FAQ'S

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO START DRIVING?
For most of us it is 17 years but if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component) you can start at 16
You can, however, apply for a Provisional Licence when you are 16 (because at that age you are able to ride a moped) - so if you are keen to start - apply for a provisional well before your 17th birthday to get a Driver Number that you will need in order to book your theory test



HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENCE, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
If you have never held a driving licence before you will need to apply for a provisional licence:

You must:

1. Complete driving licence application form D1 and photo card application form D750 (available from most post offices)
2. Enclose original documentation confirming your identity, either
Full valid Current Passport
Birth certificate
Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate)
Adoption certificate
ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA
Travel Documents issued by the Home Office
Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration
If your name is now different from that shown on the document you submit to confirm your identity, you must also supply original documentary evidence to confirm your change of name e. Marriage Certificate, Decree Absolute or Decree Nisi papers, Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration
3. Enclose a photograph of you which must be:
Colour passport-type and size (size of image 45 mm x 35 mm) - Not black & white
A recent and true likeness, showing the full face, with no hat, helmet or sunglasses
Taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
Signed on the reverse by the person who has completed section 5 of your D750 form (if you enclose any document other than a full valid current United Kingdom passport).
Unless you send a full valid current United Kingdom passport with your application you must have the reverse of your photograph signed by either:
An MP
A Magistrate
A Minister of Religion
A professionally qualified person (e. engineer, lawyer, teacher et) ie someone with letters after their name
A local councillor
A bank officer
A civil servant
A police officer; or
Someone of similar standing.
This person must have known you personally for at least two years and must not be a relative and must also complete section 5 of your D750 form.
4. Enclose the appropriate fee.
5. Send the whole lot off to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD

Note that if this is your first licence application then you cannot legally drive until you have received the licence.


HOW DO I APPLY FOR A THEORY TEST.

You can book online or by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need your driver number (from your provisional licence) and a credit/debit card to pay the appropriate fee.For more details of how the test is conducted, etc. visit the DSA site



CAN I START DRIVING LESSONS BEFORE I HAVE PASSED MY THEORY TEST?
Yes - we suggest that you do so that the theory test will make more sense.



WHO IS ALLOWED TO TEACH OR SUPERVISE ME?
Anyone who is at least 21 years old and have held a full EC motor car licence for at least 3 years can supervise and teach you - as long as you do not pay them.
Only a registered Driving Instructor is allowed to charge money for teaching and supervising you.
It is illegal for anyone else to charge you - either in money or “money’s worth” (means that you cannot pay for the petrol or work off the lessons or anything else)
Anyone who does not comply with these requirements could be liable to a fine up to £1,000, disqualification or 3-6 penalty points (as could the learner driver).


HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You can by phone on 0870 0101372. (Or clink my link to the website booking page, see my useful links).
You will need:

your theory test pass certificate number, where applicable.
your driver number shown on your licence.
your personal details (name, address, day / evening telephone numbers).
driving instructors code number - this ensures that they do not book two tests for him at the same time.
your preferred date/ unacceptable days or periods.
any disability or special circumstances.
your credit / debit card number and its expiry date (and issue number, when using Switch).
Please note that if you wish to cancel your practical test appointment, you must give us at least ten clear working days notice, not counting the day DSA received your request and the day of the test. If you don't give enough notice you will lose your fee.
Saturday and weekday evening tests are available at some driving test centres. The fee for these are higher than for a driving test during normal working hours on weekdays. Evening tests are available during the summer months only


HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN I'M READY FOR MY PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST?
I will give you relevant feedback during your training. Once you are driving at a high standard, consistently without my help, you will then know you are well on your way. At this stage, a mock test will be conducted and I will discuss with you the booking or rescheduling of your test. I will not present you for your practical driving test until you are a safe and competent driver (this is for your own safety!).



HOW MANY LESSONS WILL IT TAKE TO PASS MY PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST?
This varies, everyone is different! Everyone learns at different rates so it's difficult to give you a specific number of lessons required. The Driving Standards Agency (the body that conducts the tests) say that those who pass there practical driving test have had (on average) 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice.