How Many Driving Lessons are needed to Pass the Test?

“How many lessons do I need?” is the most frequently asked question from the learners. If you are going to start learning soon, you might also have this question in your mind. Well, the learning period can be different for different persons, depending upon their learning speed and sharpness of mind.

We all know that the learning period can be tough because you are being prepared for a nerve-wracking driving test. However, in this blog, we are going to answer this question once and for all. We will also guide you on how you can choose a good instructor to make your learning experience pleasant and progressive.

How Many Lessons Do You Need?

Although the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSS) recommend an average of 45 hours of instructed lessons with at least 22 hours of practising, no rules and regulations limit the number of lessons you need. If you are a fast learner, you may need fewer hours of practising to complete your training.

However, you should be focusing on becoming a safe driver rather than completing your training in haste to make sure that you don’t put your or others’ lives in danger while you are driving. Moreover, there are some factors that will help you determine how long you need to practice before taking your driving test which are:

How Old Are You:

We all know that younger minds are sharper and more reflexive, and they need less time to learn. DVSA recommends the learners add extra 2 hours of training for every extra year that adds in your age.

How Regular You are:

Regularity in practice is very important to pass your test on time. If you are not regular in your practising sessions, you are going to take a lot more time and attempts to clear your test. Regular practising will also make you more confident and provide the required progress momentum.

Private Practising:

DVSA suggests taking at least 22 hours of self-practising in addition to your driving lessons. So, it is better if you take one of your family members with you and start practising to accelerate your progress.

Why Driving Test is so difficult to Pass?

Driving tests are not so difficult to pass. However, if you are unable to pass the test even after multiple attempts, you might need to rethink the whole procedure and find out the mistakes that you are making. Following are some common reasons that might be helpful:

Not Enough Practice:

Sometimes, people are so eager and hasty to get a driving license that they skip fast through the practice stage, assuming that they are ready to take the test. This is one of the biggest reasons why people fail their driving tests.

Did not go through the Theory Properly:

Make sure that you prepare your theory properly and go through it once again before going for a theoretical test. Do not just rely on the regular traffic signs that you see on a daily basis. This will keep you calm and composed during the test.

Nervousness During the Test:

If you get nervous before or during your driving test, the game is over because you will become more vulnerable to mistakes as well as your performance will drop drastically. So you must keep calm and stay confident during your test to make a good impression of yourself

Not using the Mirrors Properly:

Examiners focus particularly on whether you are using mirrors properly or not. Moreover, if you are making quick glances at your mirrors, the examiner might not detect it. So, during your test, make sure you use all those mirrors in such a way that the examiner is able to observe that.

What to look for before Choosing Your Instructor?

A good instructor with adaptable training methods will make a great impact on your learning speed. If you don’t feel relaxed and your chemistry doesn’t match with your instructor, you are likely to suffer throughout the training period. So make sure you take all the measurements and choose the right instructor for yourself.

Following are some points that might be useful for you when you are choosing an instructor for yourself:

Recommendations

Recommendations are the easiest way to find your ideal instructor. You can ask people from your friends or family who have recently gone through the training process to recommend good instructors for you.

Certifications:

DVSA has made it mandatory for all instructors to hold either Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) certification. Make sure that your instructor has one of these before selecting him.

Be pro-active

Engage with your instructor by asking different questions about the process and his experience as well. Then observe how he reacts and deals with all those questions. This will help you learn about different personality aspects of the instructor.

Hopefully, this covers the questions in your mind. Now all you need to do is to go for the best option available for you and give the learning process a calm and thorough shot. Train yourself properly so that you can pass your test on the first attempt.

All About Driving Theory Tests

What is the Theory Test for a Driving Licence?

Anyone in the United Kingdom who needs a driving license has to meet specific requirements first. These include:

• Passing Your Theory Test
• Passing Your Practical Test
• A Provisional Driving Licence

You can only book a theory test if you have a provisional driving licence.

What is Included in the Theory Test?

The theory test contains two parts:

• Hazard Perception Test.
• MCQs (multiple-choice questions)

They are part of a single test, and you must pass them to be eligible for your driving license.

All About the Multiple Choice Questions Section

This test has 50 MCQs, and you have to complete the test in 57 minutes. Before beginning the test, you will be given instructions to help you take the test and also an on-screen practice question to familiarise you with the test methodology.

• What Happens in the Test?

Every MCQ will appear on your screen with several options for possible answers. Three questions pertain to a silent video that you will be shown. The video exhibits a common driving situation. You can watch the video as many times as you want. Select the correct answer and move to the next question. You can mark the questions you want to answer later with a flag. You can review your answered questions and change the answers if you wish. Once you have answered all the questions, you can take the hazard perception immediately or take a 3-minute break.

