Theory and Practice

Putting theory into practice:

Studying for the Theory Test at the same time that you take driving lessons is the best way to put the theory into practice. Applying your knowledge of the theory and hazard perception skills on the road will improve your chances of passing the Theory and Practical tests first time.

Studying this way with, Automatic Pass School of Motoring you'll get all the support you need from your driving instructor, who can show you how theory applies in reality during your driving lessons.

It's a good idea to book and start preparing for your theory test from your first few driving lessons. The two best ways to make a booking are:

• Telephone: 0845 257 9713
• Book online

To cancel or postpone a booking, notify the DSA booking office at least three days before the test, otherwise you will lose your fee.

What to take to the Theory test:

• Your signed provisional driving licence and photographic identification (e.g. passport/student union card), or
• Your signed photo-card licence and paper counterpart.

The Driving Test...How will you know you're ready?

All of our driving instructors are suitably qualified to teach usually with a great deal of experience. They all follow The Learning to Drive Guide structure and will recommend that you apply for the practical test, when you can drive consistently well, with confidence and without any help from the instructor.

If you follow this guidance, then you are more likely to be successful.......first time. Everybody is prepared to offer advice about tests, examiners and pass rates. Remember that this is usually based on hear say or other peoples experiences, not yours. Listen to your driving instructor and you'll need to understand driving test requirements.

Top 10 reasons people fail a driving test

The current pass rate is typically only 43%, although this varies regionally for each individual test centre.
For first time candidates, it's even lower. To help you avoid the most common errors, here is a list of the top ten reasons why people fail...

• Observation at junctions
  Ineffective observation and judgement
• Use of mirrors
  Not checking or not acting on the information
• Reverse parking
  Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Reversing around a corner
  Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Incorrect use of signals
  Not cancelling or giving misleading signals
• Moving away safely
  Ineffective observation
• Incorrect positioning on the road
  At roundabouts or on bends
• Lack of steering control
  Steering too early or leaving it too late
• Incorrect positioning to turn right
  At junctions and in one way streets
• Inappropriate speed
  Travelling too slowly or being hesitant

Mock Driving Test

Our driving instructors will invite you to take a mock driving test when they feel that you have reached the appropriate stage. The mock test will be with one of our specially trained examiners, somebody that you don't know.
The benefits include:

• Better prepared candidates
• Greater awareness of driving standard required
• Experience of driving without instruction
• Valuable feedback for pupil and instructor

The practical Driving Test

There are driving test centres throughout Essex. Your instructor will let you know which one is most suitable for you. Take your instructor's advice about booking to make sure they're available on the day. This will usually require a 2-hour booking to allow time for a warm-up driving lesson, the test itself and the journey home.

The cost of the Practical Test for car drivers is £62.00 during weekdays or £75.00 for Saturday and weekday evening tests. After about two weeks you'll get your test appointment letter. If you need to cancel your test for any reason, you'll have to give ten working days notice to keep your fee.

You can book your driving test online with the DSA. When you book your test you'll need:

• Your provisional driving licence
• Your Theory Test certificate number
• A debit or credit card for payment
• Details of your preferred test dates and times
• Details of any special requirements

You must take your provisional driving licence and your Theory Test pass certificate with you when you arrive to do the Practical Driving test. If you have a photo-licence you must take the counterpart with you as well. If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

Post-test support:

Many driving schools offer the option of having a motorway lesson after you've passed your test. Some are registered to teach the Pass Plus course. Automatic Pass School of Motoring offers post-test support to all its clients this includes Pass Plus or additional Motorway lessons. Through experience we have noted that lots of people pass a driving test and then leave a large break between driving because of financial or emotional experiences. We can then offer a Remedial course to suit perhaps to rebuild confidence.