Learning to Drive
In order to be a qualified driver in the UK you must pass both a theory test and a practical (driving) test of which you have to be:
• At least 17 years old
• Hold a valid provisional driving licence.
• You must be able to read an old style A111ABC number plate from a distance of 20.5m or a new style AB11ABC number plate from a distance of 20m.
• Fully insured to drive any vehicle used for practice other than Driving Instructors car.
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.
To apply for your provisional driving licence a D1 application form can be obtained from any Post Office and sent to the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) once completed or click here to apply online.
The next step is to choose your Instructor
Probably the best way to find a good instructor is to ask other members of your family or friends who they recommend or you can find one yourself online or in directories.
All Instructors must be approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and display a licence to teach for reward in the windscreen of their car these are either
(An Instructor who is about to take his final qualification exam). Which doesn’t mean they aren’t very good so don’t be put off.
Whichever instructor you choose they should be able to advise you on:
• All aspects of driving
• What books to read
• When to take your test
• How to practice
• Help with your theory
Preparing for the theory test
We strongly recommend that all candidates prepare thoroughly for the test. There are numerous products on the market to help you prepare.
Here are a few we recommend:
• The Highway Code
• Know your Traffic Signs
• Driving – The essential skills
• The official theory test book – This contains all the multiple choice questions
These products also come as CD ROMS and many have the question bank Highway Code and Hazard perception video clips all on one disc.
Hazard Perception
Being a safe driver on our roads today you need to learn good hazard perception skills this means being able to use speed correctly, keeping the correct distance between yourself and other road users, scanning the road effectively, anticipating and planning for potential hazards.
These skills can be taught effectively and are developed during the course of your lessons and reinforced by practicing on a CD ROM.
We at Phil Carpenter Driver Training can help with any theory problems you may have with our in car 1-2-1 theory classeswe can monitor your progress by giving you mock theory test papers or DVD sessions to help with Hazard Perception or the multiple choice questions.
The Driving lessons
All lessons should be structured and taught at a pace to suit you they will cover a number of categories which will be explained and include:
• Controls and instruments
• Moving off and stopping
• Left and Right turns
• Junctions and emerging from junctions
• 4 maneuvres (Turn in the road. Reversing round a corner to the left/right. Reverse park behind one car only and reverse bay parking to the left/right).
A driver progress report should be issued to you by either your Instructor or the school you booked your lessons through it should include a record of all monies paid and updated after every lesson by your Instructor. Your Instructor will advise you when to book your driving test.