Driving Licence and Test Information

Before you get behind the wheel you'll need to be 17 and have a valid provisional licence.

To get your provisional licence you can apply online, or complete a D1 form from the post office and send it to the DVLA (DVLNI in Northern Ireland) with your proof of identity and a passport-sized photo.

About the theory test

Before you can apply for your practical test you need to pass the theory test, which is made up of two parts: multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception section.

Test costs

The theory test currently costs £23 - this covers both parts of the test.

Booking your test

You need a valid provisional driving licence to take your theory test. Once you've got that, you can book your theory and hazard perception tests online, or by phone on 0300 200 1122.

The Theory Test

The first part of your theory test is a multiple-choice section designed to test your understanding of the rules of the road, including signs, road markings and appropriate reactions to situations. You'll have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions, and need to correctly answer 43 or more to pass.

Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 possibilities, and you will be given some questions in the form of a case study. During the test you'll have the option to skip questions and return to them later.

The hazard perception test

For this you'll watch a series of 14 one-minute video clips, each showing potential hazards involving road conditions, pedestrians or road users. You respond to each hazard by clicking the mouse button. There are 15 hazards to identify and you can score up to 5 points on each one, depending on how quickly you identify them. You need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

Be prepared

For both sections of the test you'll need to study The Highway Code. Or you can order our learn to drive books and CDs, or practise on our iPhone apps.

Prepare for your practical test

In your practical test you'll have about 40 minutes to demonstrate everything you've learned in your driving lessons. Before you start the practical test the examiner will ask you to read the number plate of a parked vehicle to check your eyesight, so remember to wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them.

You'll then be asked two vehicle safety check questions known as the 'show me, tell me' section. You'll get one fault if you give the wrong answer to one or both questions.

During your test

The practical driving test is designed to show that you can drive competently and safely in a variety of situations. You'll be asked to do two of the three reversing manoeuvres you've practised with your instructor, and possibly make an emergency stop.

In a 10 minute independent driving section you'll be expected to show that you can make safe decisions without prompting. Don't worry if you get lost, it's not a test of your navigation skills!

More about the practical test.

To pass your practical test you need to complete the test with no serious or dangerous faults and with 15 or fewer minor errors.

Test costs

A weekday practical test costs £62. Evening, weekend and bank holiday tests cost £75.

Don't forget to budget for a final lesson if you want one, and the cost of booking the instructor and car for the duration of the test.

Once you've passed

After you've passed your test you're ready to drive alone, but as a new driver you'll benefit from more experience. The Pass Plus scheme will give you more confidence in areas that may not have been covered during lessons. It consists of six modules, including motorway driving, driving in town and at night. And remember that completing the Pass Plus course successfully means you'll be able to claim a discount on your car insurance.

If you would like to discuss PASS PLUS or any other additional driving top ups CALL LANCE today on
CALL LANCE 07721 011931

Vehicle Safety Check Questions

Q1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

A. Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

Q2. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Q3. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A. If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Q4. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.

A. Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Q5. Open the bonnet, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?

A. Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.

Q6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A. Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q7. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).

A.Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Q8. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A. As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.

Q9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A. Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

Q10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

A. Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

Q11. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A. Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.

Q12. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

A. Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.

Q13. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q14. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A. A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q15. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

Q16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

A. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Q17. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Q18. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

A. Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Q19. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).

A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

View a DVLA video for more guidance