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The Practical Driving Test & Pass Plus:
NB: If you are taking your test with Martin please quote:
ADI No: 46419
You can book your driving test by calling 0300 200 1122 or online at: https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/pt/index.asp?test=pt
The Practical Driving Test is intended to ensure that you can drive safely, by demonstrating that:
1. You are SAFE to yourself
2. You are SAFE to other roadusers
3. You have your Vehicle you are driving under your CONTROL.
As long as you are properly prepared you should not find it too difficult to pass your driving test. It is recommended that you discuss your progress with your Instructor for advice about training and practice needed to reach the required standard to successfully pass your driving test.
Irrespective of what you may have been told by well meaning friends, colleagues and/or relatives, the Examiners DO NOT have a QUOTA! People still cling to the outdated myths that if the examiner is in a bad mood, takes a dislike to me, or has reached their quota 'I am bound to fail'. Or 'no-one' passes at the end of the day, week, month or year. This is completely false and untrue.
Since the introduction of the de-brief which is offered at the end of every practical driving test, these myths should have been dispelled by now. On the debrief the examiner explains exactly what caused the candidate to fail teir driving test by mentioning the precise junction or roundabout, or the incident with which other vehicle eg. "when you changed lanes you didn't check your left-hand side mirror and caused the blue Peugeot to brake and swerve out of your path". In each case the exminer will tell you what course of action you should have taken. Therefore, this has nothing to do with the myths of Quota's etc
1. Car tests now use longer routes and involves around 40 minutes of driving.
2. Car test routes include more higher speed dual and single carriageway roads.
3. The reverse bay parking manoeuvre will take place off road at the driving test centre.
4. Tell me, Show Me - You may be asked to open the bonnet and identify how you would check the various fluid levels, power steering, lights, tyre condition etc (your instructor will give you a print out)
5. The Emergency Stop exercise will be carried out in 1 of 3 tests.
6. Any candidates committing more than 15 driving faults, will fail their driving test.
7. 1 serious or 1 dangerous driving fault, will also result in failing their driving test.
Help For Candidates and Instructors:
Examiners will give candidates guidance notes to explain more fully the report form issued at the end of the driving test. Your Driving Instructor will be permitted to listen to this de-brief - if you give consent - to further assist you with future driving advice.
Test Vehicle Requirements:
Since 6th April 1999 all cars used for the Practical Driving Test has to have:
1. A seat belt and head restraint for the front passenger seat for use by the Examiner.
2. A rear view mirror for use by the Examiner from the front passenger seat.
This is in addition to the normal requirements that the vehicle must be roadworthy, suitable for the Driving Test and insured specifically for the Driving Test, as well as taxed and with an up to date MOT if required.
Driving Test Fee:
The Practical Driving Test fee from 30th March 2009 is £62.00 (£75.00 outside normal Mon - Fri times - see below). This pays for the Examiner to test your driving skills.
Please note this does not cover the use of the car for the test. Normally the car is booked for 2 hours on the day of your test. This will give you an hour of practice before the test, and include the use of the car on the actual driving test.
Test Appointment Times:
From 2nd April 2008 the Practical Test time choices are:
8.10am, 9.07am, 10.14am, 11.11am, and 12.38pm, 1.35pm, 2.32pm
Booking Your Practical Driving Test:
Before booking your driving test you should discuss and seek advice from your Driving Instructor to ensure that you will be ready and have covered all of the necessary elements to the required standard, and beyond.
You will need to quote your driving licence and Theory Test certificate and your Driving Instructors ADI numbers and have a valid credit or debit card.
NB: If you are taking your test with Martin quote:
ADI No: 46419.
You can book your driving test by calling 0300 200 1122 or online at: https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/pt/index.asp?test=pt
Automatic Driving Licence Renewal:
This applies to anyone who applied for a provisional driving licence from the 9th August 2004, and successfully passes their driving test. At the end of the driving test the Examiner will retain your provisional driving licence. You will automatically be sent your new Full driving licence directly from the DVLC. You are still entitled to drive as a Full licence holder from the moment you have passed and signed the Examiners form.
Newbury Driving Test Centre - Test Routes
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/DTCInfo.asp?id=2287&Cat=38&ShowRoute=0
Book YourFREE TRIAL DRIVING LESSON - NOW! If you have any further questions or require more details, For the Fastest Service Call or Text Martin on: 07769 711877.
Tell Me, Show Me - Questions & Answers
At the beginning of the practical driving test, after you have been asked to read a number plate, you will be asked ONE of the following Combinations.
You will see that each Combination consists of just TWO questions. If you answer incorrectly one or both questions, the most that the driving examiner will do is to add ONE Driving Fault to your marking sheet. This will NOT result in a Fail
New Questions from 1st July 2008:
Combination One
1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all the lights (may need to switch the ignition on, but be careful not to switch the engine on)
2. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before you start on a journey?
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Combination Two
1. Identify where the windscreen resevoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level?
Identify the windscreen washer resevoir and you would check the level.
2. Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car? (The examiner can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition, be careful not to start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch the ignition on, be careful not to start the engine).
Combination Three
1. 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.
2. 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.
Combination Four
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Five
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Six
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Seven
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Eight
1.
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).
2. 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.
Combination Nine
1.
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.
2. 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, be careful not to start the engine).
Combination Ten
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Eleven
1.
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.
2. 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.
Combination Twelve
1.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car? (The examiner 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).
2. 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.)
Combination Thirteen
1.
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.
2. 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.
Book YourFREE TRIAL DRIVING LESSON - NOW!Any further questions or require more details? For the Fastest Service Call or Text Martin on: 07769 711877.
Pass Plus:
You may have seen in the press, on the internet, television or heard on the radio about the Driving Standards Agency’s initiative called ‘Pass Plus’.
This is an incentive scheme made jointly with the Driving Standards Agency and the leading insurance companies (e.g. Direct Line, General Accident, Norwich Union, Royal Sun Alliance, Eagle Star and others) to improve road safety, encourage safe driving for new and young drivers as well as save you money on your insurance premiums.
As a ‘Pass Plus’ Registered Driving Instructor, I can offer this course to you. There is no test to take at the end of the course of six training sessions (see leaflet and internet website), you will only need to satisfy me that you have understood and put into practice the course content.
Details are then sent to the Driving Standards Agency, who will then send you a certificate and a list of participating insurance companies on the scheme who will offer you an additional discount on your motor insurance premium* (up to 30%, and in some cases over 45%). This will effectively put you one year ahead each and every year, so that you are not just saving money on your first year premium, but on the following years as well.
The cost of the complete course of six lessons is £160.00. If you have already taken a motorway session with me and at some later date decide to take the Pass Plus Course, the cost of the motorway session will be deducted from the course fee.
(Website: www.passplus.org.uk)
One 19 year old young man from Thatcham who had just bought a 4 year old car had his insurance reduced by £480.00 for the year by taking and completing the Pass Plus course.
In the same month another 19 year old bought a Ford Focus. He was quoted £2,500. By taking the Pass Plus course, the insurance company reduced his premium to £1,000, a saving of £1,500.
Book YourFREE TRIAL DRIVING LESSON - NOW! If you have any further questions or require more details, For the Fastest Service Call or Text Martin on: 07769 711877.
