UK Practical Driving Test (Cars)

The practical driving test consists of 3 parts.

For more information about what is required for each part of the driving test, please click the appropriate link below;

1) Eyesight Test

2) Vehicle Safety Questions (Show Me-Tell Me)

3) The Drive

Throughout the test, the examiner will also be assessing your Eco-Safe Driving techniques, although failing to demonstrate eco-safe driving will not cause you to fail your driving test.

For detailed information about what happens during a driving test appointment, at the Test Centre and during the driving test, please see - What Happens During The Practical Driving Test?

You are allowed to commit up to 15 driving (minor) faults during the test, but no serious or dangerous faults. Repeated instances of the same driving fault would be classed as an habitual problem and be declared a serious fault.

If you commit even ONE serious or dangerous fault you will fail the driving test.

For more information about driving test faults, please see - Driving Test Faults

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On the DirectGov website, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) state;

"Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice.
Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test"

"Recent surveys indicate that nine in ten learners who passed both theory and practical tests first time were taught by an instructor."

"It is important to learn safe driving practice from the beginning of your driving career because bad habits are hard to break.

It is unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users."

Professional driving tuition is the most effective way to make sure that you are fully prepared to take your Practical Driving Test

An important part of the structured learning process is practising what you have learned during your lessons. If you are having private practice with a friend or family member, get together with your instructor and the person who will be helping you to practise in order to discuss the best ways of helping you to learn to drive and avoid the passing on of bad habits or conflicting ideas.

In addition there are a wide selection of driving test books, software and DVDs which can help reinforce the skills you learn during your driving lessons.

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Driving Test fees from 30 March 2009;

Practical tests;
£62.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£75.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

Extended driving tests (following disqualification);
£124.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£150.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

Click the following link to see full details of all Driving Test Fees

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Driving tests are conducted by the Driving Standards Agency at over 370 test centres throughout the country.

You can choose to take your test at whichever test centre you like!

Click the link to see the full list of UK Practical Test Centres and the waiting times for a test appointment at each individual test centre;
Practical Test Centres

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On their website, the DSA publish an approximate waiting time for driving test appointments in specific vehicle categories at each individual test centre in the country. This data is re-calculated for each test centre every week.


All driving test centres are listed alphabetically by the name of the town or city in which they are situated.

The site enables you to search either for an individual test centre by name, or to search for test centres by county or by postcode.

Click the following link to search the DSA Driving Test Centre database - driving test appointment waiting times in the UK

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You can book a driving test by contacting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) using one of the methods below.

You will need;
1) A valid UK driving licence,

2) Your Theory Test pass number (from the test result print out you were given when you passed your Theory Test),

3) If you are booking online or by phone you will also need a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted). If you are booking by post, payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted

Online Booking - Link to DSA Online Driving Test Booking Service

Phone Booking - You can book a practical test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1144
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1155

Booking By Post - To book a practical test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line or can be downloaded online - Download A Practical Test Application Form

Cancelling or rescheduling a test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or online at DirectGov - Manage Your Practical Test Booking.

Providing you give the DSA three clear working days notice you can:
*move or change your appointment
*cancel your appointment
*have a full refund of your test fee

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Learner Driver Online Shop - for all your learning to drive study aids and training materials

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Make sure you are at the test centre in good time for your test - however, as most test centres are very busy and parking is extremely limited and reserved for test candidates only, do not park in the test centre car park until 5 minutes before the scheduled time of your test so as not to disrupt other test candidates.

Before you go to the test centre, you need to make sure that you have the following;

1) A suitable vehicle in which to take the test. It is the responsibility of the test candidate to provide a suitable vehicle. The driving examiner will NOT provide a vehicle for you to take the test in. The vehicle used must be appropriately insured and licensed and must be displaying L- Plates. If you have been having driving lessons with a professional driving instructor, then you will almost certainly be taking the test in the car in which you have learnt to drive. If you have not had professional driving lessons, then you must make sure that the vehicle you intend to use for your test complies with the requirements set out by the DSA - Minimum Test Vehicle Requirements. If you don't provide a vehicle or if the vehicle you provide does not meet the minimum requirements, your test will be cancelled and you will lose the test fee

2) Your Theory Test pass certificate (if you have one), or the Theory Test pass confirmation print out you were given at the Theory Test centre when you passed

3) BOTH parts of your driving licence (photo card AND paper counterpart). If you do not take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you will lose your fee

If you have mislaid your Theory Test pass certificate this should not by itself stop the test going ahead, but if you do not take both parts of your licence or if you fail to supply a suitable vehicle, your test will not take place and you will lose your fee.

