Useful Information

I'm getting a lot of enquires recently from people who have no idea where to start, in their quest for a driving licence, hence this page...hope it helps!

Ok first thing is to get your Provisional Licence...here's a  DVLA video that explains things if you want to apply online...or get a "D1" application pack from a Main or Larger Post Office.

Ok...while waiting for your Provisional Licence to arrive...you could give some thought to the The Theory and Hazard Perception test you will need to take at some point...I always encourage my students to get onto this as quickly as possible, as it saves time and money....here's some books I like, that will help.

 highway codeknow your traffic signs

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Highway Code is ESSENTIAL reading....costs £2.50 from any bookstore, or £1.47 from Amazon or the online version at Direct.gov....or consider getting an "app" for your phone.

Know your Traffic Signs is another good book, well worth looking at!....and here's a free download

Ok these 2 books are good, but also consider the Hazard Perception part of the Test....practice makes perfect, a good disk that i like is the  Focus Driving Test Success and it's £5.99 from Amazon....i don't recommend "apps" on phones here, as the screen is too small.

 focus driving testessential skills

 

 

 

 

And my final book recomendation would be ( The Official DSA Guide to DRIVING: the essential skills ) from Amazon

Once your Licence arrives it's time to choose an Instructor ( me I hope ) and start learning to drive.   

Call now on 07765 892 531

And when you feel you're ready for your Theory Test, here's how to book it....always make sure you book direct....booking agents charge more for exactly the same thing!

When the time for your Driving Test is near...here's how to book

And should you need to change your Practical Driving Test...here's how

And now a video about the Practical Driving Test.

Once you've passed...you could have your photo somewhere on this site....and be famous!

Show me / Tell me questions and answers.

 

Show / Tell
Question
Answer
Show
Show me how you would check
 that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
 
 
 
 
Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
 
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Show
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
 
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Show
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
 
Tell
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
 
Show
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
 
 
 
 
Show
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
 
 
 
 
Show
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
 
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Tell
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable
 
Show
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
 
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Tell
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
 
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Show
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
 
 
 
 
Tell
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
 
Show
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
 
Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
 
Show
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration
 
Show
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
 
Tell
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
 
 Show
 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
 Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light