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Useful info

We've collected some useful information together to get you going, give you information about passing the driving test, and some information you'll need to know after you've passed - like advice on buying your own car and what to do in an emergency. This section will be of most use to Licence Session Students, but will also give you some hints and tips if you're learning on track - like what to wear to your lessons.

Getting started

    • Dressed and ready

    • When you come to your first lesson, make sure youre wearing comfy clothes and practical shoes - trainers are ideal. No high heels or flip-flops! You need to be aware and alert, so dont have a big night out the day before your lesson. Ensure that you are under the legal limit for alcohol too. Remember you could still be over the limit the day after. Let your ADI know if youre not well or are taking medication, because some medicines can make you drowsy, making it unsafe for you to drive. Eye Tests Before you start driving, its quite important to make sure that you can see...Read More

    • Getting a licence

    • If you are 17, or going to turn 17 soon, and are starting licence sessions, youll need to apply for your provisional licence before you can legally go out on the road. Your first provisional driving licence costs 50 from the DVLA. You can apply 3 months before your 17th birthday, so you have it ready to start driving as soon as you turn 17. The easiest way to apply for your provisional licence is online, but you can also apply by filling out a D1 form that you can pick up from your local post office, and your college might have a few in the student support area. If you are...Read More

    • L-Plates

    • To be able to drive on public roads with a provisional licence, as well as being accompanied, you need to make sure you have L-Plates (or D-Plates in Wales.) They need to be easily visible at both the front and back of the car you are driving, and they need to be removed or covered up whenever someone who has passed their test is driving. L-Plates have to meet a legal specification, so buy them rather than trying to make them yourself. The best option is magnetic L-Plates that just snap onto the car bonnet and boot - you can find them in most big supermarkets and more specialist shops...Read More

Practice for the test

    • Getting in some practice

    • At the Academy, we strongly recommend that you get extra practice between your sessions with your coach. The best way to do this is by getting out on the road with a parent, guardian or a trusted family friend. We encourage you to do this as often as you can persuade someone to accompany you! Dont forget, that to get the best out of these practice sessions and avoid unnecessary conflict, you and your brave volunteer could do the Parent Partner Package before you get out there together. So who can legally accompany you? Well, anyone as long as: They have held a full EC/EAA car licence...Read More

    • The theory test

    • The theory test is made up of two parts: A hazard perception test. You are shown 14, one minute clips, all of which have at least one developing hazard. You must click on the hazards and react in time. Multiple choice questions based on the Highway Code, which you can get to grips with here. (hyperlink to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm - Direct Gov Highway Code resource) You must answer 43 of the 50 questions correctly to pass. When you and your ADI both think youre ready, book your theory test at a local test centre by visiting the DSA here....Read More

    • Booking your practical test

    • So youve completed the curriculum and are a competent purple-level driver - if both you and your ADI agree that youre ready, its time to book your test. Your test will cost between 62-75 depending on when you take it, so its important that youre really ready before you book it. There will also be the cost of booking your ADI and the car for the time before, during and after the test. You can book with the DSA here. > Back to Practice for the...Read More

    • Show Me Tell Me

    • In the driving test, it's not just your eyesight and your driving that gets assessed - your examiner will also ask you a few questions about car maintenance and safety. They'll ask you to either show them how you would do something - for example how you'd check your headlights were working. Or, they'd ask you to tell them how you'd do it - make sure you listen properly! We've put together a page with the questions you might be asked -  Show Me, Tell Me Questions (Downloadable PDF). If you've got any questions, be sure to ask your driving coach - you can get minors for not knowing the...Read More

Once you've passed

    • Buying a car

    • Buying your first car is incredibly exciting. This section has some valuable tips and advice before you buy. Its really great to get a car similar to the one you learned or are learning in. You will be familiar with the car and you will have become accustomed to parking and turning, for example already. A smaller car is great for when youre a new driver as parking is easier, controls are lighter and insurance and tax are more affordable. When youre looking at buying your first car, the first thing you should look at is your budget. You need to include the cost of insurance, road tax and...Read More

    • Owning a car

    • Insurance It is illegal to drive a car which you are not insured to drive. There are lots of different insurance policies out there - you could use comparison website to find the best price, but check the excess for drivers under 21 usually the excess for under 21 year olds is around 200 more than someone over 21 driving on the same policy. If you do have a minor accident, it might be worth looking into how much damage is going to cost sometimes its cheaper to pay for the damage yourself rather than paying your excess, and retain your no-claims bonus if you have one. Remember third...Read More

    • What to do if you have an accident

    • The first thing you should do when you breakdown or have an accident is to stop as soon as it is safe and stay calm. It is illegal not to stop after an accident. Turn your cars engine off and turn your hazard lights on to warn other drivers and cyclists. If there are others involved, do try to help but always put your own safety first. Do not take risks. If anyone has been injured, or if the accident is blocking the road - call the police (and an ambulance if it is needed) as soon as possible. You will then need to take the details from everyone else involved AND any witnesses (drivers...Read More

    • What to do if you breakdown

    • Breakdown cover is a luxury, and we know its not always a possibility for young drivers. Its really important to maintain your car well, as this helps to prevent breakdowns. However, if you do breakdown, firstly stay calm and then try to get your car to a safe place. If youre on the motorway, pull over to the hard shoulder and stop as far left as possible. Put your hazard and side lights on, then get out of the car (taking your passengers too) through the passenger door, even if you have to climb over the seats. Take your phone and your breakdown membership card if you have one with you....Read More

    • Eco-Driving

    • Eco-Driving is not only good for the environment, but its good for your car and your bank account as well - driving economically reduces fuel consumption, green house gas emissions, not to mention accident rates. Eco-driving features in many of our packages, but essentially there are 5 golden rules of eco-driving: Shift up gears as soon as possible - between 2,000-2,500 rpm. Maintain a steady speed in the highest gear possible. Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Decelerate smoothly, rather than breaking too quickly Check your tyre pressure...Read More

    • Pass Plus

    • Pass Plus is a 6-module programme, which you must complete in a minimum of 6 hours tuition. It is designed by the DSA especially for newly licensed drivers, to make you a safer and more confident driver. It helps to boost your confidence and youll learn a wider range of skills to prepare you to face the road in lots of different conditions. The 6 modules are: In Town Driving Out of Town Driving Night Driving All Weather Driving Dual Carriageways Motorways Theres no test as such, your ADI will take you through the programme and when they feel that you have understood...Read More

    • Road safety statistics

    • Read the below to find out some interesting road safety statistics. All of these facts and figures are from the Think! road safety website. In 2007, 32% of car driver deaths and 40% of car passenger deaths were 17-24 year olds. Driver sleepiness is estimated to account for around one fifth of accidents on major roads and is responsible for around 300 deaths per year so make sure youre alert and awake when driving. In 2006, a total of 123 horse riders were injured in road accidents, of which 3 riders were killed and 26 riders seriously injured. Horses are scared easily, so make sure...Read More