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You are allowed to take someone with you on the test if you wish. Anyone over 16 years old is allowed to accompany you, BUT they cannot take any part in the test - they are not allowed to speak or distract either you or the examiner in any way. They must sit silently and still in the back of the car. You must tell the examiner that you would like someone to accompany you before the test commences.

Most people are understandably nervous before their driving test, but trying to keep as calm as possible and retaining a sense of perspective will help with the "ordeal". Driving examiners understand that test candidates are often very nervous and will do their best to put you at your ease. If pre-test nerves are concerning you, it might help to read the section on Driving Test Nerves.

When it is nearly time for your test, go into the test centre waiting room and wait for the driving examiner who will be conducting your test to call your name. The examiner will then ask to see your driving licence and Theory Test certificate and ask you to read and sign a declaration.

The examiner will then ask you to lead the way to your vehicle and on the way there, they will perform the eyesight test. If you fail the eyesight test, the rest of the test will be abandoned.

You will then be asked two vehicle maintenance questions ("Show-Me-Tell-Me").One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving (minor) fault being recorded.

You will then be asked to get into your vehicle and the driving part of the test will commence.

During the test, the examiner will tell you what they would like you to do and give you directions. If you fell that you may have made a mistake, don't panic! It's not the end of the world and it doesn't mean you've failed. Keep calm and concentrate on driving correctly and don't dwell on what you've already done - concentrate on what you are doing.

If you are not sure what the examiner wants you to do, don't be afraid to say so. The examiner will understand that you are nervous and will be happy to repeat or clarify any instructions given.

You will be asked to stop on the left several times - don't worry, this doesn't mean you have done anything wrong - the examiner is just testing your ability to stop in a convenient place and move away again safely under a variety of conditions.

You will also be asked to carry out two out of a possible four reversing manoeuvres (Reversing Into A Parking Bay, Parallel Parking, Reversing Around A Corner, or Turn In The Road and possibly an emergency stop.

As the test progresses, the examnier will fill in relevant details on a report sheet (DL25).

The drive will last for around 40 minutes and will end back at the test centre car park.

The examiner will then total up any faults recorded on the DL25 and inform you of the result of your test.

You are allowed to commit up to 15 driving (minor) faults but no serious or dangerous faults. Repeated instances of the same driving fault would be classed as an habitual problem and be declared a serious fault. If you commit even one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. For more information about driving test faults, please see Driving Test Faults

For more information about the Practical Driving Test please see - DirectGov - Practical Test For Cars Explained

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At the start of your driving test, you will be asked to read the number plate of a stationary vehicle from 67ft (20.5m) or 66ft (20m) in the case of it being a new-style plate.

What happens if I can't read, or if I can't speak English?

If you can't speak English or have difficulty reading, you are allowed to copy down what you see on the number plate.

What happens if I don't read the number plate properly and give the wrong answer?

If you can't read the number plate correctly, you'll be asked to read a different number plate. If you cannot read that number plate correctly, you'll be allowed to walk forward until you're just over the appropriate distance away from it.

If you still can't read the number plate correctly, the examiner will ask you to try again with a third number plate and this time the examiner will actually measure the precise distance from this number plate (67 feet/20.5 metres if you are asked to read an old-style number plate, and 66 feet/20 metres if you are asked to read a new-style number plate).

If you can't read the third number plate correctly, and the examiner is satisfied that you don't meet the required eyesight standard, you will fail the driving test, and the rest of the test will be abandoned. The examiner will mark the test failure on the driving test report form (DL25)

Wearing glasses or contact lenses to pass the eyesight test

If you were only able to read a number plate using glasses or contact lenses, the law requires that you wear them throughout your driving test and whenever you are driving.

If you have broken, forgotten or brought the wrong glasses with you to your driving test, you should tell your examiner at the start of the test.

For more details please see DirectGov - Eyesight Requirements For The Practical Driving Test

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After the eyesight check, and before the driving part of the test begins, test candidates are asked two vehicle safety questions, based on basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.

Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. There are thirteen sets of questions in total and the questions are asked in set pairs.