Hazard Perception Test

After completing your MCQ test, it is time for the hazard perception test. Before the test begins, you will be shown an instructional video regarding how to take the test. You will then be shown fourteen video clips showing different scenes of everyday driving. All videos will feature one developing hazard, except one video, which will feature two developing hazards. Spotting these hazards as they start to happen will reward you with points.

• What is a Developing Hazard?

Developing hazards are incidents that would compel you to act, like changing your direction or speed.

How Does the Test Scoring Works?

You get up to five points for every developing hazard you successfully identify. If you want to score high, click as soon as you witness the hazard starting to develop. Attempt all the chances because you do not lose any points if you can’t get it right. Please remember that you should not keep clicking randomly because that will not earn you any points. You cannot change or review your answers in this test.

Check the Test Details to Change Them

If you have already booked your test but want to change the date, you can do that easily. You can review your appointment details if you have lost the booking confirmation. If you fail your test, you can rebook it after three working days.

Theory Test Practice

Books and software are available to help you prepare for your theory tests. You can also take lessons from a certified driving school. If this is your first time, you may find driving lessons more useful than self-preparation.

How to Prepare for the Multiple Choice Question Test?

There are three books which can help you prepare for the multiple-choice question section:

• Driving: The Essential Skills
• Know Your Traffic Signs
• The Highway Code

You can get these books online or from a bookshop. You can also find practice theory tests to prepare for your test.

How to Prepare for the Hazard Perception Test?

There is an official guide for the hazard perception test, and you can download the version supported by your operating systems, such as PC, Mac, apple phones & tablets, and android phones& tablets. The guide is also available on a DVD which you can get from online and street bookshops.

What Should You Take Along?

When you take your theory test, you must have your provisional license, ID document, etc.

You should not bring personal items into the test room, as you will not have access to them. This includes things like:

• Bags
• Watches
• Mobile Phones
• Earphones

If the test centre has lockers, you can store your personal belongings. If no locker is available, you have to :

• Switch off your mobile phone before entering the test centre.
• Store your things in a transparent plastic box and store them under your desk. The box will be given to you by the test centre.

Please also note that the staff will check you for any item which could be used for cheating, and you will not be allowed to take the test if you don’t let them check you.

Passing Mark and Test Result

After you have taken your theory test, you will get the result from the test centre. You need to answer 43 MCQs correctly out of 50, and you need to score 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception test. Upon passing, you will receive a pass certificate number which you need for taking your practical driving test. If you fail, you will get a letter detailing which parts you failed to answer correctly. You can retake the test after three days.

Important Things to Note

• If you have any disability or a condition that prevents reading correctly, you should disclose it when you book the theory test.
• If you have a reading problem, you can listen to an audio file and answer the questions. The audio file is available in Welsh and English.
• You can get extra support with your test if you provide evidence that you cannot read correctly. The evidence includes a doctor’s report, a letter from a teacher/professor, a therapist, or evidence from an online product that screens dyslexia.
• The help you can get includes extra time, assistance with reading questions and recording your answers, and assistance with rewording the questions.
• If you have a hearing impairment or you are deaf, then you can take the test in BSL (British Sign Language).
• You can also opt for a BSL interpreter. Just make sure you disclose this when you book the test. There is no extra fee for this.
• You can also arrange a lip speaker or a hearing aid without additional charges.

Should You Take Driving Lessons Before or After You Pass the Theory Test?

You can take driving lessons while you are preparing for your theory test. It might prove to be more beneficial because you will get to learn from expert drivers. You might increase your chances of passing the examination by preparing theory and driving lessons together. The theory test has a passing rate of 47.7 %, implying that almost half of the people who take the test fail. You will have to spend money on books and help material and deposit the test fee again. While you should take help from books and DVDs, combining them with driving lessons from an expert instructor will help you understand practical driving situations.

Can Driving Lessons Help You Pass Your Theory Test?

Taking driving lessons from a certified driving school will allow you to engage with instructors who have spent a lifetime teaching people how to drive and have helped countless people pass their theory tests. You will learn driving rules from people who are well aware of them. You can interact with the instructors and address any confusion or misunderstandings. You will learn about the following:

• The different Road traffic signs, what they mean, and what the regulations are about them.
• Different Road markings, what they mean, and what the regulations are related to them.
• Nearly all the essential road traffic rules & regulations
• Hands-on practice to improve your hazard perception so you can score well in the hazard perception test.

