Driving Test and Driving Licence FAQ

Here are answers to some driving instructor frequently asked questions about the UK car test, Licence and Learning to drive that I get on a regular basis.

Driving Licence FAQ

Q: How do I apply for a Provisional Licence in the UK

A: Details of applying for provisional licence can be found in the link, including the current fee.

Can I have 2 driving licences in the UK?
A:
No, the DVLA only allows you to have one, if you lose it, apply for a replacement. Obtaining an additional licence using false details because you got points or banned on the original one is a criminal offence, and carries a hefty penalty which could include imprisionment.

Q: Can I drive in the UK with a Foreign licence or International driving permit?
A:
You can use your Foreign licence or International driving permit to drive a car in the UK for up to 12 months from the date of your first entry in the UK, after that you will need to apply for a provisional licence and pass the UK driving test. Leaving the country and returning a few months later, does not add another 12 months to the period you are allowed to drive in the UK with a foreign licence. Foreign Licence and Driving test advice.



Q: Can I obtain a full UK driving licence without passing a test?
A:
No. You can not obtain a full UK driving licence without passing the driving test. Anyone offering to take the driving test on your behalf or claiming to be able to get you one without you taking a DVSA test is involved in illegal activities.

Q: Do you have to always carry your driving licence when driving a car in the UK?
A:
No. As long as you have a valid provisional or full driving licence, you don't need to always carry it. If you are stopped by the police, then you will be given 7 days to produce your licence. It is a good idea though to always have a means of Identity proof on you.

Q: How many passengers can I carry with my provisional licence?
A:
As many passengers as the car can legally carry, and there no clauses in your insurance stopping you from doing so. You can also carry passengers during your driving lessons, as long as your driving instructor is happy to allow them. There is no provisional licence law prevent learner drivers from carrying passengers.



How many points can I have on my licence?


A: If you get more than 12 points on your driving licence including a provisional icence, you will get a driving ban!

Q: Can I get a driving licence without passing the driving test?
A:
Here in the UK it is not possible to get a full driving licence without passing a driving test unless you have a full EU licence or a licence from one of the countries that the DVLA will exchange a full licence for.

Driving Test FAQ




Q: I forgot my theory test pass certificate, can I still take the practical car test?
A:
Yes, the DSA examiner should not normally require to see the theory test pass report, as you would not have been able to get a driving test slot on the DSA system if you had not passed. The most important document you need for your practical appointment is both parts of your Photo ID provisional licence, without this you will not be able to continue, and will lose your driving test fee. Do arrive early though as being late could cost you the test if the examiner decides he needs to make a call to confirm you have passed the theory hazard perception test.

Q: Can I book a driving test without my driving instructor?
A:
Yes, you don't need a driving instructor to book a driving test, if you do have one, do ask him/her before you book the test to make sure they are available for the dates you are looking to book. If asked for your instructors ADI number while booking a test, and you don't know it, just skip that option, you will still be able to book the practical driving test.

How many people pass the driving test first time?
A:
As many as prepare properly for the test, know what is expected, and don't rely on luck during the test.

Q: How much does the driving test cost?
A:
£62.00 during the week and £75.00 for weekends or weekday evenings (summer).

Q: Can I book the practical driving test without a theory pass certificate?
A:
Yes, If you've lost or misplaced your theory test pass certificate, you can still book the practical driving test, but you will have to call the DSA up, as you won't be able to book the test online via the DSA website.

Q: How long is the practical driving test ?
A:
Approximately 40 minutes including the show me/tell me part.

Which driving test centre has a higher pass rate, Hendon or Mill Hill?
A:
Hendon Test Centre has a higher pass rate, and also a longer waiting time than Mill Hill driving test centre.
Note: Both test centres have driving test routes that overlap, so there is no guarantee that you wouldn't fail on the same thing eg Apex roundabout or 70mph dual carriageway.

Q: How soon can I drive my own car after passing the driving test?
A:
You don't need to wait the 2-3 weeks it takes for your full driving licence to arrive, you can start driving immediately. Your driving test pass certificate is not a licence, but the DVLA will be informed of your pass, so feel free to enjoy your new found freedom, but do drive safely.

Q: Can I use my own private car (7 seater) for the test?
A:
Yes, you use your private car on the driving test, but if you are unsure if your car is on the banned list, call the DSA. The BMW mini-convertible for example can't be used on a driving test.

Q: Can I pay the driving examiner to pass me during the driving test?
A:
No you can't, and don't try it, as you could end up in jail!

Q: When is the best time to book/take/pass the driving test?
A:
While you might have less traffic to deal with if you book your test during the quieter parts of the day, the best time to pass the test is when you are completely confident you have fully prepared for it. Many people fail their driving examination for things like observations, wrong use of speed or failure to obey road signs or markings, so traffic is not just a factor to consider.



Q: Can I choose which bay to park in (left or right) during the driving test?
A:
Yes you can if practicable. Note: You will have to do right bay parking at the Barnet test centre, due to it being a shared car park and most instructors park outside the car park (there is a barrier).

