First you need to apply for a provisional drivers licence from the DVLA. Forms are available from the post office or you can order one on line from the DVLA web site.
You will also need to meet the minimum eye sight requirements which is wearing any glasses or contact lenses if necessary being able to read a new style number plate from a distance of 20 metres. You can also find out about any other medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive on the DVLA web site.
Once you have your provisional licence you then need to find a DSA Approved Driving Instructor(ADI). Fill in the contact form on this web site or call now to discuss your requirements. There is no obligation.
To obtain your full drivers licence you will be required to pass a theory test and a practical test.
Your first step is to find yourself a qualified Driving Instructor who can provide you with the best up to date advice and design a course of lessons that is appropriate for you. The theory test is comprised of two elements - The Multiple Choice element and the Hazard Perception element. You have to pass both parts at the same time. There are a variety of ways to study for this and your instructor is the best person to give you advice.
Once you have successfully passed your theory test then you can apply for your practical test. Be sure you are ready though to give you the best chance of first time success. A mock test is sometimes the best way to measure your test readiness.
On the day itself you will need to bring with you both parts of your provisional licence and your theory test pass certificate. Its also a good idea to bring along your appointment letter. At the end of the test the examiner will tell you straight away whether you have been successful or not.
If you have passed then the examiner will take your provisional licence off you and you will be sent your full licence in the post.
Good luck with learning to drive!!
There are many resources to help you study for your theory test. As a first step speak to a qualified driving instructor, they will be able to point you in the right direction. An absolute must for anybody learning to drive is to own and study an UP TO DATE copy of "The Highway Code". You can also use one of the many available DVD's on the market which provide a complete up to date solution. Any items used should include study material for both the Multiple Choice and the Hazard Perception elements of the test. Beware of buying second hand or borrowing study material it might not be up to date or contain the latest study material including questions based on case studies. If you are thinking about or are already learning to drive with Rodgers Driving Academy then go the Resources page of this web site where you will find two preferred ways of preparing for your theory test.
The Driving Standards Agency web site states that:
"Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training from a qualifed driving instructor combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and practice, do better in the test."
Based on previous experience with pupils I would agree with the DSA. Of course some pupils take to driving quicker than others so it might take more or less than 45 hours. If you have previous experience as a road user and/or have had driving lessons before then its quite possible you will be ready for your test sooner.
In the last few years we have seen a number of changes regarding learning to drive. The most recent being test candidates are now asked if they would like their instructor (or another observer – preferably the person who has taught them) to sit in on their test and listen to the feedback at the end.
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From 4 October 2010, learner drivers are tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test. During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. Candidates will be required to perform one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner.
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Watch this video to understand more about independent driving.
Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers, developed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge, it will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and can help you to become more confident on the roads Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules which include:
Driving in town
Driving in all weathers
Driving on rural roads
Driving at night
Driving on dual carriageways
Driving on motorways
Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.
At the end of the course you will receive a certificate to recognise that you have achieved the standard and you could qualify for a discount on your motor insurance.
If you are interested in completing the PassPlus course then complete the enquiry form.
I cover the Banbury, Brackley, Buckingham and Bicester areas (although if you live near to any of these areas you may want to give us a ring ‘just in case’). 'Choosy Learner' is a driving lessons comparison site designed to help you find a good quality driving instructor. Among other towns, 'Choosy Learner' covers driving lessons in Leicester and driving schools Leamington, along with Belfast, Cambridge, Preston, Sheffield and Birmingham.