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

The vehicle safety questions are sometimes referred to as "Show-Me-Tell-Me", as some of the questions require the candidate to actually demonstrate a procedure or indicate where a particular component is, while other questions simply require a verbal explanation. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, candidates will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

If you are taking your driving test in your instructor's car, then your instructor will go through all the questions with you and make sure you know where everything is both inside the car and under the bonnet.

If you are taking the practical test in your own car, you will need to familiarise yourself with the layout and operation of your vehicle with reference to the manufacturer's handbook if necessary.

In addition, the DSA publications The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills and The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive (Driving Skills) both contain information about how to carry out vehicle safety checks.

You can download (and print out) a PDF of all the vehicle safety questions (including the paired combinations in which they are asked) from the Practical test for cars explained - Vehicle safety questions section of the DirectGov website.

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You will be driving the car for around 35-40 minutes. The routes used for driving tests are all designed to be as uniform as possible - all of them take in a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

The examiner will assess your driving and test you on most of the topics you will have covered with your instructor.

You will be asked to carry out two of the following manoeuvres;

* Reverse parking behind a parked car (parallel park)
* Reversing into a parking bay (bay park)
* Reversing round a corner
* Turn in the road

You MAY also be asked to demonstrate a controlled (emergency) stop.

Throughout the test, the examiner will also be assessing your Eco-Safe Driving techniques, although failing to demonstrate eco-safe driving will not cause you to fail your driving test.

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From September 2008, driving examiners started giving feedback to driving test candidates on their eco-safe driving manner.

During your driving test you will be assessed on your ability to drive in a way that shows eco-safe (environmentally friendly) driving techniques.

You will NOT fail your driving test however, if you do not demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques, but at the end of the test, the examiner will give you guidance on how efficiently you're driving.



Tips For Eco-Safe Driving

• Anticipate road conditions well ahead and avoid excessive acceleration and heavy braking. This will reduce harmful emissions and significantly decrease your fuel consumption.



• Drive at an appropriate speed, don't exceed speed limits, accelerate gently and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible.



• Consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate.



• Don't leave the engine idling - turn off your engine if you're likely to have a prolonged wait.



• Plan your route to avoid known congestion points.



• Keep your tyres correctly inflated and check them regularly.



• Only use air conditioning when you have to as it significantly increases fuel consumption.



• Don't carry unnecessary weight in the vehicle, or leave roof racks, luggage boxes, bike carriers etc on the vehicle when not being used.

You can find out more information about eco-safe driving and download an information leaflet at the DirectGov website - Eco-Safe Driving

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Tips on dealing with driving test nerves!

When the day of your test finally comes, you'll undoubtedly be nervous no matter how well prepared you are.

Here are some tips to help you cope on the Big Day;

• Make sure you are well rested the night before and that you have eaten a light meal before your test so that you are in good physical shape before you start



• It may seem obvious, but use the toilet before you start the test as getting "caught short" during the test could prove embarrassing!



• Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and most important of all, wear sensible shoes



• Make sure you have everything you need to take with you readily to hand - both parts of your provisional driving licence, your test appointment letter and your Theory Test pass certificate (if you have one). Don't leave finding your licence to the last minute. If you can't produce BOTH parts of your driving licence you will not be allowed to take your test and you will lose your test fee



• If you feel that you need "something to calm you down" a bit, ask your local pharmacist for advice



• If you find that the thought of the test is making you extremely nervous, it might be worth paying your GP a visit and discussing how you feel. Some GP's may be willing to prescribe short-term medication in extreme cases



• It may be easier said than done, but try to relax...driving examiners are ordinary human beings, not ogres, and they realise that you will be nervous and will do their best to put you at your ease and make allowances for your nerves



• CONCENTRATE and FOCUS on what the examiner asks you to do. It is vital to keep your level of concentration up for the whole of your test period



• The examiner is looking for a safe, accurate drive. No more and no less. If you concentrate and remember to follow all of the procedures as they have been taught to you, then you should be fine



• If you think you've made a mistake, DON'T PANIC!...don't dwell on it and don't let it affect your concentration. Getting through the whole nerve wracking test without making any mistakes is extremely rare and whatever you've done may not be as bad a mistake as you think!

If you fail your driving test, it really isn't the end of the world. Lots of other people have failed before you and often failure is more the result of nerves than a lack of skill...so pick yourself up, dust yourself down and get back in the driving seat for another go!

