How to Obtain Your Provisional License

Before you are allowed to drive on a public road whether it be privately or with an instructor you must obtain a provisional license. To apply for your license you will need to fill out a D1 Form which can be picked up in any post office, or if you prefer just give us a call and we will send you one in the post.

For further information on how to obtain a provisional license go to www.dvla.gov.uk

Private Practice

At Kingfisher we encourage our students to take additional private practice. Any person who wishes to sit alongside a learner driver must be 21 years old or over and must have held a full UK license for at least 3 years. You must ensure that you car is road-worthy and appropriately insured for the persons wishing to drive it.

When the car is under the control of a learner driver red 'L' Plates must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle, preferably on the driver's side.

Taking your theory test

The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.

You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again.

Part one - multiple choice

Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer. You will be asked 35 questions in 40 minutes. The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 30 out of 35.

Part two - hazard perception

After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.

At the end of the test

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff. DSA Theory Test - 04/2006

To book your test call the DSA on: 0870 0101 372

For more information go to: http://www.dsa.gov.uk

Practical Test

Eyesight requirements for the practical driving test

Before the practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle. If you fail this part of the test your test will not contiue, if you wear glasses please wear them.

The practical driving test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• Can drive safely
• Know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

What to expect on your test?

The test will include an eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue). After the eyesight test you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises, you may also be required to carry out a controlled stop. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking

Your driving test should last about 35-40 minutes and you may commit upto 15 minor driving faults, if you commit 16 minor faults or 1 serious or dangerous fault this will constitute a failure. DSA Practical Test - 04/2006

Show me tell me questions

At the beginning of your practical test you will be asked some very basic questions on how to check or maintain some of the cars fundementals such as Lights, Fluids, Brakes, Tyres, Sterring and a few other things. Your instructor will teach these to you during or normal lessons but to further aid in your study below you will find a link to the real questions and answers that an examiner will use and they are also laid out in the combination that they may be asked.

Stay up to date with Kingfisher if the DSA change or add new questions just simply click on the link to print or download the latest DSA questions. DSA show me tell me (pdf link)

If you have any questions regarding any part of learning to drive please conact us, we are very happy to help. Call us on 02476 387136

Driving test standards

All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.

Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc

DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.

If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost. DSA Test Standards - 04/2006