Thought I would share my experience and advice for both these tests which are needed to obtain a UK's driver license. I passed my theory test in April last year and practical test in October of the same year. Driving is a huge task at the beginning, especially since the majority haven't sat at the driver's seat let alone operate a vehicle. I'll be going through both tests, stating my experience and some advice:
Driving Theory Test:
This is probably seen as the most straight-forward and easiest part of getting your license for some. I know it was for me. Make sure that you have you have got your provisional driver's license before booking your test. You can learn practical driving before doing the test. I started lessons 2 months before doing the theory test. I think it provided me some knowledge that helped me in theory to be honest but, you don't have to do it like that. I would recommend buying the DVSA Theory App to help with the theory test. It provides a huge bank of questions (all multiple choice as the theory test is multiple choice) which are relatively similar to the ones that appear in the real exam. There are notes as well on each of the topics that can be tested. Most topics are quite easy to get around, while some are based on memorising such as stopping distances. Some are a little harder to get around but, spend a little bit extra learning that stuff as I can assure you that you probably know a fair amount already just from common sense and general knowledge (like traffic light colours). Keep using the app and doing the mini tests and mock tests aiming for 40/50 each time.
Don't forget about Hazard Perception. This is the 2nd part of the test and is also included with the app. You need to practice it as it is a bit harder than the multiple choice. I found this section easier than the theory section and did better than I thought.
I booked my theory test before actually revising for it and I think this helped me work harder towards passing it as I knew the day of the test and how fast it was approaching which motivated me to work really hard in the days before. If I revised first then booked it, I feel like I would've been a bit too relaxed in preparing.
On the day of the theory test, make sure you bring the relevant documentations. They are very strict on this and forgetting or not having it will cancel your theory test. Also be aware that there are more security checks than you think at the test centre. I remember one of them checking my glasses for anything used to cheat. You will put all your personal stuff in a locker to ensure no cheating too. Remember, cheating is Illegal as well.
If you pass the test, congratulations. You are just one test away from obtaining a license. If you have failed, then you have to wait at least 3 days before booking another test. You are given a sheet of paper at the end that shows you the breakdown of your marks and use that for extra revision so you can pass. Remember, the pass rate is below 50% for first time showing that the theory test is actually not that easy on a national level. To be honest, I think a strong pass a 2nd time round is much better than skimming a pass the first time. The learner will have a better understanding of the theory which is very important and tested in the practical exam, which increases the chances of not just passing the practical test really well but being a good and safe driver.
Practical Test:
This is the final test to obtaining your license. This is probably the one that requires the most work too, especially if you haven't driven before. You will probably have a driving instructor to teach and oversee your progress in driving and I highly recommend taking the time to find a really good one. I will say that it is that you will need to spend quite a fair bit on a good driving instructor. It is expected that you will need at least 40 hours of driving practice to pass, although this varies on an individual level. For instance, I only did 22 hours of lessons. Per hour, it costs between £20-£40 for driving lessons (this is the range I found but it can vary depending on the area). But, while it does look like quite a heavy amount, think of it as good investment. Once you've passed, you never have to do this again and you open up a few doors such as some jobs which require a driver's license. Also look out for some promotions and discounts for new learners. I didn't know anything about driving or the mechanics, but my instructor was amazing. His style of teaching really helped me throughout and I learnt quite quickly with him too. The first few lessons are the hardest though, particularly when driving manually. You may feel a bit uncomfortable (and maybe after your legs may hurt) after driving. But, you will get used to it and you will be surprised how fast you will be able to pickup driving. Now, I started lessons in February but didn't actually do my test until October. I had to take some huge gaps in my driving lessons due to school commitments, holiday abroad and university application stuff. I actually had a few lessons on Saturdays between February and April then took a gap until July where I only had 1 lesson before taking another gap until October where it became intense for me as I did lessons every Saturday and Sunday (and some extra ones during my holiday) until my exam. To my surprise after taking those gaps, I still remembered how to do everything and it had virtually become second nature. The only problem was consistency and general awareness which improves with more practice. I did my lessons in the same area where my test centre was so that I could become aware of the roads and possible route. Work with your instructor or whoever is teaching you so that you are as ready as you can for the test. Ensure you know all the manoeuvres (including the emergency stop which happens in some but not all tests) as they will give you one at random and practice the show me, tell me questions (just google it for more info).
