On these pages you will find out what the theory test and Driving test is all about and how you can book and manage your test on the phone or online.
Check out the other Driving test pages for an explanation of the test marking sheet and an in depth review of some of the awkward areas that come up in the test that often catch people out Give yourself a head start - Know what to expect before your test!!
Both the theory and Driving test can be booked in the same ways: Please Speak to Chris before booking a test to ensure that you are ready to take the test.
By Post: Forms available from the driving test centre or from Chris.
Your Driving Licence
Your theory certificate ( if booking a practical test.)
A Valid Credit/Debit card
The cost of the theory test is currently £30.00 and the Driving test currently £56.50 ( or £67.00 for a weekend or evening booking) These are subject to change by the Driving standards Agency.
Please be careful when booking your Driving test as there are 2 test centres in Southampton: (The following links also give you access to some of the routes used on tests:)
Choosing an instructor and preparing for your driving test may appear to be a difficult task, however there are resources available that can help you with your decision. When choosing a school or an instructor ensure that they have been registered and approved by the Driving Standards Agency. Usually this is evidenced by a green certificate (see picture) in their car window or a pink certificate if they are still in earlier assessment stages.
Ask your friends and family if they would recommend their driving instructor. It has been identified that nine out of ten learners who have passed both their theory and practical test have used a DSA approved instructor. It is essential for you to follow your instructors’ advice on all aspects of driving, learning material, practice methods and tests. Once you are ready to take your practical driving test you will be given an eyesight check, a vehicle safety check then followed by a general driving examination, also, two reversing exercises from the following (reversing around a corner, parallel parking, bay parking and turn in the road and possibly an emergency stop.)
To avoid failing by incurring a serious fault or indeed failure through several minor mistakes, certain precautions need to be taken before and during your test. Some basic suggestions are presented below on how to pass your tests.
Most importantly you will need to practice, as you would for any exam. There are a number of practice theory tests available online. For further preparation have somebody question you or present scenarios such as which actions you should take when faced with certain street signs, road markings and so forth. Having others test and question you will help you prepare mentally for an exam situation. In order to prepare for your practical, ask your instructor to recommend areas to practice. The law requires that you have an accompanying passenger over 21 that has held a valid full license for 3 years or more. Choose wisely - anyone who is experienced can point out your mistakes but some are more helpful and better at communicating them than others. Your spouse is rarely a good choice! It would be much better to use the services of a driving school professional wherever possible.
During your practical, try not to be nervous. Although this is easier said than done, try to remain calm and focus on what you have learned. The examiner is looking to see that you are someone who is going to be safe on the roads, so you need to demonstrate to the examiner that you are in good control of the car and very aware of what’s going on around you. It’s OK to make a mistake, like stalling, the important thing however is how you deal with it and put it right. Checking mirrors and using signals where appropriate. One of the most important things to remember, during your practical test is do not take risks under any circumstances! If you come upon a situation where you are uncertain, always take the safe option! Whilst you could be penalised for excessive, repeated hesitancy, you will certainly be penalised for even a marginal degree of haste. Stay within the prescribed speed limit but try to drive at the speed that is appropriate for the situation. Always indicate as instructed by your instructor and continually demonstrate that you are aware of potential hazards, checking your mirrors, blind spot and visibly scanning the road ahead. Remain calm and focused. Keep your mind on the road and your current situation don`t allow yourself to be distracted by the test elements yet to come or what the examiner might be writing down. With solid practice and a positive approach to the test, the day will soon arrive when you can go to buy a car, with your brand new full license tucked away in your wallet or purse. Read on for more info about the tests:
Try the official Driving Standards Agency Theory test practice website
The theory test consists of 2 parts:
The 1st part is multiple choice questions: You will have to answer 50 questions on the highway code, including questions on road signs and braking distances etc...
You will need to choose 1 or more of the answers offered to you. It's simple to use the computer system all you have to do is touch the screen. You will be asked to confirm all of your choices so don't worry about accidently pressing the wrong button!!
