APPLYING FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Before you can start learning to drive, you must apply for a provisional licence. You can apply for your provisional driving licence either online or in person at the local Post Office. To apply online for your provisional driving go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence . Alternatively, you can apply for your provisional licence by completing the D1 application form; available at your local Post Office.
To apply for your provision licence you need to:
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Turn 17 within 3 months (You need to wait till your 17th birthday before you can drive on the road)
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Have a valid proof of identity
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Live in the U.K.
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Give all addresses where you've lived over the last three years
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Be able to read all new-style number plates from 20 metres or an old style number plate from 20.5 metres
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Not be prevented from driving for any reason
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Be able to pay £50 by debit or credit card
The DVLA will try to send you your provisional licence within 3 weeks of receiving your application although it can take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked
Remember you will need your new licence to arrive prior to taking lessons
Information about the Theory Test
At MSM I offer theory test training if you wish to take it in order to pass the first part of the driving test. The Car Theory Test is made up of two parts:
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The Multiple Choice Part
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Hazard Perception Part
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse, the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. You need to pass both parts to pass your theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other part you will fail the whole test and you will need to take both parts again
Multiple Choice Part
Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practise session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practise session the real test will begin. A question and answers option will appear onscreen and you will have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. You will have 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. The pass mark for the multiple choice part is 43. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Hazard Perception Part
After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature everyday road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard but one the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory is 44 out of 75.
Information about the Practical Test
The driving test consists of tests of eyesight, safety questions and driving technique. The test will last for 35 to 45 minutes. You must pass all parts of the test at the same time.
The Eyesight Test
You must be able to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn), a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures. If you do not pass the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test. The test will be marked as a fail. If you do not feel you have adequate vision to pass this part of the test you can see your optician for help.
Show Me Tell Me Questions
After the eyesight test the examiner will ask you two safety questions. The questions will be chosen from the following list:
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Tyres, Steering, Brakes, Lights, Direction Indicators, Audible Warning Device and the Liquids Used In The Braking System, Steering System, Engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a Coolant, Lubricant, Cleaner or otherwise
Please read the Show Me Tell Q&A in the next section on this page for detailed information about this part.
The Practical Test
After the safety questions you will then be examined on your general driving and on reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
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Reversing around a corner
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Reverse Parking
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Turn in the Road
You may also be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop exercise.
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test Routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
A section of the driving will be tested on independent driving. During this part of the test the you will be asked to drive for approximately 10 minutes either following a series of directions or by following traffic signs, or a combination of both. If required the examiner may show the pupil a simple diagram of the intended route to follow.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way I have taught you. If you make a mistake don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not collect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up 15 driving faults and still pass the test. However if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped. You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take part in the test.
If You Pass
If you pass and have had your photo card driving licence issued after 1st March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want this service, the examiner will take your old licence from you, scan the details and send them automatically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post with four weeks of you passing your practical test. If you pass your test but do not want to use the automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1st March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
If You Fail
Hopefully after the thorough preparation in my driving lessons, you should pass your driving test. However if you fail your test you should ask the examiner for feedback to help prepare for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days later.
SHOW ME TELL ME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The Show Me Tell Me questions test your knowledge of basic car maintenance and safety. At the start of the practical driving test the Show Me Tell Me questions will begin. The driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one Show Me question and one Tell Me question. Answer any of those two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault. There are 19 different questions, which can be asked in 18 different combinations. Don't worry if you get a bit confused with the questions as they will all be covered off in my lessons in preparation for your driving test.
01
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?
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 poor in coolant until the max mark is reached
02
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservior is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against min/max levels.
03
Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made:
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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
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Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give you an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly
04
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?
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against min/max markings
05
Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?
Identify the reservoir, lift off the cap and make a visual check of level as there no external markings on reservoir
06
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)?
Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary)
07
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?
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)
08
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
As you move off check the brakes. They should feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side
09
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
Turn on lights (Turn on ignition if necessary), walk around the car and check that the lights are on
10
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly?
Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly
11
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
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.
12
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?
Apply the brake, when it is fully applied it should secure itself
13
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or the top of your ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable
14
Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road?
A safe tyre will have no cuts or or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm accross the central ¾s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference
15
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers?
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary)
16
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens?
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreens and windows. The engine does not have to be started for this
17
Tell me how your would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
18
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?
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check the main beam warning light.
19
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light (s) and explain when you would use it/them (No need to exit the vehicle)?
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary), check warning light is on. Explain use.