LEARNER drivers will be eager to get their full UK licence and be set free on the roads.
Here's everything you need to know about booking your practical driving test.
What is a practical driving test?
Practical driving tests are carried out by official Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) employees.
During the examination they take learner drivers out on the roads to assess their driving ability, as well as ensuring they are capable of sticking to road laws and carrying out specific manoeuvres, such as:
- Parallel parking
- Reverse parking
- Three-point turn
- Emergency stop
- Bay parking
- Turning at a junction or roundabout
- Lane changing
- Hill start
These are all essential for drivers of all ages and abilities to carry out in a safe and legal way.
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The test takes place in a local town and generally takes between 40 and 70 minutes.
Braking properly, using signals, and checking mirrors and blind spots will all be assessed.
As Gov.uk explains:
"To pass the driving test you must be able to:
- drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
- show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive
"The national standard for driving cars tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the test.
"Only take your test when you can do everything without instruction."
How can I book online?
You can book your practical driving test online via the Government's website.
If you want to book a test in Northern Ireland, you'll have to use a different service.
You'll need your UK driving licence number, credit or debit card and driving instructor’s personal reference number (to check their availability) before you start.
It is possible to book a test up to 24 weeks in advance, there is no waiting list or cancellation list, and the service is available from 6am to 11:40pm.
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On weekdays a driving test costs £62, whereas on weekends and evenings it will set you back £75.
Only take your test when you can do everything without instruction
Gov.uk
How to book a driving theory test
Booking a driving theory test can also be done online.
It is free of charge if you need to change the date of your theory test, which can also be done online.
You need your:
- UK driving licence number
- email address - you have to book by phone if you do not have one
- credit or debit card
You must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test.
Car and motorcycle theory tests cost £23.
If you need help with your booking you can contact DVSA driving test booking support.
Their telephone number is 0300 200 1122 — lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
You don't need a theory test when booking:
- a tractor test
- a test to upgrade from automatic to manual
- a test to progress through the motorcycle categories (progressive access)
- a lorry and trailer test (when you’ve got a lorry licence)
- a bus and trailer test (when you’ve got a bus licence)
- a lorry test (when you’ve got a medium lorry licence)
- a bus test (when you’ve got a minibus licence)