Tests

Theory Test

Get your theory test out of the way as soon as you feel you’re ready. I’ll help you prepare.

You can book the test online here: https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test, and will need your provisional driving licence number, an email address for the booking confirmation and a debit or credit card for making your payment.

The theory test for cars costs £23. If you fail you can take it again after three working days and will, of course, have to pay another fee. So do your homework, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask me.

It’s a good idea to take a practice test, which you can do on the DVLA website. There’s lots of good information on the site, so take a few minutes to check it out.

Practical Test

It’s not a good idea to book your practical test until you’ve passed the theory. Once you have, go to https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test and book a date online. You’ll need your provisional driving licence number and a debit or credit card for paying.

No-one looks forward to tests of any sort. But think of passing your practical test as giving you your freedom – no more waiting for buses or lifts, no more biking in the rain, no more walking home with bags full of shopping. That’s the incentive.

Here are my top tips for passing your test:

Practice – We will cover everything you need to know during lessons, including techniques for impressing the examiner.

Rehearse – We’ll have a lesson just before your test appointment to make sure you’re nicely warmed up and familiar with any new roadworks or other potential obstacles.

Chill – It’s OK to be a bit nervous but take the pressure off by not telling too many people you’re taking your test. And on the day, take some deep breaths and walk into the test centre like you own the place.

Think Positive – You have to believe that you’re going to pass. Close your eyes for a few minutes and imagine that you’re driving the car completely flawlessly.

Be Comfortable – Make sure the seat is in the right position, the mirrors are correctly adjusted and that you’re at ease in the cockpit.

Know Where You’re Going – We will have covered all or most of the likely test routes during lessons, so there should be no nasty surprises. Have a mental picture of the routes so you’re well prepared for the examiner’s instructions.

Avoid Mistakes – We’ll identify your bad habits during lessons. We all have them. My job is to help you overcome them before the test so you put in a smooth, error-free drive.

Be Prepared – You need to be ready for anything on test day. It could be raining, foggy or just really busy. But we’ll be having lessons in all sorts of conditions – day and night – so there should be no nasty surprises.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask – If you don’t understand something the examiner has asked you to do, it’s OK to ask them to explain.

Concentrate – Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t be tempted to look at the examiner (or their notes) and make sure he or she can see that you’re using your mirrors and that you know what’s going on around you.