Pass your driving test first time
New drivers take around 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice before passing
To help her - and you - pass the driving test first time, we sought some advice from motoring celebs.
The month before | The week before | The night before | What to wear | Documents | Test day
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 40 minutes
What it's worth: Driving freedom
What you need:
• To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• Provisional licence
• Theory test certificate number
• A code from your driving instructor
• Between £62 to more than £100 spare
• Access to a phone
View the best low-insurance cars for new drivers:
Directions:
1. Make sure your instructor is happy with your level of driving.
2. If you can't read a number plate from 20 metres away, get an eye test. Otherwise you'll fail the driving test straight away.
3. Get some extra practice in. On average, new drivers take 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice before passing.
4. Check you have a provisional license, theory test certificate number and a code from your driving instructor before booking.
5. Have a debit or credit card ready - the test costs £62 or £75 on weekends. You'll also need to pay for a car and your instructor.
6. Call the DSA on 0300 200 1122 to book a test. It’s worth calling daily to check for cancellations and book an earlier test.
7. Used car expert Jason Dawe says: “Take your test in the mid to late morning – you’ll avoid the commuter rush and busy lunchtime roads”.
1. Practice answering the “under the bonnet” questions once a day.
2. Spend 20 minutes a day re-reading the Highway Code to refresh your memory.
3. Take at least one more driving lesson before the test.
4. It's worth practicing the main manoeuvres a few times:
• Left reverse
• Turn in the road
• Reverse park
• Bay park
• Emergency stop
5. Learn the different routes your local test centre follows.
6. If you need to cancel or rebook your test due to illness, give your test centre (and instructor) at least three days notice.
7. Jason Dawe says: "Keep quiet about the test – the more people you tell, the more pressure you’ll put on yourself."
Frequently asked learner driver questions
1. Go to sleep at least three hours after eating your last meal. Try and get at least eight hours sleep.
2. Ensure your bedroom is cool as it’s harder to sleep in hot temperatures.
3. If you’re worried and can’t sleep, read a book or write your thoughts down on a notepad.
4. Avoid watching television or using a computer before going to bed.
5. Don’t drink any alcohol.
1. Wear appropriate clothing - anything light, simple and comfortable.
2. Stay warm. Wear at least two or three layers of clothing in cold weather.
3. Take off any thick coats before the test if they distract you or make you feel uncomfortable.
4. Prescription glasses or contact lenses (if necessary).
5. Avoid wearing heavy boots, high heels, sandals or other impractical shoes which may make the pedals difficult to use.
1. Bring the following with you or your test could be cancelled:
• Provisional photo card license with paper counterpart
• Theory test pass certificate
• Driving test appointment letter
• A fully licensed, insured vehicle with L plates
• CBT certificate (for motorcycle tests)
1. If your test is in the morning, have a decent breakfast – nothing too light or heavy.
2. Arrive at the test centre in good time.
3. TV star Tiff Needell says: "Try to stay calm and relaxed during the test. The instructor is looking for a high level of driver competence and confidence, so use your common sense and go with the flow."
4. Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you didn't hear it correctly.
5. Good luck.
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