Things That Can Make You Retake the Driving Test

There are several confusions and myths surrounding driving licenses in the United Kingdom, and this article will discuss widespread misunderstandings related to driving tests and licenses. Still, first, we will share with your essential information regarding driving tests and licenses, which might come in handy whether you are seeking a new license or revalidating your existing one. There are many things that can disqualify you from driving, but being 70 is not one of them.

Driving Requirements in the United Kingdom

If you are a UK resident and you want to drive, then you must comply with the following:

• You must have a valid driving license.
• You must fulfil the condition of minimum age for driving. If you are a beginner/learner, you need a provisional driving license and can request one if you are older than 15 years and nine months. A provisional license would allow you to learn to drive. The eligible age for driving without supervision is 17.
• You must meet the minimum eyesight rules. Some standards include the ability to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 meters. You also need a certificate from an eye specialist, and your eyesight acuity should be at least 6/12 or 0.5
• If you are a learner, you must be accompanied by a qualified driver, except if you are riding a motorcycle.
• You must display L plates if you are a learner. You can use both an L plate or a D plate in Wales. The L or D should be in red and have a white background. The plate should be of the correct size.
• Your vehicle must have a valid DVLA registration.
• You should have paid the vehicle tax.
• Your vehicle should have a valid MOT certificate which proves that your vehicle complies with safety & environmental standards. The MOT test must be taken within three years of registration or the last MOT.
• Your vehicle should be safe to drive. You must perform certain safety checks before driving.

Cancellation or Suspension of Driving License

Your driving license can get cancelled for not meeting some of the above requirements as well as the following:

• A conviction for a criminal offence, including violence, indecency, and dishonesty
• Conviction of an offence or non-compliance under “the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act” or “The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.”
• Town Police Clauses Act

In case of cancellation or suspension, you have the right to appeal within 21 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

How Long Can a Driving Ban Last?

The validity of a driving ban can vary depending on the reason for disqualification. The courts decide the period, which depends on the seriousness of the offence. Please note:

• If, within the last three years, you have twelve or more penalty points, disqualification can last up to six months.
• The disqualification can last 12 months if this is your second disqualification within the last three years.
• The disqualification period can be two years if this is your third disqualification within the last three years.

When Should You Apply for Revalidation?

If your disqualification period is 56 days or higher, you must apply for a new license before driving again. You may also be asked by the court to take an extended or complete driving test. If your disqualification period is less than 56 days, you don’t have to apply for a new license, but you also cannot drive before the disqualification period ends.

What if the Court Tells You to Retake the Test?

In that case, you will be treated as a new applicant, and you will have to go through the entire process of a new license. You will first apply for a provisional license and only be able to drive when your ban period has been completed.

How Can You Get a New License?

• The DVLA should ideally send you a reminder before the end of your disqualification. Usually, this period is 56 days. If you do not get any reminders, you can get the form yourself. For a car and motorcycle license, you need form D1, while for a bus or lorry license, you need form D2.
• Take the required test as advised by the court. If the court has asked you to take an extended test, please note that it is 60 minutes long and costs more than traditional tests.
• If you pass the test, request the examiner to send you your license when ready.

When you receive it, you can legally drive your car or motorcycle.

Does Your License Become Invalid When You Turn 70?

This is a common myth regarding driving licenses, and you will hear this too often. Let us reassure you that this is only a misunderstanding. Your license does not lose its validity when you turn 70, and you do not need to retake your driving test even when you turn 90. The latest research by the “Department for Transport Statistics” shows that out of the total accidents reported in 2015, only 5.95 % were drivers older than 70. This can be attributed to driving experience and the fact that older drivers tend to be more careful. However, you are your best judge. If you believe you have a health condition that prevents you from driving properly and it may pose a threat to you or others, then you should stop driving. The only legal requirement for 70 year old drivers is to notify the DVLA of any medical condition that prevents them from driving. It should be noted that as of 2017, the number of British drivers over 70 reached 4.5 million, while those above 90 were numbered 100,000.

Do Drivers Above 70 Have to Retake the Driving Test?

The answer is ‘No’. However, if you have reached the age of 70, you have to reapply for your driving licence and from there onwards after every three years. You will not have to take a test, but you will submit a declaration that you are healthy and fit to drive. You will also have to submit a certificate for your eyesight. A more detailed medical examination will be required if you are a minibus or a goods delivery driver.

What is the Procedure for Renewing Your License When You Turn 70?

• The DVLA should automatically send the D46P/renewal form three months before your 70th birthday.
• The form should be filled out correctly and resubmitted to them.
• Using your Government Gateway ID, you can also use the government’s website for license renewal. There is no renewal fee.
• If you choose not to renew your driving license after turning 70, your license will be cancelled, and you will be unqualified for driving.

