Information About Passing Your Driving Test


Provisional Driving Licence


If you are under 17 you can still apply for a provisional driving licence, but it wont come into effect until your 17th birthday.


You can apply for a provisional driving licence by filling out a D1 Application Form at your local DVLA or Post Office. If you own a credit card and passport, you can apply online instead! www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence.


Licenses are normally sent within 10 days, but they can take up to 3 weeks to arrive.


The Theory Driving Test


You must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical driving test.


The theory test is made up of two parts:


A Multiple choice exam using a computer touch-screen (50 questions in 57 minutes).


“Hazard perception”, where a series of driving hazards are shown as video clips on a computer screen. You respond by clicking the mouse on the hazard (the pass mark is 44 out of 75, you get up to 5 points per hazard). www.gov.uk/book-theory-test


The Practical Driving Test


The driving test starts with an eyesight test; you must read a number plate from about 20 metres.


You will then be asked a couple of vehicle safety questions (such as, “show me how you would check the horn is working”).


Your test will last approx 40 min which will include approx 20 min of independent driving following directions from the driving examiner or following the sat nav.


You can book a practical test by visiting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) website here.


After you Pass your Practical Driving Test


Once you pass, your driving test you will need to exchange your test pass certificate and provisional driving licence for a full driving licence within two years.


Full licenses normally take up to 3 weeks to arrive.


Insurance is quite high for new drivers, this can be reduced by taking a Pass Plus Course. Many insurance companies offer discounts for those who complete the scheme and you may end up saving more than you paid for the course.


For more info on Pass Plus, check out the official Pass Plus website.

Driving Lessons & Intensive Driving Courses


Call Rainbow Driving now on 07712 105 027, or simply email your enquiry.