CONTENTS :                                                                                                                          

 

  1-  theory test   2-  driving test + driving test requirements  3- test fee  4- cancellations   5- special offers 

   6- student prices  7- pass plus 7.1- Insurance tips  8- payments  9-Recomended ADI's  10- more testimonials

                                     

 1- IF YOU ARE PREPARING FOR YOUR THEORY TEST:                                                                

 

   The Theory Test cost is: £31 to book.

   

   Book your theory test - Opens new window

 

  - Facilities for those whose first language is not English

    If your first language is not English, or you can not read or understand written English well, you can request a voiceover 

    in one of 21 languages. A voiceover allows you to hear the theory test instructions and questions through headphones. 

    The questions will automatically be read out to you, you can hear the answer options by touching the text on the screen.

    You can hear the questions as many times as you like, you simply need to touch the text of the question onscreen 

    again.

 

  - Foreign language voiceovers are available in the following languages:

    Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, 

    Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh

 

  - Translator assisted tests

    If there is no voiceover provided in the language you require, you can request to have a translator assisted theory test. 

    The call centre agent should be able to tell you the names and contact details of the relevant DSA approved translators.

    It is your responsibility to arrange a test date with the translator and to pay any fees involved.

 

                                                       Documents to bring to your driving theory test

                                                                     

      You'll be expected to show both parts of your valid driving licence (the photocard and the paper counterpart)

      at the test centre. If you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport.

      If you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee.

    At the test centre

    Once you have been registered at reception you'll go through to the test room. You may not take anything into

    the room with you; all personal items must be stored in the lockers provided.

    Once you're in the test room you may not talk to or distract other candidates. The computer screen will display

    your name and the category of test you're taking.

    If you have any problems during the theory test, you should raise your hand to attract the attention of the test

    invigilator.

    Theory test candidate impersonation

    Please beware of anyone offering to have someone impersonate you and take your driving or riding theory

    test for you.Theory test candidate impersonators, and candidates who accept their services, are breaking

    the law,and causing other road users to be put at risk.The DSA Fraud & Integrity Team thoroughly investigate

    every case of suspected impersonation, and work closely with police to identify offenders and take them to

    court.A number of impersonators and candidates have been convicted in the criminal courts, and sentenced.

 - Theory test , The Multiple Choice                                                                                           

 

    The theory test is a computer-based test at various test centres around the country.

    This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind the driving.

   Before the theory test starts you'll 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 on screen and you have to select the correct answer by touching

     the screen. You can navigate between questions and "flag" questions that you want to come back latter in the test.

     For Car-Theory test you'll be asked randomly selected 45 multiple choice questions and 5 case study in 57 minutes

     and you to get at least 43 right to pass.

      

   Example case study

     Your friend calls you this morning and has requested your help. She needs to go early to work and cannot drop her

     son to the school. He is 10 years old. You happily agree to help and now you are driving him to the school.

 

     Question:

     The boy is 10 years old. Before you start the journey to school, who is responsible for making sure he wears

     a seat belt or approved child restraint where required?

 

      Answer:

                  ( ) an adult passanger?  ( ) the child?  ( ) you, the driver?  ( ) your friend? 

 

 

       

                                    Actual Online Theory Test Screen        Actual Online Hazard Perception Test

 

 Theory test:The Hazard Perception                                                                                                         

How the test works

 The hazard perception part is delivered on a computer and you respond by clicking a button on the mouse.

 You will be presented with a series of 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.

 To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development.

 The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.

 Recognition of available clues and perception of danger are skills that are necessary in all drivers and riders.

 For this reason, the same version of the hazard perception test is used for all categories of test.

An example of when to respond

 As an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing hazard;

 consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road. When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is just a parked 

 vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle at this point, you would not score any marks, but you would not lose any 

 marks.

 However, when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the car's right hand indicator starts to flash.

 The indicator would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle has an intention of moving away, therefore the 

 hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the 

 parked vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.

