SCHOOL OF DRIVING
GETTING STARTED
You can begin driving lessons at 17 years old however you must first
apply for your provisional licence by filling in form D1 (available at
the post office ) and posting it to the DVLA.
If you are a complete beginner then you will need approximately 20 to
40 hours of tuition.
The amount of training you will require will depend
upon:
-
Your aptitude for driving
-
Your confidence
-
Your ability to get private practice
As well as learning the practical aspects of driving you will need to pass a theory test.This is a computer based test which can be taken at either Stevenage or Luton.
The best way
to study for this is to pop down to your local bookstore and purchase
a copy of the highway code
and a theory test question book.
We recommend the
DSA official theory test book for car drivers.
It is also a good idea to
purchase a CD-rom to help you with the hazard perception test which
is part of the theory
test. When you are happy that you can answer 90% of the questions correctly
then you should book your theory test by calling 0870 0101 372 or go online
at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
Have your driver number (No:5 on your photocard licence ) and a
credit or debit card to hand.
PLEASE NOTE:
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO PASS YOUR THEORY TEST TO BEGIN DRIVING
LESSONS.
THE DRIVING TEST
This lasts approximately 45 minutes and you will be expected to answer
a couple of safety related questions about your vehicle before driving
on a variety of roads and completing 2 manoeuvres involving reverse
gear (eg: reversing into a parking bay ).
You may also be asked to
do an emergency stop!
Your examiner is looking for a high standard
of car control, good all-round observation and the ability to anticipate
and use good judgement when dealing with other traffic.
Most people in this area go to either Letchworth or Stevenage for their test, however, there are also test centres at Bedford, St Albans, Luton and Cambridge that you may use for the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire areas.
