Practicing driving
It's common for learner drivers to have a mix of professional and private lessons with a friend or relative. Whilst practicing you’re driving with a parent or friend shouldn't be a replacement for professional lessons, it is good practice and any extra time spent toward taking your practical test can be a real help. I will also add that in some circumstances the dynamic of a son/daughter in the car does not work, and if this is the case it should not be pushed, as it can lead to the pupil not wanting to drive at all.
I also have no issue and openly invite any parent to sit in on a lesson, I can also sit in on private practice. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have
If you do plan to put in some extra practice outside of private lessons, there are a few important points to remember:
· You must hold a British provisional driving licence
· Anyone you practice with must be aged 21 or over and have had (and still does have) a full driving licence for at least 3 years
· You must clearly display 'L' plates on the vehicle you're learning in.
· You must be insured to drive the vehicle you'll be practicing in
· When supervising, you must stay calm and give clear instructions. Learner drivers do not respond to shouting very well, and in some cases can hold them back.
· The learner is in control, by this I mean they should practice anything that they have learnt already or having issues with, mirrors is a classic example. If in doubt ask the professional for advice.
· You may be surprised on how much of your experience may help them, but leave the teaching to a trained driving coach.
The driving test
The driving test is split into two different sections, one theory based and one practical and although you must pass your theory test before you can book the practical test, you are still able to practice their driving before passing the theory test.
The theory and practical tests will usually take place at different test centres. To find out where your nearest test centres are, visit the Directgov website.
The theory test
The theory test is a two part test that tests your knowledge of the highway code. It's worth getting hold of a copy of the highway code and doing your homework before attempting the test.
The test currently costs £31 and you can book your test via the Directgov website, though if you've chosen to learn with a professional driving school, they should be able to arrange the test for you.
What to expect from the test:
1. Multiple-choice - A computer based multiple-choice questionnaire lasting 57 minutes. To pass you need to score at least 43 out of 50.
2. Hazard perception - In this test, you're shown a series of 14 clips of everyday road scenes in which you must identify the 'developing hazard'. Each clip contains one hazard, but one clip contains two to identify. The earlier you spot hazards, the higher score you receive. To pass you need to score a minimum of 44 out of 75.
Once you've completed the theory test, you'll find out your results straight away, and if you pass you'll receive your pass certificate which then enables you to book your practical test.
The practical test
The DVSA has estimated that an average of
45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of private practice are needed for learner drivers to pass the practical test.
Why so many hours?
The modern test goes allot further than it used to, they now have to drive on their own, following road signs for around 10 minutes of the test, and may have to park, both of these things were not in the test when myself and you learnt to drive. The standard is much higher due to more traffic and to help keep them safe after passing. The highest mortality rate is between the ages of 17 and 24. You cannot put a price on safety! But remember some people pass sooner than the figures given, and each pupils learns at their own rate.
Everyone learns at different rates, some get a little stuck on something’s, making any estimate of time is just that an estimate. I understand that it seem expensive, but as stated this reflects the high standard of the modern test. That day cost £62 for the DVSA test, and £50 for my time and car, if they have the best chance at it then that is a onetime fee, rush into the test and that could be another £112!
My job is to give them the best possible chance of that first time pass, but there is no guaranty, so much could happen on the road in that 40 mins or so. By only letting them go when “WE” agree they are ready it is possible to save money in the long run. A huge fail could cost lots more lessons, where as if the nerves just kicked in only 1 lesson to go over the issue and a re-test.
These figures are purely a guide though as many learner drivers have been known to pass in much less time.
The test currently costs £62 if you take it on a weekday or £75 if you choose an evening, weekend or bank holiday.
The test consists of:
· An eyesight check
· Two/three “know as show me tell me” vehicle safety questions
· A 40 minute driving ability test that aims to assess their general driving ability (including one manoeuvre - reversing around a corner, turning in the road or reverse parking, Bay or Parallel).
The scary thing was watching other drivers slipping and sliding all over the road from driving too fast and hitting the brakes too hard.