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MP3 Download: Overcome Driving Test Nerves

"Overcome Driving Test Nerves" helps you:

* Stay Calm, Focused, Level Headed
* Remain in Control of your Thoughts and Body
* Deal with Manoeuvres in a Composed Way
* Deal with Fear of Failure
* Fear of Panicking, of Losing Concentration
* Fear of the Examiner, of being Judged or Ridiculed
* No Wait Download
* Listen to your iPod or burn on CD

Click the banner link below for more information and to download Overcome Driving Test Nerves MP3




Overcome your driving test nerves with Driving Test Angel

At the end of the test, the examiner will inform you of the result before he or she gets out of the vehicle.

If you would like your driving instructor to be present to hear what the examiner has to say, you must let the examiner know.

If you have passed, you will be given a test pass certificate and a copy of the DL25 (the driving test report form which the examiner has been filling in during the test). The examiner will take your provisional driving licence and a full driving licence will be sent to you by post. You will be entitled to drive quite legally in the meantime while you wait for your full driving licence to arrive (but keep the pass certificate VERY safe in case you are required to prove your entitlement to drive while you wait for your updated licence!)

Less than half of the people who take driving tests pass and, should you be unsuccessful, you will be given a verbal explanation of where you went wrong and a copy of the DL25. This will help you, in conjunction with your instructor, to work on the aspects of your driving that let you down to give you a greater chance of passing the next time.

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While you are driving, the examiner will note any driving faults on the driving test report form (DL25). Faults are categorised into "driving faults", "serious faults " and "dangerous faults".

If you commit 15 or fewer driving faults without incurring any serious or dangerous faults you will PASS your test.

If you commit 16 or more driving faults you will FAIL the test.

If you commit one or more serious or dangerous driving faults you will FAIL the test.

Definition of driving test faults

Dangerous Faults are errors in driving technique which result in actual danger to the driver, passengers, other road users or nearby property. A dangerous fault means that the test is automatically failed and the examiner has the option to immediately terminate the test.

Serious Faults are errors in driving technique which result in potential danger to the driver, passengers, other road users or nearby property including instances where the candidate repeatedly makes the same driving error or is unable to perform one of the set manoeuvres correctly. One serious fault will lead to automatic failure, although the candidate will be permitted to complete the test.

Driving Faults (often referred to as "minor" faults) are errors in driving technique or inappropriate reactions to a hazard or developing situation on the road - in other words less serious errors that do not cause any actual or potential danger to other road users. Typical examples include harsh use of the brakes, crossing of hands on the steering wheel and excessive hesitation at a junction. Don't forget that you can pick up a driver fault before you even start the engine, through an incorrect answer in the "Show Me/ Tell Me" section.

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Top 10 reasons why people fail the practical driving test....according to the DSA Chief Driving Examiner...

Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement

Reverse parking - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy

Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information

Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy

Incorrect use of signals - not cancelling or giving misleading signals

Moving away safely - ineffective observation

Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends

Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late

Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets

Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly or being hesitant

Source: DSA Pass Rates PDF
* Top ten reasons for driving test failure based on twelve months to January 2004. Figures produced by Driving Standards Agency.

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For those who don't have access to a computer, this interactive DVD is invaluable. It will run on a DVD player or DVD compatible games console and enables those without a PC to get useful visual help and practice for both the Theory and Practical tests.

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD
by Focus Multimedia Ltd
(DVDi - interactive DVD, no PC required - all you need is a TV and DVD player)

"* Revise over 60 video tutorials with the help of expert driving instructors.
* Safely revise the four reverse manoeuvres and emergency stop.
* Advice on all aspects of the Driving Test.
* Learn where all the main car controls are and how to operate them.
* Includes the 13 OFFICIAL DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions plus step-by-step video tutorials for the Practical Driving Test
* View the up-to-date Highway Code"

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Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition (PC)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

"The best and most comprehensive learner driver product on the market." - Approved Driving Instructor News

* THEORY TEST - Contains the complete DSA Theory Test question bank
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - Includes the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and OFFICIAL introduction video
* PRACTICAL TEST - Over 60 high quality video tutorials
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your theory exam
* The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* SAFE DRIVING for Life
* Learn ON THE GO using your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player

All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78
Click here to buy direct from manufacturer

All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78

The UK's Best-Selling All-In-One Driving Test Software

Manufacturer's Product Description:
We're so confident that using this product will significantly increase your chances of passing the Theory Test, we're offering £50 worth of Avanquest software to anyone who fails the Theory Test, having thoroughly used the product!