 When you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the vehicle start to move away from the side of the road;

 another response should be made at this point. Different clips in the test will have various signs to indicate that the 

 hazard is changing its status and is now starting to develop.

How the test is scored

The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five points. You should respond by pressing the mouse

 button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as 

 changing speed or direction.  The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higer your score.

 You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance

 to respond to the developing hazard, so you will need to concentrate throughout each clip.

 If you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score

 zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box will appear informing you that you have scored zero for that 

 particular clip.

 

You can practice at  http://www.theory-test.co.uk/            Description: FREE Driving Theory Test Online : Theory Test, Hazard Perception. Book / CD, Practical Driving Test, Mock Theory Test Practice, Free Hazard Perception, Car Motorbike Driving Test

          The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack 2008/09 Edition    Electronic Version

                                                   

            - Great value learner driver electronic pack, containing 1 CD-ROM and 2 DVDs:

              'The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and The Official Highway Code CD-ROM' (ISBN 9780115529283);

              'The Official DSA Guide to Hazard Perception DVD' (ISBN 9780115528651); and

              'Prepare for your Practical Driving Test ...more

               Published: 21 Jul 2008

               ISBN: 9780115529320      (£29.99 inc. VAT)                                             

           

 2- If you are preparing for your  DRIVING TEST:                                                                       

 

          Book a practical test online Opens new window

 

          Driving test in the uk   This video (on youtube) shows how the test is done.

          

             -If you want to achieve the best result on your First Attempt on you driving test be prepared to

             have up to 40 hours in total of professional tuition, if you are a beginner.

             Where possible, this training should be  complemented with private practice ( as much as possible). 

 

  

 

             -Structured learning:

              The Driver's Record is a way of helping you and your driving instructor, keep a record of your progress

               while you're learning to drive. 

              The record is a pocket-sized leaflet that you should take with you to all your driving lessons.

 

              Download Driver's Record for learner drivers (PDF, 168K)

              Download Driver's Record private practice sheet (PDF, 34K)

 

             

              As part of your training, when you are close to your test date You will undergo some mock tests.

 

                                                           --------------------------------------------

             - Either you are a beginner or an advanced driver I advise you to get hold of a book called :

           "the official DSA guide to Driving, the essential skills"   in order to improve your driving

               knowledge. You might find it in your local library.

                                                     DSA Official Bookstore                     

                                             

 

         Take the time to watch the video below.

      

       - Don't forget to put the seat belt on  always use the seat belt.wmv

           

 + Your driving test requirements explained:                                                                             

 

  Very important: On the test day you will be required to show both parts of your driving licence 

                                 (otherwise your test will be canceled) and your appointment letter .

 

   Driving test standards 

   Fact: 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.

                                                                      

            Eyesight Test and 'Show me, tell me'

            The first section of the test is the eyesight test. .You must be able to read a number plate at a

            distance of 20,5metres.Failing the eyesight test is an instant fail, and will be marked in section 1a

            as a serious error. The test will terminate

  

          * Click on the orange highlighted items, bellow, to watch specific videos

             It will open a new window in a website not connected in any way to Carlos P.-Driving Lessons 

The Vehicle Checks:

You will be required to show the examiner you know the fundamental safety checks to perform on your vehicle – such as ensuring fluid levels are correct, that lights work and that the horn is operational.

 

-  Download 'vehicle safety questions for car tests (show me / tell me) (PDF, 13K) ( English)

 

- If you do not know the answers is only a minor mark but it is also a question of:

           *  Road Safety - regular checks will minimize the risk of a brakedown or an accident

           *  know where to find all the parts of your vheicle that need regular checks in order to keep it in good 

              working  order and roadworthy. You must understand that, by Law your vehicle is your responsability :

              Tyres, Lights, etc.

