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Your Licence
Before you learn to drive (practical and theory) you will need
to apply for a provisional driving licence. You can apply (upto 3 months before
your birthday) for a provisional licence to drive a car from the age of 17, (16
if you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate) the
application form (D1) is available from most Post Offices. Send the form with
the current fee, original documentation confirming your identity, and a
passport-sized colour photograph to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. You can expect to
receive your licence within 10/14 days.
If you did not order a copy of the Highway Code when you
applied for your licence, you can purchase a copy from most good book shops, or
online
Further information about driving licences is available
on the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website at
www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drivers.htm
Choosing your Instructor
Choose an Instructor who has a good reputation and who is
reliable and dependable. Ask your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues if
they can recommend an instructor.
If you are paying for lessons, make sure you choose an
Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or Licensed Trainee because only they can
legally give you driving lessons for financial gain.
Trainee driving instructors are granted a trainee
license so that they can gain teaching experience before their final qualifying
examination. Their certificate is PINK
Do not just choose the cheapest. Prices vary, so make sure you
check the duration of the lesson as well as the instructor's terms and
conditions for giving lessons and hiring out the car for the test.
How Many Lessons
The number of lessons you will need depends on how fast you
learn. Your instruction should match your rate of learning, a good instructor
can do this.
Most new drivers need around 35 hours of professional driving
lessons before they reach test standard. Some will need more. Nerves play a big
part in how some drive on their test. It stands to reason, if you are better
than test standard then even if nerves do have any effect, you are still good
enough to pass. The main reason for failing a test is because candidates are not
properly prepared, physically or mentally, in other words, simply not ready.
The latest Driving Standards Agency (DSA) research established
that "those who pass their test have had about 45 hours of
professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice. Candidates
who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more
successful on the test"
Pass Plus
Once you have passed your Practical Test you are recommended
to take the Pass Plus course, which will extend your driving experience further.
Pass Plus consists of a minimum 6 modules :-
Once you have successfully completed the set of modules you
will receive a certificate that is recognised by many insurance companies. These
companies will give you a discount on your insurance, usually more than the cost
of the course.
The above information is provided as general
guidance only, and while it is believed to be correct at the time of print, you
should confirm its accuracy and whether any special requirements apply in your
case.
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