* New official DSA Theory Test Questions
* Over 400 Hazard Perception Clips
* 10 Official DSA Hazard Perception practice clips
* The Official Hazard Perception Test introduction video
* Practical Test Training Tutorials
* Mock Driving Test to see what the examiner is looking for
* New official DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions
* Learn on the move - practise DSA questions on your mobile phone, iPod, PDA etc.
* Printable E-books - Theory Test and Highway Code workbooks



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The Official DSA Guide to Driving:
the essential skills

The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills (book)
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)


"Driving: The Essential Skills is the only official industry-standard driving manual from DSA, the Driving Standards Agency. There is no other comparable, comprehensive, official product available on the market.

Driving: The Essential Skills is ideal for all drivers - whether learner, experienced or instructor - to help them learn and maintain safe driving skills and improve their driving technique."

The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack:
2008/09 Edition

The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack (Driving Skills) (book)
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)

"Great value learner driver book pack, containing THREE titles:
* "The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers"
* "The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the Essential Skills"
* "The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive".
The pack provides everything you need to fully prepare for and pass the multiple choice theory and practical tests."

Helping Learners to Practise:
The Official Guide
(Driving Skills)

Helping Learners to Practise: The Official Guide (Driving Skills) (book)

"The only official guide which shows how to help a learner practise the skills needed to pass the practical driving test. Essential advice and comprehensive guidance for anyone helping someone learn to drive.
Most people fail their driving test because they are not prepared. It has been shown that professional lessons combined with extra practice is the best preparation. This product will help the person sitting in the passenger seat understand what the learner needs to practice and the potential hazards they may encounter."

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The Visual Guide To Passing The Practical Driving Test
[2008]
[DVD]

The Visual Guide To Passing The Practical Driving Test [2008] [DVD]

* A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to passing the practival driving test.
* All the essential elements of the practical driving test broken down into easily comprehended visual components. Making learning fast and effective.
* Each driving test manoeuvre & procedure visually deconstructed to provide fast and effective, step-by-step learning.

This DVD doesn't simply aim to tell you how to pass the practical driving test, it aims to SHOW you how.
Mixing live action, computer generated animation and voice over commentary this DVD provides a vital study aid for all learner drivers. For your part simply sit back, press play then watch and learn as a professional ADI takes you on on journey to practical driving test success!

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If you have been disqualified from driving, the court can order that you take an extended driving test.

The purpose of retesting disqualified drivers is not meant as punishment, but is a road safety measure aimed at checking the driver's competence.

Courts can impose an extended driving test on anyone who is:

• Convicted of dangerous driving offences


• Convicted of other offences involving obligatory disqualification

At the end of the period of disqualification imposed by the court you revert to learner driver status. This means that the normal rules for learner drivers are applicable - i.e:

• you have to reapply for a provisional driving licence
  
• drive only when supervised by someone who is over 21 and who has (and has had for a minimum of 3 years) a full licence for the category of vehicle you wish to drive
  
• ensure that the vehicle you drive is properly insured for use by a learner driver and is displaying L-plates on the front and rear
  
• take the Theory and Practical tests again

If you have been ordered to take an extended driving test, this means that instead of being approx 40 minutes in length, the driving test that you take will last for around 70 minutes, and will cover your ability to drive in much more depth taking in a wider variety of road and traffic conditions including dual carriageways.

Due to the fact that an extended driving test takes longer than a "normal" driving test, you have to pay a higher fee to take one.

The fee for an extended test is:

£127.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£150.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)


You can find out more information about extended driving tests at;
DirectGov - The extended practical driving test
DesktopLawyer - The extended practical driving test

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* Around 3,000 young drivers are killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads each year.

* It is estimated that as many as one in five of all serious road accidents involve drivers under the age of 21.

*Every day in the UK, 23 young people, under the age of 25, are killed or seriously injured in vehicles. Most of these collisions are caused by bad driving. Not the vehicle, the road, or the conditions.

* 1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving.

* Young drivers are more likely to be involved in high speed crashes, single vehicle crashes involving losing control, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.

Those statistics make frightening reading, but there is further training available to make yourself a safer driver...

* Pass Plus
* Motorway Training
* Advanced Driver Training

More details about each of the above types of further training are in the following sections.