Are You Fit to Drive?

The D46P form is more of a self-assessment. If a medical practitioner has already advised you to desist from driving, you should not apply for the renewal. This is for your safety and that of others. You can check the list of medical conditions which the DVLA considers dangerous for driving. You can check the list on their website.

If you are unaware of any such medical condition, we highly recommend getting a medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to drive.

Is There a Maximum Age for Allowing Driving?

There is no maximum age. You can drive for as long as you can, provided you are medically fit. It is your responsibility to be aware of your fitness and health. Ignoring medical realities can land you or others in trouble.

What Number of Driving Lessons Do I Need to Pass?

According to research by Driving Standards Agency, a learner requires at least 44 hours of professional lessons to pass their driving test. These hours can be considered average because learning hours vary from learner to learner. And to help you learn better and faster, no one is better than a qualified and professional instructor. A professional instructor is better at assessing your qualities and abilities; hence they can tell precisely how many hours you will need to get to the test standard.

What Factors Influence the Number of Lessons I’ll Need?

Age

Luckily, if you’re a younger driver, you’ll need fewer lessons before passing. According to the DSA, students must take an additional 2 hours of driving lessons for every year of age. Simply put, the younger you are when you learn to drive, the faster you will likely pass.

Frequency of Lessons

It depends on how many lessons you are taking weekly. The more frequently you take lessons and spend time behind the wheel, the better.

Private Practice Hours

It is recommended that you should take at least 22 hours of private lessons besides professional lessons. Therefore, you should probably practice with a family member or a friend.

Learning style

Every learner has a different learning style. Some drivers learn visually or physically, or verbally. Whichever your learning style, a good instructor will always teach you according to a style that best suits your needs.

Check What is Your Instructor’s Experience Level?

All certified driving instructors must hold a green license or badge, which should be visible to you on their car’s windscreen. A green badge means they have passed all 3 DVSA exams and are competent and fully qualified instructors. If you don’t see a green badge, you should drop the instructor and find a qualified one.

Helpful Tips for Taking Driving Lessons

While taking a driving test, keep in mind these valuable tips.

• Begin driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor.
• Consider taking an assessment lesson.
• Make sure you and your instructor fully understand each other and that they do not become irritated during lessons.
• Look for feedback and solicit recommendations.
• Cheap does not means it is always a good decision.
• Choose the suitable transmission

How Do You Pick the Best Driving Instructor to Help You Pass Your Test?

• As mentioned earlier, make sure to check reviews.
• After picking someone, you must feel at ease with their learning style.
• As you spend most of your hours with your instructor, a lousy attitude can demotivate and disperse your attention.
• Discuss a schedule that suits you the best with your instructor and whether a few longer sessions or several shorter lessons per week are preferable.

Pass Your Theory Test

Passing your theory test as soon as possible is more important than ever. This will not only make learning easier when you begin lessons, but it will also allow you to schedule a driving test well in advance. With that said, it’s essential to speak with your instructor before booking a test date, as they’ll be able to give you a precise time frame to secure it and information on which test centres are best suited.

Intensive Driving Course

An intensive driving course will provide the same number of driving lesson hours in less time. However, you still need to hold a provisional driving license and may also need to pass your driving theory test.

Things You Need to Know Before Learning to Drive

For most people, learning to drive is an exciting moment. We joyfully approach the learning phase of our driving careers because the thought of driving alone and being able to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, is enticing.

But before you get behind the wheel and start learning how to drive, there are many things you should know to help you in your learning process.

Essential Driving Skills to Learn

Driving is much more than learning rules, regulations and techniques to become a safe and defensive driver. Let us have a look at the important characteristics of a skilled driver.

Knowledge

To become a defensive and skilled driver, you must educate yourself regarding safe driving techniques. Experienced drivers know traffic laws and how to identify dangers and prevent collisions, which helps them act swiftly in several traffic situations.

Alertness

Defensive drivers are aware of the traffic situation and any potential effects their physical and mental health may have on their driving. They frequently check their rear and side-view mirrors each minute as they pay attention to the front, sides, and rear traffic conditions.

Road Rules

Although remaining alert is necessary, other skills are also needed, such as being aware of and comprehending the regulations of the road to drive safely. You must be aware of the meanings of the various road signs and always abide by the set of laws and regulations.

Foresight

A skilled driver never assumes that the other motorist will act morally. They scan the road to assess the traffic condition as far in advance as possible to expect risks. By doing this, you can avoid dangers rather than respond to them. They practice long-term planning by keeping their vehicles well-maintained, inspecting them before each trip, and always fastening their seatbelts.

