Useful Resources when Learning to Drive

Learning to drive can be daunting so I have gathered here the most useful resources and links to help you. Only apply for your license, theory, and practical driving tests through the government website. Avoid websites that offer to book on your behalf and charge you a premium for doing so!

 Applying for your driving license

Before you can start your driving lessons you need to have a provisional driving licence. Therefore, if you do not have one you will need to apply for one from the DVLA. You can also obtain a provisional driving licence application form from your local post office. You can apply for your provisional car driving licence up to three months before your seventeenth birthday (however, it would not become valid until you were seventeen). Although you can start your driving lessons as soon as your provisional driving licence becomes valid, you cannot book the driving test until you have passed the theory test

Booking your theory test

The Theory Test for car drivers is split into 2 parts. The multiple choice/response quiz and the hazard perception test. You can book your test online at the Direct Gov website. You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test, otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you fail the test you will have to wait a minimum of three clear working days before you can take the test again. You must take one of the following items with you to the test centre. 1. Both parts of your signed photo card driving licence or; 2. your signed driving licence and your passport. It would also be helpful if you take your appointment card or a note of your booking number. It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.

Studying for your theory test

Pupils who learn to drive with me have the added advantage of being able to study for their theory test using the website Theory Test Pro free of charge. Registration details will be given to all new pupils when they book their lessons.

Booking your practical driving test

The Driving Test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long. During this time the examiner will:

Check your eyesight by getting you to read a number plate at the required distance.
Ask you to show or tell them how to conduct certain vehicle safety checks.
Direct you to drive around a test route while incorporating one of the following set manoeuvres and, optionally, the emergency stop. Reverse parking behind a parked car or into a parking bay. Reversing around a corner. Turn in the road.
You will also be required to drive independently for 8-10 minutes following either road signs or a directional map or a combination of both.

You can book, change or cancel your test online at the Direct Gov website. Directgov is the only official site where you can book or change your practical test appointment without paying an extra administration fee.

You must take the following items with you to the test centre:

Your theory test pass certificate;
Your signed photocard driving licence

Show Me Tell Me Questions

To help pupils, I've set up some short videos on YouTube for the Show Me Tell Me question for my car.

Managing driving test nerves and building driving confidence

All my students have FREE access to the resources on the Confident Drivers website. Build your driving confidence and beat driving test nerves with a variety of techniques choosing from Hypnotherapy, Breathing Exercises, Mindfulness, Coaching, NLP, Relaxation audios, Imagery, Positive self-talk, and TFT meridian tapping. Find out more on our calm driving test nerves page.

Car insurance for private practice and newly qualified drivers

Private practice with a household member is a great way of practicing between driving lessons to improve your skills and gain more experience in advance of your test. Both of the insurance providers below offer affordable learner driver insurance to cover you. Shop around to get the best quote to suit your needs. Please note both of the providers below offer me a small commission if you purchase insurance cover from them.

Marmalade insurance specialises in learner and young qualified drivers. They offer great deals on cars with free black box insurance as well as insurance for learner driver's private practice with a household member.