Q: I failed my driving test, how long do I have to wait to book another driving test.
A:
You will not be able to retake the test for another 10days, but you can rebook another attempt immediately as long as the date chosen is after he 10 day limit.

Q: Can you guarantee I will pass the driving test if I take driving lessons with you?
A:
No, as I can predit what you will do in the car while out with the DSA examiner, but I can guarantee that if you take my advice, prepare and gain enough experience, then there is no reason why you shouldn't pass your next attempt in gaining a full British driving licence.

Q: What happens if I pass the driving test, and the DSA examiner takes both parts of my provisional licence including counterpart to send off to the DVLA, can I drive a car with just the pass certificate?
A:
Yes you can drive your own car until your new full British licence arrives in the post about 3 weeks after the test, if you haven't got the new licence after 3 weeks, give the DVLA a call, the contact number is on the reverse of the pass cerificate.
You have 2 years to apply for your full driving licence if you don't allow the dsa examiner to do it for you. Failure to apply for a full British licence within this time will result in you having to take the practical test again.

Q: Can I take the theory test if I have 6 points or more on my provisional licence?
A:
As long as you have not been banned or your licence revoked, you will still be allowed to take either the theory or practical driving test. This is why you need both parts as the paper counterpart shows and restrictions placed on the learner.



Learning to Drive FAQ

Q: How many hours or lessons will I need to pass the driving test?
A:
It varies with every individual. See Driving Lesson Hours.

Q: Is the driving age changing to 18 in 2008?
A:
There is no truth in rumors that the driving licence or test age is changing in April, September or October 2008. The current driving age is 17, not 18 or 21.

Q: Can I learn to drive in my own car with a friend or family member?
A:
Yes you can, however if you want to have a good chance of passing the driving test, I would advice to learn all of the skills with a driving instructor (ADI, PDI), and then practice in your own car. If you do it the other way round, you will learn some bad habits which an instructor will then have to train you out of.

Does the DSA have driving test quotas?
A:
Ehmmm ......... Contact them directly, they might tell you if their examiners have test quotas or not.

If you have a question not answered here or elsewhere in the blog (use the search box above), then please leave a comment, due to the large amount of emails I now get, I can't guarantee I will be able to reply to all queries especially since I get a lot of the same driving test questions.

DSA Examiner Driving Test Routes

As an instructor over the years I have seen some very good drivers get tripped up at some tricky places on some of the routes by examiners in the NW London area, so I have made these tutorial videos to cover these situations.

Each video covers what I have found out to the toughest route, and has additional tips on other places or things that you should be aware as a driving test candidate. These are offered as complimentary preparation materials to your lessons or private practice sessions.

Hendon Driving Test Routes Video 2012

£4.99 Buy Now

Independent Driving On the Test.
Theory Test Changes
Driving Test Changes.

Mill Hill Driving Test Route Video

£4.99 Buy Now

Borehamwood Test Centre WD6 Route Videos




Need information about the extended driving test?

38 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:40 pm

    As if some body actually thought that you could pay your instructor to pass your driving test!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2:11 pm

    Yes, people do ask if there is a way they can pay an examiner or instructor to get a full uk driving licence, which is why I added that it to the driving test frequently asked questions list.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3:40 pm

    is the driveing age going up to 18 for people how where born after 1993

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous10:12 am

    Q:" How soon can I drive my own car after passing the driving test?
    A: You don't need to wait the 2-3 weeks it takes for your full driving licence to arrive, you can start driving immediately. Your driving test pass certificate is not a licence, but the DVLA will be informed of your pass".
    I am very eager to start driving on my own. the only thing is, in case I get stopped by the police and I need to present the driver's licence at a local police station within 7 days, what happens if I have not received my licence yet? I don't have my pass certificate neither, since I sent it off to DVLA as some of my personal details on my provisional licence changed. therefore I have no document to show. will they have the info from DVLA that, in fact, I have passed my test, somewhere on the system? thanks! Marta

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous2:01 pm

    Marta, you don't have anything to fear if you've passed the test and have sent off for a new driving licence from the DVLA.

    The police now use technology to their advantage, and the days of issuing 'producers' are over.

    They have direct access to the DVLA and other databases, so can not only check if you hold a valid licence, but also if you are insured to drive the car, so if you are legal, then it is okay to drive on your own unsupervised.

    Congrats on passing, don't forget 6 points with 2 years and you are a learner again.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8:45 am

    thank you! Marta

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:26 am

    i passed my test 3 months ago and my insurance company want a stupid amount of money to change it over. however can i drive on my provisional for a year before i have to declare i have a full license because i know you used to be able to?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:11 pm

    For your insurance policy to remain valid, you need to inform them once you pass the driving test. The reason your premium goes up, is that you are now driving the car on your own without the experienced supervisor, and thus the risks of making a mistake and being involved in an accident.

    One option to get a better insurance deal is pass plus if you are a young new driver.

