and vehicle skills all being vigorously assessed.
Getting The Provisional Licence
The first step towards entry into the kingdom of motorcars is obtaining a provisional licence (in the UK at least).
Use form number D1 from any UK Post Office to apply for a provisional licence which, incidentally, is issued in the form of a two-part document, that is, a photo card and paper counterpart.
Pricey, yet essential, take care when completing the forms, never forgetting that proof of identity, such as a passport is inimical.
Learning the Highway Code
With the provisional sitting comfortably on the shelf, the next stage is learning the Highway Code in preparation for the Theory Test and the Hazard Perception Test.
Get the thinking caps on and start revising as it shall and indeed is essential reading for all drivers, especially those who are learning to drive.
A good book will provide learners with a comprehensive outline of the said country’s Highway Code, in addition to the 900 plus questions which may appear on the Theory Test. DVD ROMs and CDs such as Driving Test Success should also be used.
Apply For and Pass the Theory/Hazard Perception Test
In the UK, the driving test comes in two parts, the Theory Test and the Practical Test.
Once the provisional licence has been obtained and revision has been comprehensive, apply for the Theory Test.
The Test itself comes in two forms – the multiple choice and hazard perception. The pass mark for the multiple choice element of the test in the UK is 43/50 and the questions include a cornucopia of topics ranging from:
- Driver alertness.
- Driver attitudes whilst in the car.
- Vehicle safety.
- Hazard awareness.
- Observing vulnerable road users.
- Awareness of other types of vehicles.
- Vehicle handling.
- Motorway rules.
- Rules of the road.
- Road and Traffic Signs.
- Legal vehicle Documents.
- Accidents and First-Aid.
- Vehicle Loading.
The Hazard Perception Test
The Hazard Perception Test involves watching 14 real life driving clips which will bring up one hazard (one clip will showcase two hazards), from which the examinee will have to click the mouse in quick time when the hazard presents itself.
The pass mark for the Hazard Perception element is 44/75 and both must be passed together or else another £31 will have to be forked out to redo the test. For UK residents, the test can be booked online at www.dsa.gov.uk, or via the telephone.
Learn How to Drive
One of the most humorous stories to light up any dinner party is recalling a person’s memories, or pitiful attempts at first learning how to drive.
From non-stop stalling, to tortoise-like speeds, impatient experienced drivers beeping crazily behind and catatonic instructors pensively watching on, learning how to first drive is daunting stuff.
Get an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), who may charge between £20-£25 an-hour, book in blocks or for individual lessons and be patient.
It may well take approximately 30 lessons and over £200 before being up to test standards, although for some it is lower.
If possible try to get as much private tuition with a family friend in a car which is insured, road-worthy and handable. For example, a learner driver should avoid a 3.2 litre Golf R32 Turbo for sensibility sake!
Apply For and Pass the Practical Test
In the UK only 42% of people pass their driving test. Mistakes such as inappropriate speed, lack of mirror use and unsafe lane changing are big no-nos come test day.
Book the test in advance to avoid the very long queues and practise intensely right up until test day. The UK test costs £62 and also includes one reverse manoeuvre, in addition to the 10 minute Independent Driving section.
Your tutor can sit in the back of the car during the test as he provides the vehicle which you practiced in.
A range of documents are also needed come test day as are calm nerves because 15 minors, or 1 major, dangerous or serious fault will spell failure.
On the day of the test, all the skills learnt during practice need to be axiomatic as the examiner (and they are usually harsh) needs to be proven that you are safe enough of a driver to be awarded a full licence. Good luck!
Readers can enhance their learning by scouring driving-test success.com.
Readers are also strongly recommended to read the following:
- AA., (2004) Theory Test: The Official Questions & Answers And The Highway Code, (AA Publishing).
- BSM., (1996) Pass Your Driving Theory Test, (The British School of Motoring Ltd).
Join the Conversation