Diligence and Focus

A safe and skilled driver always respects the rules and laws of the road. If these rules are ignored, serious consequences may arise, and as a result, critical accidents can also happen.

Not only that, but you should also be aware of your surroundings by avoiding distractions such as mobile devices.

Patience

It is an important characteristic of a good and safe driver. Always remember that the most important thing is to get to the destination safely.

Be responsible and Reliable

You must be reliable and responsible, just as in any other profession or work, for your safety and those around you, including other road users and passengers. Several events that may occur while driving will require you to react appropriately.

Legal Requirements for Driving in the UK

You should be aware of a few fundamental requirements before you begin to drive in the UK, which include the following:

• You should be at least 17 or older.
• However, you can start taking driving lessons at age 16 after being approved for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or even have applied for it.
• You must have an authentic provisional driving license. You can also apply for the provisional license at 15 if you want to be ready when you turn 17.
• You should be able to read a number plate approximately 20 metres – with glasses or contact lenses, should it be necessary.
• If you are learning with an adult, then he should be 21 and have had a driving license for not less than three years.
• The car you will be training in must be taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT.

Helpful Tips for Teaching a New Driver

Helping someone learn to drive can be fun if you follow these valuable tips.

1. If you’re a new driver and intend to learn with friends or family, then:

• Try finding someone who is patient, often available for practice sessions and has the right temperament for teaching effectively.
• Get feedback from your instructor to ensure the practice is in line.
• Use log sheets to check your progress, the number of hours and what you might have missed.

2. If you intend to instruct a trainee driver:

• You are prohibited from using a cell phone or consuming alcohol while supervising.
• Don’t assume the trainee driver knows what they’re doing; stay alert.
• Increase the time spent training so that everyone stays upbeat and eagerly waits for the next session. Additionally, take as many breaks as you both require.
• Give the student driver warnings when giving directions, and be brief and straightforward.
• Avoid motorways and choose your routes carefully, as learner drivers cannot go on them without an approved driving instructor.

Basic Driving Techniques that You Must Know

Driving is something basic but requires skills and knowledge to become perfect on the road.  It is a proper systematic process that involves many small steps, and by following and learning each step you can become an expert driver. In this regard, the greatest help you can get is the help of professional training schools. If you will take sufficient Driving Lessons Lewisham, you will never face difficulty in handling tools and rules related to driving. It requires confidence and proper training and only the professional schools can help you with both. We at Training Day School of Motoring helps you to learn all the basic and advance details so that you can learn the most necessary and modern techniques. Driving needs to focus on and attention. If you will lack any one of these the results will be not what you have expected. You can face severe injuries. Driving is not something that you should take for granted. You have to go through the proper process only then, you can learn and drive on the road like professional drivers. This article is to target some basic driving techniques and postures that can help drive success on the road to prevent different problematic situations.

The first t highlight is that the key to a good driving technique is smoothness, and this is only showed when the preparation is good and complete. The main topics discussed below are as follow.

1. Driving Posture
2. Braking Posture
3. Steering Technique
4. Electronic Driver assist system

Driving Posture:

Just after buying the car, the first thing you should do is to set it according to your needs. You have to set the seats and other things according to your use. You can never drive the car the way you buy it. Every individual has their way to drive and sit. The postures are different the techniques are different. You can never follow the posture and technique of any other person. It is better to understand the self-body posture and work according to that. To set the postures you have to keep the safety precautions in mind like;

• Seat Belts: If you want the seat belts effectively you will have to adjust them in three categories; Low, Flat, Firm.

• Low: In this category, you have to adjust the seat belt below your hips so that it can support the whole body weight.
• Flat: There should be no twists, turns, and folds in the seat belt it should be straight and flat.
• Firm: After every 15 minutes you have to pull the belt to remove the slack of any type.

Braking Techniques:

Every driver should know that correct braking is done in two different stages first you have to put lightweight pressure and after that, you have to apply the pressure that is needed. You can never directly apply the break with extreme pressure. You must have to involve in these two steps. Harsh and sudden exclusive braking can end in accidental conditions.

Steering Technique

Staring techniques are of two major categories “push/pull” and “hand over hand” In both methods some rules are necessary to follow.

• The steering must have to be smooth as well as progressive.
• You have to reduce speed before steering and have to keep in mind that the car has to straighten up before accelerating.
• You have to keep both the hands’ in the outward directions and thumbs towards the rim.

These are some of the basic Driving techniques and postures that can help to drive properly. For more, you can join the training sessions of training day school of motoring.