    To answer your question, no you can't drive on a provisional licence anymore as the DVLA is now automatically informed of your pass and this information is recorded in databases which insurance companies can access when a claim is made.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous1:03 pm

    do you need to carry your full UK driving Licence when driving a commercial vehicle?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous2:16 pm

    Although you don't have to wait to drive your own car, can you take passengers in your car with just the pass certificate?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7:43 pm

    i have both parts of my provisional licence the photo card and the counterpart but the issue number isnt the same coz the counterpart is 4 a different card i av lost in the past. wil i still be able to do my test?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous7:36 am

    Take your Passport in as well just to be on the safe side. I have experienced this once on the test, and the examiner just asked why the 2 didn't match up.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:09 am

    I have had 10 hours worth of lessons and a couple of hours worth of driving in my car, i feel im ready to drive what if my instuctor doesnt does that matter?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Connor1:24 am

    Ive just recieved my provisional drivers licence card.was wondering if i need to be insured to drive my dads car with him in the passenger seat? Andd does it cost alot iff ur younger? Thanks,connor

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous3:09 pm

    Hello, I have insured my partner on my insurance as a learner but his licence is yet to arrive. The insurers have asked to see a copy of his licence. Is it legal to have him insured on the car without a licence (he obviously wont be driving til it arrives!)

    Thanks

    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am due to take my driving test in three weeks. I have not yet Practiced my emergency stop or done the show me/tell me with my instructor. Should i worry, or is it simple so i can learn it quickly?

    ReplyDelete
  17. There is still enough time, though I would just ask the instructor when they are going to be covered for peace of mind.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous6:52 pm

    how long is valid provisional driving license?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous3:17 am

    can you do the practice test even if u havent done the theory at any means?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:34 am

      no you have to pass the ntheory test first x

      Delete
  20. Anonymous5:43 pm

    does the 10 working days that you have to wait after you fail include saturdays ??

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous5:28 pm

    I have passed my practical test in Mill Hill, how long does it usually take for Mill Hill Test Centre to send off my details to DVLA. I have checked my license status on direct.gov.uk 3-4 days after I've passed but it still show provisional. Is there anyone that have passed their test in Mill Hill and received their license within a week? Sorry for being impatient, I need to leave uk for holiday soon that's why. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous5:41 pm

    is there any penalty for passing your test but not being insured for a certain period of time on a vehicle or is that a myth??

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous6:37 pm

    Can i take a test if ive only got a full colour photocopy of both parts of my driving licence

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous6:28 pm

    Has anyone ever passed there test and given there licence to the examiner and not recieved the full licence. this is what has happened to me, DVLA say the licence hasn't been destroyed and can't issue another inless i pay for it, but the DSA says they have sent it to DVLA - were do i stand, can anyone advise?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous4:08 pm

    Does the ten days for re-applying for practical test includes the day the test is given. Please reply ASAP

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous11:31 pm

    Can I drive my car on my own (without supervisor) if I have booked my practical driving test?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous7:03 pm

    just got my full licence after passing my test the paper counter part still says provisional is this ok

    ReplyDelete
  28. Contact the DVLA to issue a correct conterpart.

    ReplyDelete
  29. can I book my diving test if I haven't changed my address on my provisional?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can still book the driving test, on the day, the examiner will ask you to fill out the current address so you new licence can be sent there when you pass.

      Delete
  30. How long after passing the driving test do you have to send off your documents for your full licence? I know you have to take it if you don't send off the documents within two years, but can you, for example, send them off 18 months after passing the test?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you have to apply within 2 years of passing. You can send it off after 18 months. Why don't you want to send off for it immediately? If you lose the pass certificate, it is not easy getting duplicate.

      Delete
    2. My son passed in March and was going to send his own documents off as the picture on his provisional was out of date. (he then 'didn't' get round to it) He got stopped by the police in July (routine, he wasn't doing anything wrong) and they have passed the report on to road traffic to see what action will be taken. I couldn't find a law that said a provisional license and a pass certificate was not acceptable and wondered if I had missed something. Thanks

      Delete
  31. You haven't missed anything, however they might need to check to confirm pass certificate is genuine.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi, long story so I'll try to summarise! I passed my test in March 2016 but had changed my address the day before and was given the pass certificate, I updated my insurance and took out a full licence holder policy. Unfortunately my living situation became a little hectic not long after so I never sent off the certificate as my address was constantly changing (I always updated my insurance on where my vehicle was kept) I'm still within the 2 year period to claim my licence and have had to make a claim on my insurance through no fault of my own, the claim has been referred to the underwriters because I haven't applied for my card licence yet! They cant void my policy on that can they? Because once I passed my test a provisional cover wouldn't have covered me, it has to be upgraded to full even though you don't have the licence yet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is your responsibility to prove you have stayed within the terms of your insurance. Having passed the test and informed your insurance company, now that you have made a claim, they need to see a full licence as evidence. If you are unable to provide one, then they are within their rights to deny the claim. You can ask for time to produce documents, but at the end of the day only a driving licence shows your entitlement, so it is up to you to produce it when asked.

      Delete
  33. Hi what if I have an undeclared health issue and cannot sign section 29 of the driving test form. Will I be denied a license or a pass?

    ReplyDelete

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