The practical test was probably the most nerve wracking experience in my life. I'll explain it in a bit more detail along the way. Make sure you also have the documentations required beforehand because -like with the theory- they are strict with this stuff and forgetting or not having will result it in being cancelled. First, you usually have a little practise before your time to just go over the last few things and brush up. You then drive to the exam centre, park up and walk into the centre and register yourself. You then wait for a few minutes in a waiting room (which added even more nerves to me) for your examiner to turn up and check your provisional license for ID purposes. You can choose whether you want your instructor to be with you during the test. I chose not to as that would just make me even more nervous than I already was. You then go outside to do a sight test where you read some numberplate outside. Failing this and your test gets cancelled but provided that you have everything like glasses if needed, then there should be no problem. After that, you go to your learners car where you sit inside first while the examiner does checks on the car to ensure it is fine for the test. From here, your test route will start where you will be asked the show me, tell me question (can even occur at the very beginning or very end), asked to do manoeuvres and show what you have been practising. The examiner will mark the times you have done faults. A minor/driving fault is just little things that aren't dangerous but just a considered a bit of bad driving (such as coasting) and you can have upto 15 to pass. Anything greater than or equal to 16 minors or if you get 3 of the same minor, you fail. A serious or dangerous fault is more than just a bit of bad driving and you just need 1 to fail. These have the potential or are a danger to you, the examiner, the public and/or property. If the examiner has to interfere such as by grabbing the steering wheel or using the instructor pedals, then consider your test a fail too. My test was alright at first but, I fully thought I had failed when I managed to stall 3 times in a row when I finished a pull and park manoeuvre. The nerves got to me after the first stall as I had been practising without stalling for a while and this had never happened. My reverse bay park was also questionable (My instructor actually saw me doing it as it was right outside the test centre at the end and said that it had the potential to fail me) but, I was definitely quite lucky to have passed. It does sometimes depend on luck with the examiner. But, even though I got the nerves after the stalling, I did manage to stay quite composed and calm which helped me to not mess up further. It is absolutely normal to get nervous before and during the exam, even if you are prepared but just persevere and breath through it. The test lasts between 25-40 minutes and believe me, time goes really quickly when you are concentrating during the test. In fact, I thought I didn't even realise time had gone so quickly and thought I had failed because of the stalling. After the test is over, you wait until the examiner has counted all the faults before he tells you the result.
If you have passed, congratulations on being a qualified driver. The examiner will take your provisional license and give you your pass certificate which can be used as proof of license until you get the official license in the mail. If you have failed, then listen carefully to the feedback given by the examiner at the end. Use this feedback to practice and work around the difficulties for your next test. The feedback is given to you and the instructor, if you have passed or failed. You will also receive the paper the examiner has used to mark the faults you received.
Driving Theory Test:
This is probably seen as the most straight-forward and easiest part of getting your license for some. I know it was for me. Make sure that you have you have got your provisional driver's license before booking your test. You can learn practical driving before doing the test. I started lessons 2 months before doing the theory test. I think it provided me some knowledge that helped me in theory to be honest but, you don't have to do it like that. I would recommend buying the DVSA Theory App to help with the theory test. It provides a huge bank of questions (all multiple choice as the theory test is multiple choice) which are relatively similar to the ones that appear in the real exam. There are notes as well on each of the topics that can be tested. Most topics are quite easy to get around, while some are based on memorising such as stopping distances. Some are a little harder to get around but, spend a little bit extra learning that stuff as I can assure you that you probably know a fair amount already just from common sense and general knowledge (like traffic light colours). Keep using the app and doing the mini tests and mock tests aiming for 40/50 each time.
Don't forget about Hazard Perception. This is the 2nd part of the test and is also included with the app. You need to practice it as it is a bit harder than the multiple choice. I found this section easier than the theory section and did better than I thought.
I booked my theory test before actually revising for it and I think this helped me work harder towards passing it as I knew the day of the test and how fast it was approaching which motivated me to work really hard in the days before. If I revised first then booked it, I feel like I would've been a bit too relaxed in preparing.
On the day of the theory test, make sure you bring the relevant documentations. They are very strict on this and forgetting or not having it will cancel your theory test. Also be aware that there are more security checks than you think at the test centre. I remember one of them checking my glasses for anything used to cheat. You will put all your personal stuff in a locker to ensure no cheating too. Remember, cheating is Illegal as well.
If you pass the test, congratulations. You are just one test away from obtaining a license. If you have failed, then you have to wait at least 3 days before booking another test. You are given a sheet of paper at the end that shows you the breakdown of your marks and use that for extra revision so you can pass. Remember, the pass rate is below 50% for first time showing that the theory test is actually not that easy on a national level. To be honest, I think a strong pass a 2nd time round is much better than skimming a pass the first time. The learner will have a better understanding of the theory which is very important and tested in the practical exam, which increases the chances of not just passing the practical test really well but being a good and safe driver.
