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FAQ

Do you have a question? We are always looking to add to our FAQ database, if you have any questions or suggestions
for our FAQ database please click here to fill out our contact form or email us at contact@a-stardriving.co.uk

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A-Star Driving is not responsible for the condition of these links or the information they provide


×         At what age can I start learning to drive a car?

×         How do I apply for my Provisional Driving License?

×         What is the theory test and how much does it cost?

×         What does the practical test consist of and how much does it cost?

×         How do I book a theory or practical test?

×         What is Pass Plus and why should I do it?


At what age can I start learning to drive a car?

Normally for a standard car, with a maximum authorised mass* (MAM) not exceeding 3500kg having not more than 8 passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg, the minimum age from which you can learn to drive is 17. However, if you are in receipt of disability living allowance at the higher rate you can start learning to drive when you are 16.

You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid. Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. However, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test.

Again, if you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate your provisional licence will come into effect when you are 16, but you can apply for it within three months of your 16th birthday.

For more information click here to visit the Directgov motoring website.

*The term maximum authorised mass (MAM), which is also known as gross weight and permissible maximum weight, is the maximum weight of the vehicle that may be used on the road including the maximum load the vehicle may safely carry.

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Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


How do I apply for my Provisional Driving License?

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. You can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car, moped or motorcycle using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service (click here to apply online). You can also apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £34.00 online or £43.00 by post. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD.

If you wish, we can help you to apply for your provisional license; all you need to do is supply us with your proof of identify documents. Please click here to fill out our contact form or email us at contact@a-stardriving.co.uk for more information.

Click here for details of acceptable proof of identity documents.
For more information click here to visit the Directgov motoring website.

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Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


What is the theory test and how much does it cost?

All new drivers must successfully pass the theory test before booking their practical driving test. The theory test composes of two parts; the first section is a series of multiple-choice questions and second is a sequence of short video clips design to measure your ‘hazard perception’. Both sections of the test are completed at a theory test centre (click here to find your nearest theory test centre). If you fail one section of the test, you fail the whole test and will have to retake the whole test.

Currently, the multiple-choice section is a series of 50 questions to be completed in 57 minutes. The current pass mark is 43 from 50 (86%).

Before progressing to the hazard perception section, you are entitled to a three-minute break (which you may skip if you so wish). The hazard perception section consists of a series of 14 video clips, which contain one or two potential driving hazards. You are required to identify these hazards by clicking your mouse as they develop. The maximum score on any single clip is five marks and the pass mark is currently set at 44 from a possible 75 (~59%). If you successfully pass your theory test, you will be issued with a theory test pass certificate, which is required to book a practical test.

Currently the fee for a theory test is set at £23.00.

As an A-Star student, you will receive expert personal guidance and tuition as well as multimedia and online resources to help you pass your theory test first time.

You can also take an official DSA practise theory test online.  Click here to take a practise test.

For more information click here to visit the Directgov motoring website.

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Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


What does the practical test consist of and how much does it cost?

During your practical driving test, the examiner will assess your ability to drive safely. The test will begin with an eyesight test, where you are required to read a standard number plate (issued after 1st September 2001) from 20 meters away or 20.5 meters for an older number plate (issued before 1st September 2001). If you require glasses or contact lenses you must wear these during your driving test and every time you drive. You will be allowed three attempts to read up to three different number plates; if you fail the eyesight test, then you are deemed to have failed your practical test.

Once you have successfully completed your eyesight test, the examiner will then ask you two vehicle safety questions (click here for a list of the questions and associated answers) more commonly known as ‘under the bonnet checks’. If you were to answer one or both questions incorrectly, then this results one driving fault begin recorded. You are allowed a maximum of 15 driving faults; however, committing one serious or dangerous fault results in a failed test.

After the vehicle safety questions, the driving part of your test will begin and last approximately 40 minutes. During the driving part you will be required to perform one of four possible manoeuvresreversing into a parking bay & driving out, driving into a parking bay & reversing out, reverse parking (parallel parking), Stopping on the right-hand side of the road the reversing & moving away safely. You may also be required to perform an emergency stop.

There is also an independent driving element of the test, which last approximately 20 mins, were you will be asked to follow a pre-programmed satellite navigation route or follow road signs for various destinations again, lasting approximately 20 mins.

The current test fee for a practical driving test is fixed at £62.00 for weekdays and £75.00 for evenings and weekends*.

Your A-Star Driving Instructor will ensure that you are fully prepared for your practical test and have all the required skills to confidently pass your test. If you happen to have failed your test, we offer remedial lessons to ensure you meet the required standard to pass next time.

The Driving Standards Agency encourages you to take someone with you on your driving test.  The person who goes with you will be able to see how you perform during the test.  They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail.  Your A-Star driving instructor will be more than happy to accompany you on your practical driving test if you wish.

*Please note that if you have been disqualified from driving and are required to take an extended practical test, then the extended practical test fee is currently set at £124.00 for weekdays and £150.00 for evenings and weekends.

Click here for more information from Directgov.

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Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


How do I book a theory or practical test?

You can book both theory and practical exams online, by telephone or by post. To book a theory test online or by phone you will need a valid [provisional] UK driving license and a valid debit or credit card for payment.

Click here to book your theory or practical tests online
To book your theory or practical test by phone call the DSA’s Booking line on 0300 200 1122*

Click here for more information from Directgov.

*8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday with the exception of public holidays for both theory and driving tests.

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Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring


What is Pass Plus and why should I do it?

Pass Plus is a training scheme for new drivers. It’s much more than just a few extra lessons. This specially designed course by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry, helps you gain valuable driving experience safely, build on your existing skills and knowledge, boost your confidence and save money on your car insurance.

The Pass Plus scheme involves a minimum of six hours tuition once you have passed your test. Pass Plus consists of six practical modules which cover driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. You can take it at any time within the first 12 month of passing your test. and there is no test at the end of it – your driving will be continually assessed by our Pass Plus qualified and registered instructor. If you require more than six hours tuition, this is not a problem, we cater for drivers of all abilities and experience.

For more information click here to visit the Pass Plus website.

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Source: www.passplus.org.uk