Tips on how to pass your driving test – beginner to test standard

Start from scratch

Undoubtedly, people mostly strive for independence. Mastering how to drive is one of the most empowering tools anyone could experience within their lifetime.

Different people, with different lifestyles, have plenty of reasons to learn to drive. You may live in a rural location, where you cannot rely on the public transport links, being few and far between to your place of work, relatives or study. Thus, the only answer being, learning to drive. Once you have your licence, and your own car, you can set your own schedule on how to pass your driving test.

Learning to drive

Initially, you should apply for your provisional driving licence through this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

Once you have received your provisional licence, it’s time to start looking for a reputable driving school. Look no further. Here at Homers’ Driving School, we offer a broad range of driving lesson packages and highly qualified ADI instructors. From intensive driving courses, that can be completed within a week – to weekly driving lessons at your own pace.

Learn to drive manual or automatic?

As not everyone is that passionate towards driving and are put off by gear shifts. Many people now opt to learn to drive in automatic cars, which can be more convenient and even more fuel efficient than manual cars. Be mindful that if you get an automatic driving license, you will not be allowed to drive a manual car.

Behind the wheel

Of course, what is the best way to get good at something? Practice, and keep practicing. It is suggested by many driving schools that you book at least one or two driving lessons a week. But if you need to pass your driving test with haste, then we offer a range of intensive courses, automatic and manual to get you on the road in no time.

At Homers’ Driving School, our male and female instructors live local and possess comprehensive knowledge of all areas they teach in. They know all the shortcuts and quiet areas for you to get confident behind the wheel and you acquainted with routes that are commonly used for your important and hopefully only one practical test you have to take. The areas we cover are, Wolverhampton, Bromsgrove, West Bromwich, Willenhall, Darlaston, Coseley, Dudley and many, many more!

Prepare from your theory test from the start

To become a safe successful driver, you will need to know the rules of the road, that’s where the theory test comes in. The test is divided into two parts – multiple choice questions and hazard perception. You will complete both tests at your local test station. The first part of the test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. In order to pass, you must correctly answer 47 questions or more. Once you have completed this part, you will begin the hazard perception test, again you must spot 44 hazards out of a possible 75. We would advise that you purchase yourself a copy of The Highway Code to start with, also visit the DVSA website for online advice and take the mock exams to check on your progress. Also, if you need help with getting ready to take your theory test, we have instructor’s cars that have TV and DVD players installed to help with your theory and Hazard perception test.

Getting to the “Test Standard”

It has been recorded that it takes around 30 – 40 hours of lessons and the common choice for students taking one or two lessons a week, this can be achieved within 2 – 3 months to achieve test standard level of driving, meaning you are ready to take your test. Once you are ready, book your official DVSA car Practical Driving Test online with GOV UK.

What to expect on your big day

On the day of your test we recommend you book the pre-test lesson, car hire for the test and driven home after. Your test will begin at your nearest test centre, which you will already be acquainted with. The test includes 5 parts, will last around 40 minutes. Regardless, manual or automatic, the test will be the same. Before you get into the car, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 metres so don’t forget your glasses! You will be then asked a couple of vehicle safety questions. Sweating yet? Don’t worry. An assessment of your general driving will take place, before reversing exercises and either a Sat Nav or traffic signs assessment.

Passed with flying colours?

Congratulations if your examiner hands over your certificate to you. Freedom is yours. You will now need to send this off, with your provisional driving licence to the DVLA. Time to purchase your dream car.

Unsuccessful in your test?

Commiserations, but don’t lose hope. Relax. As the UK follows strict guidelines when assessing the competency of budding drivers to ensure maximum safety on our roads. On average, it can take up to five attempts at your test to pass. This might sound quite daunting but there is no limit on attempts to pass, which is good to know. Homers’ Driving School offer intensive courses for students at “Test Standard” to tweak any minors or mistakes you made on your test. Once you give your test another try we are sure you will pass with minimum minors and see you on our pass gallery.

Best of luck.

Any other questions, or to book your road to success. Contact us.

Happy New Year.