How soon you apply for your Theory and Practical tests will depend upon the following factors:

•  The waiting time for a test

•  How often you are able to have lessons

• Your aptitude and the rate at which you are able to learn

If you prove to be a quick learner, and are able to have lessons frequently, you should apply for your driving test as soon as you have passed the theory test (depending upon the wait for your test centre).

However, if it takes you a little longer to absorb things, (our experience is that those who take a little longer often tend to make better drivers at the end) and you can only have one lesson per week: then you and your instructor will need to make an estimate of when you will be ready for the driving test, and make the application for it accordingly.

The waiting time for a Theory Test is short, typically five to fifteen days. The wait for a Practical Test is longer and varies greatly from one area to another.

In all cases, discuss the situation with your instructor before you apply for either of the tests.

We can book your theory & practical driving tests for you.

When you learn how to drive, you need to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and attitude that will enable you to be a safe and confident motorist. Although all of these things are taught as part of on-road driver training, the Theory test was introduced to improve a learner driver’s knowledge of motoring and to assist with developing the correct understanding and attitude.

In particular, new drivers are about twice as likely to be involved in an accident in the first two years of their motoring careers, because of their lack of experience. The Theory test attempts to reduce the risk to novice drivers by emphasising the skills and attitudes you need to develop to keep you safe.

Some people choose to take the theory test before starting their practical in-car driving lessons. This is one way to proceed, but our experience has shown that you will gain a better feel for, and understanding of the theory if you have some practical in-car lessons before taking the theory test - the theory will mean much more to you. In addition, the Theory will give you a better understanding of the driving skills you will be practicing.

The Theory Test can be taken at a number of local centres located throughout the country. For details of your nearest centre, you can contact the Driving Standards Agency, or us.

Learning for the theory and hazard perception test will take time and effort. There is no better way than to read and interpret the theory test syllabus and then practice answering the questions under mock test conditions. The theory test will be delivered on a touch screen computer. You have 57 minutes for the test. You are required to attempt 50 questions and you must score 43 correct answers to pass.

Some of the multiple choice questions will be presented to you when driving in the form of a case study. A case study shows a scenario on which five questions will be based. The subject of the scenario will focus on real life examples and experiences that you might encounter when driving.

We are able to help and advise you on where and where to take your theory and hazard perception test.

Remember this must be passed before you can go to book your practical driving test.
Please note when you attend for your theory test you MUST take both parts of your provisional driving licence with you.

Learning material will be supplied by pass2gether but alternate sites that can be used are:

This is also a computer-based test, where you will be shown fourteen video clips, each one lasting about one minute. You will be shown a sample clip first, which will explain how to complete this part of the test.

The video clips feature various types of hazards, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and varying road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier the developing hazard is spotted, and a response made, the higher the score.

You can score up to five marks on each hazard, and the test contains 15 scaleable hazards. You can score a maximum of 5 marks for each clip.

The pass mark is 44 out of 75 for car drivers.

You will be given your results when you have finished both parts of the test and have returned to the waiting room.

Remember that you cannot apply for the practical test until you have passed the theory test.

The purpose of the practical driving test is so you can prove you can drive a car safely on the road, or on your own. That is it! Sounds simple enough and it can be, if you prepare correctly and thoroughly, have the right attitude and can show you are a courteous and responsible driver.

In particular, the examiner will want to see that you can:

• Drive safely

• Know the Highway Code, and can apply it to your driving

In addition, you will be asked to perform two out of three of the following manoeuvres:

• Reversing around the corner

• Reverse parking

• Turning in the road

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise, which occurs in one out of every three tests.

The test routes are designed and approved locally, to include a range of the road and traffic conditions.

The test is in three sections:

• An eyesight test

• Two show me: Tell me questions

• The driving test itself

The eyesight and show me tell me sections take just a few minutes, the rest of the time is spent driving. The entire test will take about forty minutes.

Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.

It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.

It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

You will be asked to perform 1 out of three manoeuvres & an independent drive which will become part of the practical test in October 2010.

You will be asked to drive for about 10minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs or a combination of both. To help you be clear about where you are going, the examiner can also show you a diagram.

It doesn't matter if you dont remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way because this can happen to most experienced drivers.

DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving.

All driving tests candidates are required to answer two questions regarding the general operation and maintenance of a vehicle. Known as “show me, tell me”, the questions relate to basic safety checks that every driver should be able to carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.

Below is the engine of a Fiesta and the parts that you may be asked to identify. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger picture.

Screenwash: You need to identify the screen wash reservoir and the level indicator.	Brake Fluid: You need to be able to identify the safe level of hydraulic brake fluid in the reservoir and check the level indicator.	Oil & "Dipstick": You need to know where you would check the engine oil.  You must be able to identify the dipstick and oil level indicator (min and max)	Engine Coolant: You need to be able to identify high/low level markings on tank and describe how to top up the correct level.

No.	Question	Answer
1	Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check the engine oil has sufficient oil.	Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, and describe check of oil against the maximum/minimum marks.
2	Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.	Identify the high/low marks on the header tank where fitted or the radiator filler cap and describe how to top up the correct level.
3	Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the washer level.	Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and show/tell how to check the level.
4	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 fluid.	Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check level against high/low markings.
5	Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.	Switch the indicators or hazard warning lights on, walk around the vehicle to check.
6	Show me how you would check the horn is working, (off road only).	Check is carried out by using the control.
7	Show me how you would check the parking (hand) brake for excessive wear.	Demonstrate by showing that the lever comes up a reasonable number of clicks and sets properly and is not at the end of the working travel. (Remember to apply the foot brake when doing this).
8	Show me/ explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting off.	Before moving off two simple checks can be made. When the engine is running gentle pressure on the steering should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate, or turning the steering just as you move off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning. Steering should feel light and easy.
9	Show me how you would switch on the fog light(s) and explain when you would use them.	Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights if necessary) and check warning light is on. They should only be used in poor visibility (generally less than 100m).
10	Show me how you switch your headlights from main beam to dipped beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.	Operate light switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and identify warning light.
11	Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen wipers and washers.	Operate the control to wash and wipe the windscreen. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
12	Show me how you would use the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.	Set all relevant controls including fans, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. (Ignition does not have to be on for this demonstration).
13	Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.	Operate switch (turn on the ignition if necessary) and walk around the car to check.
14	Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.	Operate brake pedal, make use of reflection in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.
15	Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your antilock braking system (ABS).	Warning light would come on if there was a fault.
16	Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey.	Brakes should be tested before you set off, they should not feel spongy or slack. A moving, low speed brake check should result in a smooth controlled stop and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
17	Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.	No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread across the central ¾ of the tyre around the entire circumference, no bald patches.
18	Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how they should be checked.	Manufactures  handbook, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust when the tyres are cold. Do not forget the spare tyre and to re-fit the valve cap.
19	Tell me how you would make sure that your head restraint is adjusted properly so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.	The restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and is as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. (some restraints may not be adjustable).