 

Precautions:

Before you move away at the start of the test, you should ensure that your mirrors are set, that you are

comfortably seated and can reach the pedals and controls, and that your seatbelt is fastened

manoeuvres:

For the manoeuvres, you will be marked on control, observation and accuracy - except for the Emergency stop, for which you will be marked on promptness and control. You can receive the normal three ‘grades’ – minor, serious, and dangerous

Tip: Before you sart any manoeuvre take a deep breath, think of all the steps of the manouvre, open the window

       to help you ear out for approaching vehicles, and then  start. 

 

Controlled Stop:

If you are asked to perform this manoeuvre, you will be marked on your promptness and control of the vehicle.

 

Reverse Around A Corner (Left):

You should display observational skills and maintain full control of the vehicle, to finish reasonably close to the kerb

sketches- LEFT REVERSE (SHARP).wps      REVERSE LEFT (WIDE).wps      video - Reversing Into A Side Road 

 

Reverse Around A Corner (Right):

As above, to the right.

 

Reverse Parking:

You will use another vehicle as a guide, and should finish the manoeuvre reasonably close to the kerb,

living a car length between you and the car in front  

video -  Parallel Parking 

 

Reverse Park (into a bay):

You could be asked to reverse park into a bay, at the begining or at the end of the test.

At The Begining: You must drive out of the bay, to the left or to the right is your choice, stop the vehicle with the

4 wheels straight, apply the hand-brake and, after doing your observations reverse the vehicle into a bay stopping the vehicle with the 4 wheels straight and inside the lines.

At The End: Upon arrival at the car park you will choose the bay, stop the vehicle and apply the hand-brake; reverse

into the bay, "as above". * video - Bay Parking 

Tip: After you have reversed  into the bay you realise that the 4 wheels are not inside the lines you can go forward, out

of the bay,line up the vehicle and reverse it back again.

 

If at the end of the test the examiner ask you to park the vehicle into a bay, front first, do it at slow speed and keep

the vehicle within the lines as much as possible. 

 

Turn In The Road:

Despite being commonly known as the ‘3 point turn’, there is no requirement to actually complete the

manoeuvre in 3 points. You can take as many as you want, as long as you do not hit the kerb, and maintain

control of the vehicle

video - Turn In The Road   

 

Practical Driving:

For the following areas of driving, you can receive up to three minor marks. Should you receive three minors

for any section, you will automatically receive a serious fault, and will therefore fail the test

 

 

Control:

This is a wide-ranging section, covering your control of the clutch, gears, accelerator, brakes, steering and the

use of the parking brake. Driving smoothly, with controlled inputs, meaning less wear and tear on the engine,

should get you through this section. Additionally, selecting appropriate gears at appropriate times,

and depressing the clutch before coming to a stop will be required. Also, making full use of the parking brake

when stationary, and when performing hill starts will be needed. It is this section where it is easiest to pick up minor marks thanks to the number of different items you will be marked upon 

  Changing Gears  Steering A Car   Clutch Control   Stopping A Car

 

Moving Off:

You should be able to move from a stationary position in a safe and controlled manner. The examiner will ask

 you to move from a level position, as well as a hill start. You will be marked on safety and control, so stalling

will earn a minor mark. Remembering to check your mirrors is important, as you could potentially earn a

dangerous mark if you fail to check your mirrors.  Starting Off Moving Off Downhill Moving Off Uphill

 

Mirrors:      

During normal driving, you should check your mirrors frequently. You should also use mirrors when making a turn, changing speed or performing manoeuvres

 

Signals:

You should use your indicators to inform other road users (including pedestrians) of your intentions. Always signal in good time, and ensure that the signal has been cancelled after performing the manoeuvre, to avoid confusing other road users

 

Clearance and Obstructions:

Ensure you leave plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles or obstructions, and drive with caution in case a pedestrian walks into the road or a car door opens without warning   Meeting Traffic 

(clik anywhere on the text to watch a Video relevant to the subject)  

 

Maintain Progress:

You should show the examiner you are capable of driving at a speed appropriate to conditions. You should also be able to pass hazards at a safe, controlled speed. At junctions, you should be prepared to move out as soon as it is safe to do so

 

Response to Signs and Signals:

You should be able to understand and respond to traffic signs, and should respond to them as appropriate.