Take your time on the questions read them properly. (Some people say that wearing the head phones provided blocked out some of the background noise and helped them to concentrate better.) If you are unsure of any question use the "flagging" facility. This feature enables you to "pass" on a question and come back to it at the end. Everything is explained very clearly at the beginning and there are people on hand should you have any problems with operating the computer.
Hazard Perception.
The 2nd part of the theory test is the Hazard perception test. This willl involve watching a series of short video clips. Youwill be asked to identify the potential hazards you can see developing in the clips. The earlier you spot the hazards the more points you will score ranging from 5 down to 0. The maximum you can score on each clip is 5
The way you identify the hazards is by clicking on the mouse.You do not have to point the mouse or cursor at the hazard. You will see more than 1 hazard in each clip but only 1 hazard will be the scoring hazard. You must respond to all hazards.
You must be careful to only click when there is a hazard the system will think you are cheating if you just keep clicking on everything.
The last clip will be a double clip where you will need to identify 2 hazards and can score up to 10 points. Please don't worry if this sounds complicated every thing is explained very clearly during the introduction to your test.
You have to score 43/50 questions on the first part AND 44/75 on the hazard perception part to pass the theory test. Your theory certificate lasts for 2 years and you will need it for booking your driving test so keep it safe!!
To prepare for the theory test I would recommend that you study the highway code and use one of the many Books, Cd Roms or DVD's that are available checkout my Amazon store
Your Driving Test would normally start an hour before your test time, with a 1 hour lesson. The main reason for this is to get you settled in, comfortable and as relaxed as possible with the car and to run through a few last minute bits of advice, so that you are as prepared as possible for your test: Before your test we would normally run through the "show me tell me questions " 1 last time and reverse into a parking bay at the test centre ready for your test.
The Examiner will meet us in the waiting room and call out your name. He will ask to see your paper work ( Paper and Card part of Provisional Licence and Theory certificate - without both parts of your licence you will not be able to take your test.) He will ask you to sign a declaration to say that the Car is insured for the driving Test ( my car is, obviously!!!) and that you have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months. He will also check that the address on your Licence is correct. (If you have changed address it's okay to write your new address in the space provided at the bottom of your licence.)
The Examiner will ask you then to lead the way out to the Car.
Once in the Car Park the Examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres and then he will ask you 2 questions from the "Show me Tell Me questions" You will then be asked to get into the car.
Normally the examiner will explain what will be happening: you will be asked to carry out 2 reversing manoeuvres and sometimes an emergency stop as welll. He will explain that you should follow the road ahead at all times unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise or he asks you to turn left or right. The test will last for about 45mins
Throughout the test the Examiner will be looking for you to be in good control of the Car and very aware of what is going on around you.You will be asked to pull up on the left hand side of the road several times. You will be asked to carry out 2 manoeuvres: the Examiner will again be looking for good control of the Car and excellent observational skills effectively looking all around you and knowing all the time what is going on around you and reacting accordingly.
If you make a mistake on your test especially with the manoeuvres it is important that you make a correction and put it right. As long as you maintain good observation and good control of the car it is not a problem to pull forward and correct your mistake.
At the end of your test you will return to the test centre to receive your result. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults but no serious or dangerous faults. Good Luck!! Have a look at this website it offers great advice and explains the tests in great detail Driving Test Online
After your test if you are successful you will be asked for your driving licence and after filling in a few forms which require your signature the examiner will keep your provisional and your new licence will be sent through the post to you. You will keep the blue pass certificate as proof of passing the test. You can drive straight away after passing the test using the pass certificate ( so keep it safe). Don't forget to tell your insurance company that you have passed the test.
Don't forget about the New Drivers Act: Once you have passed your test, you are on probation for two years. If you get six or more penalty points during this time, you will lose your licence. You will have to reapply for a provisional licence and have to take all the tests again. Since the New Drivers Act was introduced in 1997, over 80,450 drivers have lost their licences.