Provisional and Tests

Provisional License

Before the fun can begin you will need to apply for your provisional license. You can do this 3 months before your 16th birthday. However it is not valid until you turn 17. Below is the link you need to apply.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

Theory Test

Once you have your provisional license and you are 17 you can start to learn to drive. Before you can take your practical driving test you must pass your theory test. There are 2 parts to the test which you must pass both on a single test:

  1. Multiple-choice question – you must get 43 out of 50 to pass.
  2. Hazard Perception – 14 videos which show *developing hazards which you have to spot. Each clip has one developing hazard but one video has two developing hazards. You must get 44 out of 75 to pass.

*A developing hazard is something that will cause you to change your cause of action, for example your speed or direction.

Find your nearest theory test center

https://www.gov.uk/find-theory-test-centre

Book your theory test:

https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

Practical Test

Once you have got your theory test certificate now you are ready to book your practical test.

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

  • An eyesight check – to read a registration which is 20 meters away.
  • ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ vehicle safety questions
  • General driving ability – various roads from junctions, to roundabouts, residential areas to country lanes and dual caraways.
  • Reversing your vehicle – Parallel park, reversing into a parking bay, driving into a parking bay then reversing out, or to park on the right-hand side then reverse 2 car lengths then join the traffic.
  • Independent driving for 20 minutes – following sign and or directions or a Sat Nav

The practical driving test last 40 minutes.

You can make up to 15 minor driving faults, 16 or more will result in a failure. If you keep making the same fault more than 3 times (e.g. not using your mirrors) then this will result in a failure. Any serious or dangerous faults will result as a fail.

Find your nearest practical test center:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/fyn/practical.php

Book your practical test:

https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

Derby (Alvaston) Practical Test Centre

 Off Belmore Way

Alvaston

Derby

DE21 7AY