THE DRIVING TEST
BEFORE THE TEST
Your driving test will have been planned ahead, a timescale suitable for you which we will discuss. You can book it through the government website (follow link below) We will continue to monitor your progress leading up to test day, always keeping in mind the ability and choice to change the date if necessary. The date needs to be a sensible choice, making sure that the pupil is at the standard on test day cannot be underestimated. I will not allow pupils to book without my prior knowledge. Driving can be dangerous when a car is in the wrong hands, in the hands of a learner who simply isn’t ready. I WILL make sure you are ready for it both in mind and skill level. If I feel that at any point you will not be ready on time then I do reserve the right to say no and you must change the date. This generally does not happen and pupils are sensible, respecting my professional view and opinion.
On test day, as explained in The Lessons, we will have a lesson beforehand, for roughly an hour to 90 minutes. This is for you to get the feel of the car, relax a little and scrub up on any areas you may want to freshen up on. We will make sure you are not rushing around before your test. When I arrive to pick you up I will ask to see your licence, which you must bring with you or the test will not go ahead. I will also do another eyesight check. We will also clarify what we do once at the centre.
We should aim to arrive at the test centre no earlier than 10 minutes before your test time. If like Halifax, the test centre has a car park, we will park in a bay facing forward so you will not need to reverse out at the start of your test. In Huddersfield we just park on the side of the road facing downhill.
On test day, as explained in The Lessons, we will have a lesson beforehand, for roughly an hour to 90 minutes. This is for you to get the feel of the car, relax a little and scrub up on any areas you may want to freshen up on. We will make sure you are not rushing around before your test. When I arrive to pick you up I will ask to see your licence, which you must bring with you or the test will not go ahead. I will also do another eyesight check. We will also clarify what we do once at the centre.
We should aim to arrive at the test centre no earlier than 10 minutes before your test time. If like Halifax, the test centre has a car park, we will park in a bay facing forward so you will not need to reverse out at the start of your test. In Huddersfield we just park on the side of the road facing downhill.
THE TEST
The driving test lasts for around 40 minutes. The routes are designed with that length of time considered so no test route is any longer than any other. Other factors affect how long you are out.
Once parked up, we will go into the waiting room and wait for the examiner to enter and call your name. Toilet facilities are available. Whilst waiting it is important to have your licence ready. Try to relax. The examiner will call you and they will ask for your licence. They will scan it to make sure it a legal licence and check the photo against you for likeness. They will ask you to sign the declaration on the tablet (as it is now). It will be asking if you have lived in the country for the last 180 days and that the car is insured for the purpose of the test. (See Using your own car)
Once done, they will ask if you would like your instructor to join them on test. If not, they will ask if you would like them to listen in at the debrief at the end of the test. As you leave the waiting room they’ll ask how you’d like to be called and then they will take you to one side and ask you to read a number plate from a prescribed distance. This is 20.5m (67 feet). This is a legal requirement, if you unable to read it you will not be able to sit the driving test. Then, you both go to the car, they may ask you to open the bonnet for a show me, tell me question we will have practiced. They may ask you to get in, make yourself comfortable but not to turn on the engine. At this point, try to recap on your cockpit drill, making sure everything is correctly positioned.
Once parked up, we will go into the waiting room and wait for the examiner to enter and call your name. Toilet facilities are available. Whilst waiting it is important to have your licence ready. Try to relax. The examiner will call you and they will ask for your licence. They will scan it to make sure it a legal licence and check the photo against you for likeness. They will ask you to sign the declaration on the tablet (as it is now). It will be asking if you have lived in the country for the last 180 days and that the car is insured for the purpose of the test. (See Using your own car)
Once done, they will ask if you would like your instructor to join them on test. If not, they will ask if you would like them to listen in at the debrief at the end of the test. As you leave the waiting room they’ll ask how you’d like to be called and then they will take you to one side and ask you to read a number plate from a prescribed distance. This is 20.5m (67 feet). This is a legal requirement, if you unable to read it you will not be able to sit the driving test. Then, you both go to the car, they may ask you to open the bonnet for a show me, tell me question we will have practiced. They may ask you to get in, make yourself comfortable but not to turn on the engine. At this point, try to recap on your cockpit drill, making sure everything is correctly positioned.
Once in the car, the examiner will ask if you would like to know more about the test. They will set the sat nav on the dashboard for the independent driving and explain details and directions. Always ask in good time if you don’t understand anything.
The examiner is looking for competence and good decision making throughout. Are you a safe driver? You will be asked to complete a manoeuvre and maybe an Emergency Stop. You will have practiced these thoroughly. You should always try to stay focused and positive and any mistakes you think you have made along the way try to forget about and focus on the road ahead. Try not to relax as you near the end. The test isn’t over until you have parked up outside the test centre and turned off the engine. The examiner will finish off making any notes and then ask you again if you would like your instructor with you for the result and debrief. This is a good idea. Having another pair of ears listening to the result can prove vital if for instance you haven’t passed.
