Learning to drive can be very confusing in the United Kingdom as there are various tests that you have to take before obtaining your full license. The test is actually done in two parts the first being a test of road and vehicle knowledge along with a reaction testing video sequence and these are referred to as the theory test. The second part is the practical test of your driving ability known simply as the driving test. Before you can even start to work towards these tests you must first obtain a United Kingdom of Great Britain provisional driving license without this it is illegal to drive any motorized vehicle on a public road. To apply for this provisional type license you must go through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency more commonly referred to as the DVLA.

Once you have this provisional license you are entitled to drive a car with the restrictions imposed by it which are that you must display Learner plates and be supervised at all times. The supervision can be done by an approved driving instructor or someone over twenty one who has held a full license for at least three years. If you are taking lessons from a driving instructor they must have a badge which has both their picture and an expiry date on it make you check this badge prior to starting your first lesson. The practical test cannot be taken until the theory test is passed first although driving lessons may be taken while you are preparing for the theory test.

About the theory test – This test is done in two parts the first part consists of fifty multiple choice questions which you have fifty seven minutes to answer and you need to achieve at least forty three out of fifty to pass. These questions are based on all the information found in the Highway Code and driving the essential skills books which are available at most book stores. The second part of this test is called the hazard perception test in which you watch fourteen short video clips clicking on the mouse when you notice anything that could cause you to change speed or direction. The speed of your reaction in identifying hazards is what will determine whether you pass or fail this part of the test. Both parts of this test must be passed at the same time so if you pass one section and fail the other you must retake both parts again.

Tags: Driving Test, Guide, UK Driving License

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