Requirements to enable you to start learning to drive.

You must be 17 years old.

You will also need a provisional licence, you can do this online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

Standards of vision for driving
You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test.

Theory Test

If you want to drive a car you’ll need to pass the driving theory test before booking either the car practical driving test. You need to have a provisional driving licence to take your driving theory test.

There are 2 parts to the theory test:
 

• the multiple choice part

• the hazard perception part

Both parts of the test are taken on the same day. You must book your driving theory test in advance.

You need to pass both to pass the theory test.

You can take the shorter ‘abridged’ car theory test if you’ve got the Safe Road User Award

You can practise the official driving theory test from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) here https://www.gov.uk/practise-your-driving-theory-test
Practice tests are free.

Booking the Theory Test.
Before you start you’ll need your:

• Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number

• email address to get your booking confirmation - you can’t book online if you don’t have one

• a debit or credit card

You can book the test on line here https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test or you can call DVSA if you have any problems booking your theory test online or if you’ve any special requirements at the test.

Note: You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again if you don’t pass.

Practical Driving Test
Before you start, you’ll need your:
 

• Theory Test pass certificate.  You’ll need the certificate number.

• Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence number

• credit or debit card

You don’t need your driving instructor’s personal reference number but, if you have it, you can use it to check their availability.

You can book the test on line here https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
You must book by phone if you need an ‘upgrade’ test, eg automatic to manual transmission.

DVSA booking support
customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 11 22
Monday to Friday, 8am to midday
Find out about call charges

Test Fees

During Weekdays

Theory test                          £23.00

Abridged Theory Test          £18.00

Practical Test                       £62.00

Evenings(4:30pm onwards). Weekends and Bank Holidays

Theory test                          £23.00

Abridged Theory Test           £18.00

Practical Test                        £75.00

Test prices correct as of 01-10-15

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