Lake District Intensive Driving.co.uk

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need before I can learn to drive?

You will need to obtain a provisional licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).  

Use this link to the DVLA to get your first provisional driving licence online: 

DVLA Provisional Driving Licence Online Application

The cost of a provisional licence is £50.00.  

When you pass your driving test, your provisional licence will be upgraded to a full driving licence.

The DSA examiner will do this for you and the cost has been included in the original payment.

At what age can I start to learn to drive?

Normally the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is on your 17th birthday. However, you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday, but will have to wait until your 17th birthday before it becomes valid.

If you are in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance, then you may hold a driving licence from 16 years of age (you may also apply for it within three months of your 16th birthday).

Can I learn to drive before I've taken my theory test?

Yes you certainly can, provided of course that you hold a valid provisional licence.

How many lessons will I need before I am ready to take my driving test?

There is no definitive answer to this question - everyone is different!  For example, have you had any prior driving experience?  Are you able to get private practice in addition to driving lessons?  How old are you?

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) who conduct the driving test state that those candidates that have passed their driving test have had, on average, 45 hours professional tuition in addition to an average of 22 hours private practice.

Generally most of our pupils take a lot less, as they learn on an intensive basis, thereby not repeating the sessions previously done and not having to recap from where they left off the week before.

What will I need to bring to my first lesson?

You will need to bring both parts of your provisional licence with you to your first driving lesson.  You will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (old style number plate) or 20 metres (new style number plate) to check your eyesight, so make sure you are wearing your glasses or contact lenses, if required.

What does ADI stand for?

ADI stands for Approved Driving Instructor.  An ADI is the only qualified professional driving instructor recognised by the DSA to provide paid tuition.  Every ADI is regularly tested by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to ensure that the teaching is to the required standard.  A fully qualified ADI will display a green badge on the front windscreen of their tuition vehicle.

What is involved in the DSA Theory Test?

The DSA Theory test has two parts;

Multiple-choice set of 50 questions (pass mark 43 out of 50).

Hazard Perception 14 video clips with 15 developing hazards

each having a maximum score of 5 (pass mark 44 out of 75).

You need to pass both parts at the same attempt to obtain your theory certificate.

Use this link to the DSA website:   DSA Theory Test

What is the cost of the theory test?

The theory test currently costs £30.00 and consists of two parts; 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test (response to 14 video clips). You need to pass both parts.

How do I book a theory test?

It is easiest to book the theory test and practical driving test online.

Use this link to book your theory test:   DSA Theory Test Online Booking Service

Why is that years ago people required very few lessons before passing their test?

This is a common response from qualified drivers, particularly those that obtained their full driving licence years ago.

The roads and driving procedures have changed dramatically over the years, where learner drivers are now faced with increasingly complex junctions, new road signs, markings and procedures, and, above all, very busy roads.

The driving test syllabus has evolved to reflect these changes and features strict test criteria and new manoeuvres.

In order to drive safely, correctly and confidently requires substantial training and where possible further road experience from private practice.

What is the cost of the practical driving test?

The current cost of the practical test is £56.50 for weekday and £67.00 for Saturdays and weekday evenings.

Do I have to answer more questions when I take my driving test?

Your DSA examiner will ask you two vehicle safety check questions from 13 when you take your test.

To see all the questions click:    DSA Vehicle Safety Check Questions.pdf

How many driving faults can I make on my driving test?

You are allowed up to 15 minor faults.  Obtaining more than 15 minor faults and/or 1 or more serious or dangerous fault will result in failure.