You will also need to obey traffic signals such as traffic lights, as well as signals given by police officers,

crossing patrols, and other road users

 

Use of Speed:

You should make safe progress, without travelling too slowly, or exceeding the speed limit. It is also important to ensure you can stop safely in the distance you have available, and so your speed should be appropriate to this. Factors such as traffic, weather and obstacles should also be taken into account

 

Following Distance:

The “2 Second Rule” should be followed at all times. You should not tailgate vehicles in front. When in a

queue of traffic, leave enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front to pull out and pass if the

vehicle has a problem. I would advise you to revise the stopping distances on your Highway Code to better

undestand this subject

 

 

Junctions (Including Roundabouts):

You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you don’t cross the white lines. You should position the vehicle correctly in order to prevent any obstruction to another vehicle. At a multi-lane junction, ensure your vehicle is positioned in the correct lane. When turning right, do not cut the corner. If turning left,

do not swing out of the junction. Stay alert, and watch for cyclists and pedestrians

Basic Left Turn   Basic Right Turn    Road Junctions   Box Junctions   Roundabouts

 

 

       THINK! Motorcycle Safety Video Clips

 The THINK! motorcycle safety campaign, based in the UK, encourages drivers  in an urban environment to "THINK! Take longer to look for bikes", through TV and radio ads. At the same time, riders are reminded how to make sure that they are seen via an outdoor poster campaign. 

 

Judgement:

You must exercise good judgment in overtaking stationary vehicles, or when overtaking cyclists and motorcyclists, particularly as cyclists can wobble and swerve. Similar judgment should be exercised where a road narrows, or where traffic calming measures exist. Also, where you are turning out of a junction, good judgment should be displayed when pulling out of the junction, in order to prevent another driver having to slow down to avoid you

Overtaking

THINK! Motorcycle Safety Video Clips

The THINK! motorcycle safety campaign, based in the UK, encourages drivers in an urban environment to

 "THINK! Take longer to look for bikes" at junctions.

 

Road Positioning:

Your vehicle should be positioned in a sensible position at all times. You shouldn’t cross white lines (unless overtaking), nor move beyond them at a junction. Where multiple lanes exist, you should drive in the centre

of the lane, and should not straddle the lane markings

 

Pedestrian Crossings:

You should be able to recognise the different types of crossing, and should show courtesy to pedestrians. At all crossings, you should slow down and stop if required. You should give way to pedestrians when there is an amber light flashing (either on a pelican or a zebra crossing), and give way to cyclists at toucan crossings

 

Positioning (When Stopping):

You should stop where it is safe, where you will not obstruct a road. You should never stop on yellow lines, white zigzag markings. Nor should you stop in a bus stop, as this is an instant fail. When stopped, you should apply your handbrake  Pedestrian Crossings Traffic lights

 

Awareness/Planning:

You must display awareness of other road users at all times. You should be thinking ahead, and planning ahead so that you can judge what other road users are going to do, make plans to avoid them, and act in good time.

Changes in traffic conditions should also be planned for. You should take extra care considering more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians

 

Ancillary Controls:

You should be able to use controls in the car as and when required. Controls such as headlights, windscreen demisters, indicators and windscreen wipers. You should be able to operate the controls without looking down

 

At the end of the test

At the end of the test, your total minors will be written up for each section, and added up to give a grand total.

The examiner will also fill in which route was taken, and finally will fill in the pass/fail box, before announcing the result to you. You are allowed a total of 15 minor faults. With a total of 16 you will fail your test. Any Serious or Dangerous faults will automatically fail your test.

