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At what age can I
start learning to drive a car?
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How do I apply for
my Provisional Driving License?
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What is the theory
test and how much does it cost?
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What does the
practical test consist of and how much does it cost?
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How do I book a
theory or practical test?
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What is Pass Plus
and why should I do it?
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.
Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring
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.
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.
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 manoeuvres; reversing 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.
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.
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.
Source: www.passplus.org.uk