What Tests Do You Have To Take??
There are two tests you will have to pass in order to qualify as a driver: The Theory Test and the Practical Test. The Theory Test has been developed to focus new drivers on knowing how to be safe on the roads. The test is a series of multiple-choice questions that test the students ability to identify hazards on the road and how to avoid them. The questions vary between straight text, text with graphics of road signs; and text with photographs of road and driving scenarios. Most will require one option to be selected from a choice of four, some will ask for two, three or four correct options to be selected from a range of up to six possibilities. Immediately after completing your test you will be given the result.
The Practical Driving Test lasts 45 minutes (approximately) and is conducted at the local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. My car can be used for the test by arrangement. You will learn if you have passed the test immediately. If you fail the test you may apply right away to re-take the test but you must wait at least 10 days. Your lessons will prepare you for your practical driving test. If you pass your test you will be given a form to apply for your Full Driving License.
High Heels or Trainers??
Proper shoes for driving play a BIG part in driving safety. Yet there are a lot of people who drive with thick-soled shoes, high heels or sandals or no shoes at all! Using footwear not suitable for driving may cause accidents on the road. So what's the best footwear to use while driving?
What You Need To Get On The Road
Starting is easier than you think. First you have to be 17 years old to learn to drive a car. Before you can have any lessons you need to have a Provisional Driving license. A Provisional driving license allows you to legally drive on the roads with a qualified driver of the appropriate class, at least 21 years of age and with at least 3 years driving experience. The application forms you need are called a D1 form and a D750, available from the Post Office. You will also need a passport size photograph to submit with your application. The cost of a Provisional license is £29.00 (as of 1st November 2000. (Conditions apply
please see form.) It usually takes up to three weeks for your provisional license to arrive. For enquiries directly to the DVLA write to: Customer Enquiries Branch, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL or telephone 01792 783071 (between 8.15am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday) or email enquiry.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Essential Reading
There are a number of books you can buy that will assist you in passing your driving test. Essential reading is the Highway Code and Driving:The Essential Skills, which replaces the Driving Manual, which sets out all the rules and regulations concerning driving, the roads and pedestrians. The Theory Test and Practical Tests are both designed to test your understanding and knowledge of this code. There are many publications on sale to assist you. Some of which I may have available to sell to you.
CONGRATULATIONS You've passed. Now for your first solo trip. Some people prefer to use their first trip after passing their test with the help of their parents, big brothers, sisters, or friends sitting in with them to give moral support. This is fine, but there will still be a time when you will have to drive alone. Try to choose a journey with some degree of knowledge of the roads. Don't fear it. Perhaps you can drive around the area where your Driving Instructor has been taking you for your driving lessons. You may prefer to stick to a route you have planned beforehand, or you may choose to keep following the road ahead until you are well and truly in a new area. Always keep an atlas in the car and an A-Z of the district where you live. Then if you get lost, you can use them to find your way back. If you get lost, don't panic. Wait until you find a convenient stopping place then use your maps to find out where you are, and how to get back to where you wish to go. If you are really lost, ask a policeman or traffic warden. Another good choice is to call into a Service station or to ask a shopkeeper. Try and ensure you have enough petrol for your journey, if not remember to fill up early. Let someone know your
estimated time of arrival. If you are traveling at night, or even in the daytime, in some situations it is wise to lock your car doors. Why not rent a personal Mobile phone. There are many types available, some of which are relatively inexpensive with cheap rental. The calls may be expensive but the idea is to only use them in an emergency.
Happy Motoring.
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