Practical Test:
This is the final test to obtaining your license. This is probably the one that requires the most work too, especially if you haven't driven before. You will probably have a driving instructor to teach and oversee your progress in driving and I highly recommend taking the time to find a really good one. I will say that it is that you will need to spend quite a fair bit on a good driving instructor. It is expected that you will need at least 40 hours of driving practice to pass, although this varies on an individual level. For instance, I only did 22 hours of lessons. Per hour, it costs between £20-£40 for driving lessons (this is the range I found but it can vary depending on the area). But, while it does look like quite a heavy amount, think of it as good investment. Once you've passed, you never have to do this again and you open up a few doors such as some jobs which require a driver's license. Also look out for some promotions and discounts for new learners. I didn't know anything about driving or the mechanics, but my instructor was amazing. His style of teaching really helped me throughout and I learnt quite quickly with him too. The first few lessons are the hardest though, particularly when driving manually. You may feel a bit uncomfortable (and maybe after your legs may hurt) after driving. But, you will get used to it and you will be surprised how fast you will be able to pickup driving. Now, I started lessons in February but didn't actually do my test until October. I had to take some huge gaps in my driving lessons due to school commitments, holiday abroad and university application stuff. I actually had a few lessons on Saturdays between February and April then took a gap until July where I only had 1 lesson before taking another gap until October where it became intense for me as I did lessons every Saturday and Sunday (and some extra ones during my holiday) until my exam. To my surprise after taking those gaps, I still remembered how to do everything and it had virtually become second nature. The only problem was consistency and general awareness which improves with more practice. I did my lessons in the same area where my test centre was so that I could become aware of the roads and possible route. Work with your instructor or whoever is teaching you so that you are as ready as you can for the test. Ensure you know all the manoeuvres (including the emergency stop which happens in some but not all tests) as they will give you one at random and practice the show me, tell me questions (just google it for more info).
The practical test was probably the most nerve wracking experience in my life. I'll explain it in a bit more detail along the way. Make sure you also have the documentations required beforehand because -like with the theory- they are strict with this stuff and forgetting or not having will result it in being cancelled. First, you usually have a little practise before your time to just go over the last few things and brush up. You then drive to the exam centre, park up and walk into the centre and register yourself. You then wait for a few minutes in a waiting room (which added even more nerves to me) for your examiner to turn up and check your provisional license for ID purposes. You can choose whether you want your instructor to be with you during the test. I chose not to as that would just make me even more nervous than I already was. You then go outside to do a sight test where you read some numberplate outside. Failing this and your test gets cancelled but provided that you have everything like glasses if needed, then there should be no problem. After that, you go to your learners car where you sit inside first while the examiner does checks on the car to ensure it is fine for the test. From here, your test route will start where you will be asked the show me, tell me question (can even occur at the very beginning or very end), asked to do manoeuvres and show what you have been practising. The examiner will mark the times you have done faults. A minor/driving fault is just little things that aren't dangerous but just a considered a bit of bad driving (such as coasting) and you can have upto 15 to pass. Anything greater than or equal to 16 minors or if you get 3 of the same minor, you fail. A serious or dangerous fault is more than just a bit of bad driving and you just need 1 to fail. These have the potential or are a danger to you, the examiner, the public and/or property. If the examiner has to interfere such as by grabbing the steering wheel or using the instructor pedals, then consider your test a fail too. My test was alright at first but, I fully thought I had failed when I managed to stall 3 times in a row when I finished a pull and park manoeuvre. The nerves got to me after the first stall as I had been practising without stalling for a while and this had never happened. My reverse bay park was also questionable (My instructor actually saw me doing it as it was right outside the test centre at the end and said that it had the potential to fail me) but, I was definitely quite lucky to have passed. It does sometimes depend on luck with the examiner. But, even though I got the nerves after the stalling, I did manage to stay quite composed and calm which helped me to not mess up further. It is absolutely normal to get nervous before and during the exam, even if you are prepared but just persevere and breath through it. The test lasts between 25-40 minutes and believe me, time goes really quickly when you are concentrating during the test. In fact, I thought I didn't even realise time had gone so quickly and thought I had failed because of the stalling. After the test is over, you wait until the examiner has counted all the faults before he tells you the result.
If you have passed, congratulations on being a qualified driver. The examiner will take your provisional license and give you your pass certificate which can be used as proof of license until you get the official license in the mail. If you have failed, then listen carefully to the feedback given by the examiner at the end. Use this feedback to practice and work around the difficulties for your next test. The feedback is given to you and the instructor, if you have passed or failed. You will also receive the paper the examiner has used to mark the faults you received.
