March 28th 2023.
As things stand at the moment, getting a Theory or Practical test is very difficult. Due to the backlog from Covid-19, Strike Action and Bad weather, Practical Driving Tests are currently booking in September 2023.
It is really important that when you think about starting driving lessons then you also start to learn your driving theory. With the DVSA system (The people who conduct the tests) you need to have passed the Theory before you can book a Practical test.
When you start your driving lessons your instructor (Me), will be encouraging you to Study and Pass your Theory test as we know it is currently many months waiting time for a test. Learning the theory will also help you when you do your practical lessons.
At the moment, because of the long waiting time for practical tests I may advise you to book a practical test once you have passed your theory test (even though you may not be ready to currently take it) on the understanding that you will continue with the same regular lessons and work towards the practical test date. YOU MAY NEED TO MOVE THIS DATE SHOULD YOU NOT REACH TEST STANDARD.
The Order to do things.
- Obtain Your Provisional License
- Start To Learn Your Theory (Books and Apps are freely available to help with this)
- Book your practical lessons and start to learn Driving On The Road
- Only When your instructor advises – Book A Practical Test.
- Continue with regular lessons
- Private practice if possible (This gives you more road time experince)
- Do Mock Test(s) with your instructor
- Goto Number 4.
You will need to move the date of your Driving test back should you not be at the required standard. Your instructor (Me) will let you know if this needs to happen.
Darwen Driver Training – Our Rules For Taking A Test Using Our Training Car.
As registered instructors we agreed to obide by a code of conduct enforced by the DVSA.
We agree to train drivers to the required standard and maintain a safe learning environment.
We have a responcibility to keep our pupils safe, other road users safe and also not put any examiner at risk by presenting students for test that do not meet the required standards.
You will only be allowed to take your Practical Test using our training car if:
- You have conducted all elements of our training sylabus
- You can drive “Completly Independantly” ie “No help or prompting from the instructor”
- You can drive consistantly without commiting any serious or dangerous faults
- You have passed our Mock Driving Test assesments.
If you do not meet the above requirements you will not be allowed to use our car for the Practical driving test.
You will need to reschedule your Practical Test Date if your instructor asks you to.
Please understand that we do not like having to ask students to move their test date back as it can be dissapointing and cause them further delays in gaining their full license. Other things to consider when wanting to take your practical test : The DVSA test fee is currently £62. The two hour test session is currently £68. The waiting time for another test should you fail is currently greater than 6 months. You would need to continue taking regular lessons during this time to maintain driving standard and work on faults you commited causing the failed test.
Our Conclusion
Only Book Your Practical Test When Advised To By Us
Be Prepared to Move The Date Should We Ask You To
Only Take The Test is you feel 110% Ready
