Getting started

The first thing you will need to do is apply for your provisional driving licence. You must be 17 years of age to hold one but you can apply before then so that you have your licence on your 17th birthday.

You can apply for it by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00

Click here to order an application pack

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service.

Click here to apply online

In order to obtain your full driving licence you will have to pass two exams. These are:

Theory test (Currently £23)
The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.

Multiple choice
A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer.
You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study. The case study will:

1. •show a short story that five questions will be based on
   

2. •focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving
   
   

The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 43 out of 50 and you are allowed 57 minutes to complete it.

After the multiple-choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

Hazard perception
For the hazard perception part, you will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development by clicking the mouse button.  The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

To see a short video about the theory test click here
To book your theory test click here

All pupils will be given a password giving access to free online preparation to help them get through their theory test.  Click here to find out more

Practical Test (Currently £62)
Before you do any driving, the examiner will give you an eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue), followed by the show me / tell me part of the test. This involves answering a couple of vehicle safety check questions (these will all be covered on your driving lessons). You will then move off, and will be examined on your general driving, one out of a possible four reversing exercises and about 10 minutes of independent driving which involves following sign posts to a designated location. You may also have to carry out the emergency stop exercise. In order to pass your test you must not make more than 15 driving faults. However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes.

To see a short video about the practical driving test click here
To book you practical driving test click here
Click here to view the show me, tell me questions