Before you start


Before you embark on your driving lessons, you will require a Provisional Licence.

You can apply for your Provisional Licence 3 months prior to your 17th birthday. You can normally start driving lessons on your 17th birthday. The application form “D1” can be obtained from any Licence-issuing Post Office or you can apply online at www.gov.uk. The fee for your licence is £50.

Your Driving Theory Test

To drive a car you will need to pass the Driving Theory Test before booking the practical driving test.

There are 2 parts to the theory test:

  • the multiple choice part
  • the hazard perception part

Both parts of the test are taken on the same day. There are free practice tests available on the GOV.UK web site as well as help and advice on passing your test. We strongly recommend booking your theory and practical test using the GOV.UK web site. There are two books available that we also recommend that will help you to pass both of your tests, both books have been written and approved by the Diving Vehicle and Standards Agency:

  • DVSA ” The Official DVSA Guide to Driving the essential skills” (app also available) Preview Book
  • DVSA ” The Highway Code” (app also available) Preview Book
  • The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit is the only app we would recommend

Your Practical Driving Test

The Practical Driving Test is designed to test that the candidate:

  • can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
  • know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving ability

Should you be successful and meet the safety standard required, you will pass your driving test.

There is no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practice driving before you take your test. There are no pass or fail quotas.

Current DVSA Fees

You will also need to pay the DVSA the following for your tests:

  • Theory Test: £23
  • Practical Test: £62 on a week day and £75 at the weekend