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Pass Plus

Pass Plus is a training scheme specifically aimed at new drivers. Designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry, Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge and teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, which will help you to become more confident on the roads.

By gaining further driving experience in a variety of road conditions and situations, you can significantly improve your chances of avoiding involvement in a road accident and you may even reduce your insurance premiums.

You can take take Pass Plus within your first year of passing your practical driving test.

For more information about the Pass Plus scheme, please see the Pass Plus website

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Motorway Driving

You are not allowed to drive on motorways before you pass your Practical Test, so motorway driving cannot be covered by your driving instructor while you are a learner driver.

Driving on a motorway is very different to driving on other types of road. Motorways have totally different signs and signals, and specific rules and regulations - plus traffic travels at much greater speeds than you will be accustomed to.

It makes sense to ensure that you are prepared for a very different form of driving by taking some motorway lessons after you pass your test - contact a professional driving instructor.

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Advanced Driver Training
Why not think about joining one of the many organisations that encourage improved standards of driving and road safety?

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) was formed in March 1956 with the primary objective of promoting road safety. It now has a total active membership of more than 100,000.

Since then other organisations have been setup such as RoADA - RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association and High Performance Club, all of which conduct a form of "Advanced Driving Test".

Through the Advanced Driving Test, these organisations aim to raise driving standards by increasing the competence of drivers. It was determined in a Transport and Road Safety Laboratory Report published in December 1972 that Advanced motorists have between 50% to 70% lower accident rate.

For detailed information about all of the organisations mentioned above and about advanced driving in general, please see the following very comprehensive and informative websites;
Advanced Driving UK (a very detailed website which aims to gather everything there is to know about advanced driving onto a single website)
2Pass- Advanced Driving
Safer Motoring - Advanced Driving Skills And Courses

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Roadcraft
The Police Driver's Course on Advanced Driving
[DVD]

Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Course on Advanced Driving [DVD]

Amazon product synopsis:
Tracks candidates on an advanced driving course run at the Metropolitan Police Motor Driving School. This film provides an insight into what it takes to be an advanced driver. It complements the "Roadcraft" handbook, and would aid those drivers who want to improve their skills in preparation for an advanced driving test.

Amazon reader review:
"I think this is an excellent product which gives an very good insight into what 'Advanced Driving' is all about....I would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing the IAM or Rospa tests, to any potential ADI's or, indeed, to anyone who has an interest in better/safer driving. "

ULTIMATE DRIVING CRAFT
RoadCraft and Advanced Driving

ULTIMATE DRIVING CRAFT - RoadCraft and Advanced Driving from Sergeant Chris Gilbert former Met.Police Driving School Hendon - DVD

Amazon product description:
Produced by one of the VERY TOP advanced driving instructors' in the UK - sergeant Chris Gilbert former Met. Police Driving School Hendon. Instructor to Prince William and Prince Harry. Want to reduce your risk of accident involvement? Improve your hazard perception skills? Want to use speed correctly and safely? Improve cornering technique? Learn commentary driving? Prepare for the advanced test? (Much more included, too long to list). Then this is the DVD for you. No other driving DVD like it, it stands alone! For ALL drivers regardless of experience.

Amazon reader review:
"An excellent platform for safer driving . Seeing everything and talking about it reinforces the priorities in order to take the safer option in any driving situation. Risk is reduced and the planned drive makes the roads safer for all road users.
Anyone who aspires to be a better than average driver should watch this and learn."

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The New Drivers Act came into force on 1st June 1997.

The New Drivers Act basically means that a 24 month probationary period is imposed on those who have just passed their driving test.

If you get 6 or more penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your driving test the DVLA will revoke (take away) your driving licence.

Penalty points are valid for three years, so any points you already have on your licence before you pass the Practical Test count towards the total of 6.

Anyone with 6 or more valid penalty points on their provisional licence when they pass the test for the first time will be granted a full licence in the normal way, but any points earned after that will trigger automatic revocation. If this happens you will have to;
1) Apply for a provisional licence again,
2) Pass the theory test again,
3) Pass the practical test again

Passing the test again does not remove the penalty points which remain on the new licence until the three year period expires. If the total of valid points reaches twelve, the driver risks disqualification.

If all this seems unfair please consider the following;

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their test than at any other time in their driving career.

Age doesn't matter - it's basically down to a lack of driving experience.

Further Information About The New Drivers Act
Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995
New Drivers Act Frequently Asked Questions

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