Learner driving lessons
Leaning to drive
You can apply for your UK provisional licence up to three months prior to your 17th birthday. You cannot legally drive on the road until your 17th birthday. You can apply for your driving licence online just click on the link. http://www.dvla.gov.uk/ DVLA
If you cant wait until you turn 17 you can do one of our Under 17 Off Road driving events, just click here to behind the wheel of a car if you are under 17 years old.
Your first driving lesson
Your Blue Driving Instructor will collect you for your first driving lesson, and will provide all of the relevant information concerning your training programme. This will cover all aspects of the teaching syllabus, including information about how and when to apply for your driving theory test. Your Driving Instructor will also help you the pupil in how to study effectively for the theory test, this will cover choosing the appropriate books or CD’s for your future study. Your Instructor will also you a Driver Record of Progress Book to keep track of your training programme, this is designed to help you get ready for the Driving Theory Test and then the Practical Driving Test.
All our Driving Instructors adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, please click on the link below to see our terms.
Driving theory test
The driving theory test has two parts, part one is a multiple choice test of 50 questions and part two is a hazard perception test of 14 video clips in which you will have to identify 15 developing hazards. To prepare for both parts of the theory test we recommend that all candidates, regardless of driving experience, use the resource material available. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50. Click here to book your Driving theory test.
Driving test PC software
Driving Test Success has been the best selling driving test software brand since 1997, helping over 1 million people to pass their test. For more details please click here.
Hazard Perception Test
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
Practical Driving Tests
The driving test is straightforward. It is designed to see if you can drive safely, know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. You will be given directions by the Driving Examiner in good time and asked to carry out set exercises; these will be two reverse manoeuvres, of the four below:
- Turn in the Road
- Reverse around a corner
- Reverse Parallel Park
- Bay Reverse Park
and maybe an emergency stop. The driving test lasts approximately 38 / 40 minutes (extended tests will last about 70 minutes) To book your test online www.dsa.gov.uk
The driving examiner will ask you before the driving test begins two questions about the vehicle. Some examples are listed below. If you fail to get one of the questions correct you could be given a minor fault. You are allowed to make 15 driver faults during the practical driving test one serious or dangerous fault and you would not be successful. At the end of the driving test the driving examiner will inform you whether you have passed or failed.
Show Me Tell Me
The candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple maintenance tasks. At the start of the practical test the examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would be followed by a 'Show Me' question, for example "Show me where to check the oil level". A candidate will not FAIL a driving test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE driving fault if they are wrong. This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical test which means less time spend out on the road.
Example one
- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Example two
- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Example three
- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Example four
- Show me how you would check the parking brake(handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Example five
- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Example six
- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
- Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Example seven
- Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
- Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Example eight
- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
- Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Example nine
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
Example ten
- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration
Example eleven
- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
Example twelve
- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Example thirteen
- Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
For more info on any of the above please contact us on 0800 234 6823 or email: info@blueschoolofmotoring.com