Before you start
Learning to drive may seem like a daunting task with lots of forms to fill in and send off.
We’ve put together a list of the things you’ll need to organise before you start booking your driving lessons.
1. Get hold of a Provisional License
Before you can even start to drive you need to obtain a provisional license. A provisional license allows you to drive alongside a full driving license holder such as your parent, your partner or one of our instructors. You’ll need to fill out what’s known as a D1 form. You can get a D1 form straight from your local Post Office by just asking at the counter, or you can get one sent to you by the DVLA.
You must have your provisional license with you when you start your lessons.
2. Have you read the highway code?
You’ll be tested on your knowledge of the Highway Code all the way through your learning to drive course. It’s basic road user common sense, but it’s still important you understand all that the Highway Code offers you. It will come in handy when you are tested on road markings and motorway regulations as well as building the foundation of your own driving knowledge, not knowing these rules will stop you from getting your license, so start reading today!
3. Taking your Driving Theory Test
A driving Theory Test is mandatory for everybody who is learning to drive, it’s made up of two parts. A set of multiple choice questions, and then a ‘Hazard-Perception Test’. It’s all done infront of a computer screen where you will be asked to touch on-screen each correct answer during the multiple choice test, and then the Hazard-Perception test will be done using a computer mouse.
You must pass this test before you can obtain your full driving license.
Your Gloucestershire Driving instructor will help you book your Driving Theory Test when you start your first lesson.
4. Taking your Practical Driving Test
Your Practical Driving Test - “the big day“, this is the one test that all of your skills and knowledge are put to the test with a driving examiner.
Gloucestershire Driving will make sure you approach your Practical Driving Test with the confidence you need to pass, it can be a nervous time for any driver. A Gloucestershire Driving instructor will work with you and advise you when the best time is to book your Practical Driving Test.
On the day:
You will perform an eyesight test followed by some vehicle safety questions. Once out on the road your driving examiner will assess your general driving ability and ask you to perform two reverse vehicle maneuvers over the duration (approx 40mins) of your Practical Driving Test.
Your driving examiner will be scoring you on your general road safety standard, you can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults and unfortunately it’s a fail.
You’ll need to have with you:
- A vehicle that you are insured to drive under, displaying L-Plates correctly
- Your appointment card/letter confirming the date and time of your Practicle Driving Test
- Your Driving Theory Test - pass certificate
- Both parts of your photo card provisional license
5. When you pass
Congratulations if you passed, you’ll need to apply immediately for your full drivers license from the DVLA.
Your Gloucestershire Driving Instructor will tell you how to obtain your full driving license so you can look forward to going out on the road on your own.
Make an Enquiry with Gloucestershire Driving