So, you want to learn to drive?
Everyone learns in different ways. So, when you join Love Driving School we will create a plan that suits your individual needs to give you the best chance of passing your test and becoming a safe and confident driver for life.
You can take as many lessons as you like per week (we recommend at least two hours each week, as this helps to put what you learn, into practice), but it’s entirely up to you – we’ll fit around your lifestyle.
How long will it take?
The national average currently sits at around 46 professional tuition hours with an additional 20 private hours. However, a Love Driving School personalised plan to suit your individual needs can significantly reduce this time scale.
The benefits of driving lessons with Love Driving School.
We only have fully qualified instructors, ensuring that you gain the most knowledge and practical experience in every driving lesson, so that we can develop your skills and get you to test standard as quickly as possible. We take a relaxed and friendly approach which we believe is far more conducive to learning. We want driving lessons to be enjoyable and stress-free – you learn faster that way! Our cars are dual control and chosen with the learner in mind.
Prepare for your driving lesson…
Come suitably dressed! Be comfortable and wear sensible shoes (yes we know this sounds boring but it does make a huge difference to your driving ability when learning) no flip-flops, stilettos or work boots please.
Think ahead. You’ll need to be aware and alert during your driving lesson.
Don’t drink alcohol before the driving lesson (you can still be ‘over the limit’ the next day). Tell your instructor if you’re unwell, some medicines can make you drowsy so you may not be safe to drive. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous when you first start learning to drive. Tell your instructor how you’re feeling – remember we’ve seen it all before and will be able to help you overcome any doubts.
You must follow the rules… you can still get penalty points as a learner before you pass your test (speeding for example). So come prepared, knowing your Highway Code and your responsibility as a driver.
Theory Test Guide
You will need to pass a theory test before you can take your practical driving test. The theory test is made of two sections, a multiple-choice knowledge section followed by a hazard perception section. To pass you will need to correctly answer 43 of the 50 multiple choice questions and score a minimum of 44 out of the available 75 points in the Hazard perception test. You will receive your results and a certificate shortly after completing the test.
How do I book a theory test?
You can book a test on the official website here or by calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
A theory test costs £23 and includes both the multiple choice and hazard perception sections.
What is the multiple-choice section?
Using a computer, you will be asked to answer 50 questions in a maximum of 57 minutes. If a question requires more than one answer there will be a message displayed on screen to inform you. You will also be presented with a case study which is essentially a short story that you will then answer five questions about.
What is the Hazard perception test?
The Hazard Perception test comes after the multiple-choice section, you will be shown 14 clips that last 30 seconds each. In each clip there will be a developing hazard, this means that something is taking place that as a driver you will need to react to accordingly (brake, steer etc). You will receive up to 5 points per successfully identified hazard (done by clicking the mouse), the score you receive depends on how early you identified the developing hazard. One of the clips will contain two developing hazards and you will be scored on successfully identifying each hazard accordingly. It’s important to note that you can click many times during the click but constant or pattern based clicking will result in 0 points, remember you need 44 out of 75 possible points.
The following DVSA Video explains the hazard perception test fully.
When do I get my theory test results?
You will receive your results on the day, shortly after your test. If successful you will receive a letter and certificate confirming this.
How long is my theory test pass valid for?
A theory test certificate is valid for two years, if it expires you will need to sit the test again.
How do I change my theory test booking?
You can change your booking online here or by calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
How do I cancel my theory test booking?
You can cancel online here or by calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
Where is my nearest theory test centre?
You can find your nearest theory test centre by using the following government website here.
Practical Test Guide
So, you’re almost there. You’ve had your lessons, you’ve passed your theory test, and now the only thing between you and the open road is the practical test.
Here’s a DVSA guide to booking, preparing and passing your practical test.
Why do I need to take the practical driving test?
The obvious answer here is so that you can discover your freedom by passing your test and getting your driving licence, but the reason you need to take a practical test is it gives an examiner the chance to assess your ability to:
- Demonstrate safe, independent driving in a variety of road and traffic conditions.
- Show a working knowledge of the Highway Code.
When can I take my practical driving test?
You can book your practical driving test if you’re at least 17, have a valid provisional licence, and you’ve passed your theory test.
How much does a practical test cost?
A practical test costs £62 for test booked weekdays. Tests booked for evenings after 16:30, weekends and bank holidays cost £75.
Not all test centres offer tests on evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
If you haven’t booked a test already, you can do so by using the official website here or calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
How do I know if I’m ready for my practical test?
If you feel confident in your abilities and want to book your test, talk to your instructor and they will let you know when they think you’ve got the potential to pass your test and they’ll discuss suitable dates for you to book.
There’s no set number of lessons before someone can take their practical test.
How do I prepare for my practical driving test?
If this is your first time taking the test, here’s how to make sure you’re in the best possible position to pass:
- Before you take your test, make sure you feel ready. Don’t just rush in because you want your licence.
- Refresh your memory about the Highway Code.
- Practice your skills and manoeuvres as much as you can.
- Ask your instructor to spend some extra time on anything you’re feeling unsure about.
- Visit the test centre before your test so you know the journey and are familiar with your surroundings when you arrive that day.
- If you know you’ll be nervous, try to book your test in the morning so you’re not dwelling on it.
- The day before your test, look after yourself. Try to get some exercise, avoid going out on the town, and get plenty of sleep.
- A few hours before your test, limit your screen time so you can minimise distractions.
What do I need to take to my driving test?
On the day, make sure you take:
- Your provisional UK driving licence.
- Your theory pass certificate.
- A car – most pupils will use their instructors, but you can use your own car too.
Your instructor will usually offer a final lesson immediately before your test so that you can have a refresher on the skills you’ve learnt, discuss any concerns and to generally ‘warm up’ before the real thing.
What happens on test?
The DVSA have created an official guide on what to expect during your driving test here.
The test lasts about 40 minutes.
During the test your examiner will cover the following:
- An eyesight check – you’ll need to read a number plate from 20m.
- Show me, Tell me, car safety questions.
- General driving ability.
- Reversing your car – expect to be asked to perform one of the following manoeuvres: parallel park at the side of a road, park in a bay, or reverse for 2 car lengths and re-join traffic after pulling over.
- Independent driving for roughly 20 minutes. Following directions from a sat nav or road signs.
Your examiner will assess your driving according to 3 types of faults:
- A dangerous fault – this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property (often referred to as a major).
- A serious fault – something potentially dangerous (often referred to as a major).
- A driving fault – this isn’t potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same mistake, it could become a serious fault (often referred to as a minor).
To pass your test, you will need to:
- Receive fewer than 16 driving faults (minors).
- Avoid recording a single serious or dangerous driving fault (majors).
What happens at the end of the test?
Once you’ve returned to the test centre and safely parked, the examiner will tell you the test result. They’ll also provide feedback, including how many and what type of faults were made.
If you pass, the examiner will:
- Give you a pass certificate.
- Ask if you’d like your full licence sent to you, or if you’d like to apply for it in your own time.
- Allow you to smile 🙂
If you fail:
You won’t be sent away wondering where you went wrong. Your examiner will tell you why you didn’t pass, including details of specific faults.
Remember, a failed driving test isn’t the end of your driving dream, you can book another test online and take it in 10 working days time, if available.
How do I change my practical test booking?
You can change your booking online here or by calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
How do I cancel my practical test booking?
You can cancel your booking online here or by calling 0300 200 1122 Monday to Friday 8am-4pm.
You can find your nearest driving test centre here.
Call Love Driving School to book today – 07855 361640