THE TESTS

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Amy holding her pass certificate

Taking your Theory Test

  You can take your Theory Test as soon as you are 17 years old, providing you have a valid provisional driving licence. See FAQ's section – No. 2.

You need to make an appointment in advance at a Theory Test Centre - Stoke is the nearest one to Stafford . You can book online at www.dsa.gov.uk or by phone – 0870 0101372 – paying by credit or debit card .They will ask for your driver number (on your provisional licence) and they will give you a booking reference number. If you don't have a credit or debit card you can book by post.

  The cost of the Theory Test is currently £21.

The test consists of 35 multiple choice questions and a Hazard Perception Test. You need to pass both parts at the same time to get a Theory Test pass certificate.
It is a touch screen test and you need to get 30 or more of the multiple choice questions correct – you will have the opportunity to practise before your real test begins.

The Hazard Perception Test will start after a break of about 3 minutes. First you will be shown a video explaining what you should expect from the test and then you will be shown 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. You should respond by pressing the mouse button every time you see a hazard that may result in the driver having to take some sort of action e.g. slowing down or changing direction.
You will be given your results when you have finished both parts of the test.

Know Your Traffic Signs

Or log on to the following websites for a mock theory test

Taking Your Practical Test

You will need to have passed your Theory Test before you can book your Practical Driving Test.

The cost of the Practical Driving Test is currently

• £45.50 for weekdays
• £55.00 for weekends or weekday evenings

This test is very straight forward and is normally taken from the DSA Test Centre in Stafford – it lasts for about 40 minutes.

You will first be given an eyesight test – if you fail this then your test will not continue. You will then be asked to drive around a test route so that the examiner can assess your general driving abilities.

You will also be asked to carry out two of the following special manoeuvres:-

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

As part of the Show Me, Tell Me section of your test, you will now be asked two questions on very basic car maintenance. Don't worry – we go through these questions and look under the bonnet as part of your driving lessons.

When you return to the test centre the examiner will tell you if you have or have not passed your test.

Well done Abbey