AFTER THE TEST
The examiner will send you a copy of the result by email. If you have passed, the examiner will ask you for your licence and use it to fill out your pass certificate. Legally, you will be able to drive straight away, although you need to make sure you have the correct insurance first. They will ask you if you would like them to send your licence off to the DVLA to get it exchanged for a new one. A pink full driving licence. Let them sort it for you. However, if you need the address changing you will need to do it yourself. I will then drive you home.
The test environment is different to lessons and pupils make mistakes. In the heat of the moment pupils can make decisions which can affect the result either way. If you haven’t passed we will then discuss the next course of action. It could be we rebook the test immediately and practice in the meantime. Time should never be an issue, though and driving is very serious and it should be deemed as a privilege to be able to do. If more time is needed then we will use it wisely.
If you have passed, then I will be over the moon, highly delighted in your achievements and then congratulated you. I will no doubt offer you the chance of a Pass Plus course (See Pass Plus) or a motorway lesson (See Motorway Lessons) as an extra skill to develop in the hands of an instructor.
If you have passed, then I will be over the moon, highly delighted in your achievements and then congratulated you. I will no doubt offer you the chance of a Pass Plus course (See Pass Plus) or a motorway lesson (See Motorway Lessons) as an extra skill to develop in the hands of an instructor.
USING YOUR OWN CAR
Some pupils take to practicing in their own car during their lessons. This is perfectly fine. They may decide to take the test in their own car. Some things you need to consider. Firstly, the car needs to be insured for the purpose of the test. You will need to get in touch with your insurance provider to ask. Certain vehicles are not suitable for a driving test. You will find a list of these rules and regulations on the government website (see the link below).
I will take some lessons with you in your car to see how you are. Like with mine, we will make sure you are ready of course, but something to think about. Examiners tend not to like private cars, they do not have dual controls fitted. I always think using an instructors car would be preferred unless absolutely necessary.
I will take some lessons with you in your car to see how you are. Like with mine, we will make sure you are ready of course, but something to think about. Examiners tend not to like private cars, they do not have dual controls fitted. I always think using an instructors car would be preferred unless absolutely necessary.
THEORY TEST
Follow the link below to book your theory test. It will include all other questions you may have regarding the tests and rules around them.
On the day of the test you will need to arrive at the test centre no later than 15 minutes before test time. You cannot arrive late as your time will have gone and you will lose your fee. You MUST bring with you your UK Photocard driving licence. Without it you will NOT be able to take your test and you will lose your fee.
The theory test has a total of 50 questions you need to answer and 57 minutes in which to complete it. You will need to reach a pass mark of 43 (86%). I would like pupils to not think of this as a score to reach but to surpass and aim for 50! You book the test through the website mentioned above. Do not go elsewhere to book, you may pay more for the service, even if they offer you a free second booking. It costs £23 to book your test and it must be paid when doing the initial booking.
The hazard perception test has a total of 75 marks. It is made up of 14 video clips. 13 of them have a maximum score of 5 and one clip has 2 hazards totalling 10, making the maximum of 75. You will need to score a pass mark of 44. Again, excel yourself and aim for 75! There are ways to lose marks in this by over clicking, clicking too soon or too late. You need to click on the developing hazard. This is a hazard which will either change your speed, direction or most likely both. Other hazards, such as static or weather hazards you will not get marked on.
You will be offered the chance to have a practice run through of the hazard perception test before the real thing. I would take it, it’ll give you the chance to take the edge off any nerves you have and get a better feel for it. And finally, you will need to pass both parts of the tests to pass it completely and receive your theory test certificate at the end. If you fail either the theory or hazard perception test you will need to rebook it again.
If you have any queries regarding the tests please by all means get in touch using the contact page and I will reply as soon as I can.
On the day of the test you will need to arrive at the test centre no later than 15 minutes before test time. You cannot arrive late as your time will have gone and you will lose your fee. You MUST bring with you your UK Photocard driving licence. Without it you will NOT be able to take your test and you will lose your fee.
The theory test has a total of 50 questions you need to answer and 57 minutes in which to complete it. You will need to reach a pass mark of 43 (86%). I would like pupils to not think of this as a score to reach but to surpass and aim for 50! You book the test through the website mentioned above. Do not go elsewhere to book, you may pay more for the service, even if they offer you a free second booking. It costs £23 to book your test and it must be paid when doing the initial booking.
The hazard perception test has a total of 75 marks. It is made up of 14 video clips. 13 of them have a maximum score of 5 and one clip has 2 hazards totalling 10, making the maximum of 75. You will need to score a pass mark of 44. Again, excel yourself and aim for 75! There are ways to lose marks in this by over clicking, clicking too soon or too late. You need to click on the developing hazard. This is a hazard which will either change your speed, direction or most likely both. Other hazards, such as static or weather hazards you will not get marked on.
You will be offered the chance to have a practice run through of the hazard perception test before the real thing. I would take it, it’ll give you the chance to take the edge off any nerves you have and get a better feel for it. And finally, you will need to pass both parts of the tests to pass it completely and receive your theory test certificate at the end. If you fail either the theory or hazard perception test you will need to rebook it again.
If you have any queries regarding the tests please by all means get in touch using the contact page and I will reply as soon as I can.