 

If you have passed, you will be presented with a pass certificate. You will be required to sign the assessment

form to confirm you have received the certificate. You will receive your new licence within 3 weeks by post. 

                                              

                                          Remember:  Safe Driving is For Life not just for test.                                             

                  

                                                                                           

 

                                                             Test day tips                                                             

 

                                                            

   1-     Warm up:  one hour's driving lesson around the area of the test centre on the day of your test  will

           help you to warm up and get into the swing of things. You will also be aware of any new roadworks,

           obstructions etc and will feel more able to deal with them more easily. Forewarned is foreamed.
   2-     Nerves: If you start feeling shaky bag of nerves, breathe in, hold your breath, count up to 20 and

           out breathe out. Repeat this exercise until you gain control of your nerves. Once the test starts,

           you'll settle into your driving and your attention will be on the road rather than on your own feelings,

           and your nervousness should disappear.
   3-     Think confident: Talk yourself – silently! – through the test. Talk about hazards coming up and how

           you are going to deal with them. This really focuses your mind on how you should be driving in order

           to pass the test.
   4-     Don't be afraid to ask: If you don't understand what the examiner has asked you to do, don't be afraid

           to ask him or her to repeat the instruction.

   5-     Think positive: Before you start a manoeuvre, repeat to yourself three times – silently –

           "this is a piece of cake". Think positively at all times. You can do it!
   6-     Making a mistake: If you feel you're messing up a manoeuvre, just pull forwards and do it again correctly.

           As long as you haven't done anything wrong, such as touching the kerb or failing to make effective

           observations, you can still pass. 
   7-     Stalling: if, unfortunately, you stall, deal with it and move on. As long as you don't stall in a dangerous

           situation, such as on a roundabout and as long as you handle it properly, this needn't count as a major fault

           and you can still pass your test.
   8-     Have I already failed? If you feel you've made a mistake, don't instantly assume you've failed

           – it may only have been a minor fault. Put it behind you and carry on driving as well as you can. 
   9-     Keep your eyes on the road: Resist the temptation to look at the examiner and what he or she is writing.

           You will not be able to deduce anything anyway. Keep your attention on your driving and the road ahead!

 

 

 3-Test Fee(s) :                                                                                                                        

- You will pay a booking fee to the DSA (£62  week days and an extra £10 if weekend) in order to book your driving test.

- My fee is £70 for the test day. It will include: picking you up from your address or pre-arranged location, 1 hour 

   and a half lesson on the way to the test center, the use of the vehicle for the duration of the test and driving you back.

 

 4 - cancellations                                                                                                             

      Lesson Cancellations

      - Important:

       I am an independent Driving Instructor and I run a Professional and Organised

            driving lessons schedule therefore I bring the following to your attention:

 

       Lessson cancellation:

            If you need to cancel your lesson you must do it up to 2 hours before 

            the lesson start; if I am at the meeting point and you cancel or don't turn up you will

            be charged for 1 extra hour on the next lesson.

 

            Exceptional circumstances:

            I will hear your explanation and act accordingly.

 

            If I need to cancel the lesson:

            I will contact you well in advance and I will reschedule to a date and time of your convenience.

 

Test cancellations

-  When a test is cancelled at the test center due to bad weather conditions you will only be charged for the 1 hour and a

    half lesson.

-  When the DSA cancels your test for other reasons a form is given to you to claim a refund for expenses.

   (I will charge £36) and your next test date is re-booked automaticly by the DSA at no extra cost.

   When you receive the confirmation letter, you can call or go online to change it.

- You can change the test date at any time,the latest by 4 working days before the original date without loosing the

   booking fee and to a maximum of 3 times.

 

 5 - Special Offer:                                                                                                                    

 

- £20  off your test fee  for the introduction of a new pupil.

 

            
 6 - Student Card Holders                                                                                                         

   £20 for the first 2 hours will apply.

 - 

 - You must show me your student card and Provisional Licence on the first lesson. 

