How To Book a Driving Test

When it comes to how to book a driving test, there a few things to consider before you go ahead and book it. Here you shall find out how to book your driving test and when you should book your driving test.

When To Book a Driving Test

It is very important to book your practical driving test when you are ready to become an independent driver. If you learn to drive with a driving instructor, it is important to take your driving instructor’s advice as to when they think you will be ready for your test. The DVSA states an average learner should expect to take approximately 44 hours of professional tuition, and a further 20 hours in private practice. However- no two learners are the same, and this figure can be increased and decreased accordingly. It is very much an individual’s ability- and any decisions should reflect this. It is also important to consider the following:

1. Are you happy and competent with all of your reversing manoeuvres?
2. Are you competent and able to deal with roundabouts and complex junctions independently from your instructor?
3. Are you conscious of other road users and react safely to un-expected situations?
4. Are you able to control the car in all weather conditions?
5. Are you able to navigate yourself around town and out of town in areas you aren’t as familiar with?
6. Are you observant at all times and give correct signals?
7. Are you confident at high speeds on a variety of roads including dual-carriageways, country lanes and overtaking?
8. Are you able to control your speed and use speed appropriately according to road and weather conditions?
9. Are you 100% able to coordinate the controls of the car without any input from your driving instructor? Ie, Gears, clutch, brake, accelerator?
10. Are you regularly driving competently without much guidance/input from your trainer?

If you are able to answer ‘YES” to these questions, then you are becoming a competent and confident driver. This should not solely be taken into account when deciding when to take your driving test. One thing to note: test waiting times can be as much as 8 weeks- it is important to plan your training with this consideration in mind, in a perfect world, you should aim to be test ready 2-3 weeks prior to your practical test, and the remaining training is used to build upon your road experience. This is probably the most important part of learning to drive.

How To Book A Driving Test

Once you have decided that you are ready to book your driving test, you should consider the following advice.

1. Always book your test using the official DVSA website. Do NOT book using a 3rd party booking service as this will cost you more money, as they charge a booking fee.
2. Consider if you will need the use of your driving instructor’s car or you wish to take it your own car.
3. Will you be wanting a test appointment for a manual car or an automatic? NB if you take your driving test in an automatic, you will only be able to drive a car that is an automatic-until you pass a manual driving exam.
4. Confirm with your driving instructor the week/date/time they are available and think you will be ready. This will save having to change your test at a later date.
5. Ask your instructor for their ADI number. This is their ID number and can be used when booking your practical test. This is only needed and recommended if your instructor is using the booking service. This will stop you from ‘double booking’ your instructor. NB Not all instructors use this system, it is completely optional.
6. Pick a time/day/date that is convenient for you. If you only have wednesdays off college- this would be a good choice. Once you book a test date, you may not get the time/day/date you prefer- if you need to change your appointment date/time.
7. Ensure your provisional licence is in a safe place. You will need both parts when it comes to your driving test day. If you don’t, then you won’t be able to take your driving test.
8. Make sure you have the correct address on your drivers licence. It is an offence to not have the correct details and you could receive a fine.
9. Ensure your eye-sight is at the minimum standard needed for a driving test. You should be able to see 20.5 metres away. If in doubt ask your driving instructor, or visit an opticians.
10. When you book your test online, make sure you give a contact number, an email address, and have your licence and credit card to hand.