You've made the decision that you want to get your drivers licence. Where do you start?
The first thing you need is your Provisional licence and you can apply for this at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring. This site has all the information you will need to get started.
Once you have your licence, you can start learning. Your first lessons will be taken on very quiet roads where you can get used to your tuition car and learn the basics of moving off and stopping safely, turning left / right and using correct signals and use of mirrors. As your confidence increases you will be able to move onto more challenging roads.
The Theory Test
While in the early stages of your lessons, it is a good idea to start learning for your Theory test. Before you can take the Practical test you must first pass the Theory. The test is split into 2 parts, a multiple choice question /answer part and a hazard perception test.
The Practical Test
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you can drive safely and know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving. The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). You should be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. This is followed by 2 vehicle safety check questions (known as show me / tell me. Please see link to these questions). You will then be examined on your general driving, part of which is the new Independent Driving section and on one reversing exercise. The reversing exercises will be chosen from reversing around a corner, turning in the road and reverse parking. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Booking either the Theory or Practical Test