 - Test fee £50  

 7 - Pass Plus course                                                                                                                

- Pass Plus courses, with Carlos, have a total duration of 6 hours (minimum) divided into two lessons.

  The course contains six different modules and, at the end, your course record will be sent to the DSA who will send you

  the Pass Plus certificate.

  The course price is £120

                      What is Pass Plus? 

Pass Plus is a training course specifically aimed at new drivers, designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge, it will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and can help you to become more confident on the roads Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules which include:

• driving in town
• driving in all weathers
• driving on rural roads
• driving at night
• driving on dual carriageways
• driving on motorways

Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.

 7.1-  Cheaper insurance tips                                                                                                                                     

* Driving down the cost of insurance

"... When I was looking up for insurance quotes they ranged from £1500 to £1800."

Student John Kirk , aged 21, after he passed his test he was astonished at the cost of insurance quotes, he followed his brother-in-law's advice and booked Pass Plus.

"My brother in-law  told me about the scheme and recommended it. I had been ringing up companies to get a one-litre Micra insured and the quotes ranged from £1500 to £1800 fully comprehensive. I wanted full cover because I knew that newly qualified drivers often had accidents within the first year of driving.

I wanted experience at motorway and inner city driving. I managed to insure the car for just under £1,000, which is a

huge saving" said John.

         The TRUE way to Cheaper Insurance
         There is only “one” true way to get cheaper insurance: Shop around. Dont be affraid of spending quite some time

         on the phone ringing around. Get every freephone number you can find! A small amount of time phoning around 

         could save you a small fortune. The variability on car insurance quotes range hugely. 

1. if you have a standard, low performance car, no modifications, do average mileage (10,000 to 12,000 a year or so) and are 25 or over then the big boys will probably be cheaper for you.
2. If you have any mods at all, drive anything larger than a 1.6, are high mileage (20k a year or more), or are under 25, then check out the brokers. You will find their prices are more dependent on the discounts they got due to last years sales.

          Other Tips to Getting Cheaper Car Insurance

• Opt to pay a higher excess in the event of an insurance claim. Usually this will reduce your overall quote.

• If you have recently passed your driving test, investigate whether it would be cost-effective to complete the Pass Plus training programme to qualify for car insurance discounts.

• Investigate buying car insurance online as some companies offer a worthwhile discount for policies purchased in this way.

• If your vehicle is not fitted with an approved immobiliser, compare car insurance quotes with and without one fitted. It may be cost-effective to have one installed.

• Limit the number of miles you drive each year, and tell insurance companies your typical annual mileage when getting quotes. The UK Average is around 15,000 miles per year now. Anything over 20,000 miles per year is class as high mileage and it would be useful to find an “unlimited mileage policy” they tend to work out much cheaper.

• Use an insurance broker.

• Restrict the drivers on your car insurance policy. In particular, minimise the number of young drivers under twenty-five or people with convictions.

• If you live with your Partner, Wife etc. investigate adding them to your policy, or if you are a young driver.
• Look into adding your parents as “second driver” to your policy, this will often reduce your premium.

• Drive a cheap car with a small engine (1 litre, certainly less than 1.4 for cheapest quotes).

• Start building and protecting a ‘no claims’ bonus as soon as possible. In the long run, this will have a significant impact on your ability to get cheap car insurance. Becoming an Advanced Driver will help you keep your No Claims Bonus.

• Don’t modify or customise your car. If you do, check out specialist car magazines for information on insurance companies that specialise in modified car insurance.

• If your car was very cheap, it may be cost-effective to have third-party, fire and theft insurance instead of fully comprehensive cover. Compare quotes.

• Park your car in a locked garage or other, secure, off-street location overnight.

• If you belong to a trade union or professional society check whether it has negotiated cheap car insurance policies for its employees.

 Cash and cheque are accepted (you will get a receipt for any payment you make,when requested).

 Unfortunately, I am not able to accept any payment by Debit or Credit card.