Applying for a provisional driving license

You must be the holder of applying for a provisional driving license then only you can apply for a driving licence. If you are already a driving licence holder of a valid full UK driving license and you wish to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you have to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles.

Pass driving test in 1st attempt

Apply provisional driving license online:

You can apply for your first provisional driving license for a car, moped or motorcycle using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service. You can get the details of DVLA provisional driving licence cost, DVLA provisional driving license application form, DVLA provisional driving test you can submit your form online also.

Apply in person or by post:

You can apply for your provisional driving license by completing the D1 provisional driving license application form. You can get these services by ordering service or by Post Office® branches. You will have to attach the required original documents such as your identity, a passport style license photograph and the fee of £38.00. You can send your completed application forms and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you can also access the premium checking service.

You may get your driving license to you within three weeks of receiving your application to which DVLA aims at. Sometimes it may take longer time if DVLA have to checks your health or personal details. You will have to wait for your new license to reach your destination before driving.

Applying for provisional entitlement for larger vehicles, minibuses and buses:

If you are the holder of a valid full paper license and wish to apply for provisional entitlement for driving larger vehicles, minibuses and buses you need to fill the application form D2 and the medical report form D4. These forms are available with the DVLA. You can also order for the service. The D4 has to be completed by a doctor and you must certify that all the relevant questions are completed.

It is also essential to give back original documents confirming your identity, a passport size colour photograph and your current papers of driving license. There is no fee required for the application. The address to send this information is DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

If you hold a valid full driving license and want to apply for a provisional driving license to drive larger vehicles, minibuses and buses all that is needed is the completion of the application form D2 and the medical report form D4. You must also attach your photo card driving license (with the D740 paper counterpart) to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR.

Plastic wallets:

DVLA no longer issues plastic wallets with photo card driving licenses. To minimize the costs of issuing driving licenses to the public this decision was taken. Public has complaint about the size of the plastic wallet to the agency. Therefore, to protect their licence many drivers remove the wallet and started using a different way. The agency cannot be returned old plastic wallets once if they are sent to them.

Hazard perception test - Hints and tips

Hazard perception test has been introduced in the driving theory test and it forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time. New drivers are unfairly involved in accidents, usually in the first months after passing their driving test. This was one of the main reasons for introducing hazard perception test. It has been observed that drivers who have done hazard perception test training have much superior hazard test skills.

Hazard perception clips are important because directly or indirectly it reduces the number of deaths on the roads which takes place regularly. While driving there are some hazards to which drivers will come across such as huge vehicles moving over to their side of the road, loose pets and farmyard animals, changes in the traffic movement and volume, junctions and roundabouts, horse riders, weather conditions of the day, road surfaces, parked vehicles, hidden junctions & turns. A driver has to face all this difficulties and has to over come of this very easily and make his own way.

An examiner can score good marks in hazard perception test if he understands the process of the test. It has been also observed that many learner drivers fail to clear their hazard perception test just because they need to know more about hazard perception test.

Hazard perception pattern of driving theory test contains 14 hazard video clips on the computer screen which will be of one minute each. In each clip there will have two hazards out of which examiner has to find one hazard.

Hazard perception test Hints and tips:

Although each clips contains several possible hazards only the one that appears or gets visualize into a real hazards (one clip will have 2 hazards) and in which other road users also participates. This is known as a “developing hazard”. You can only score if you mark or spot a hazard before it fully visualize and is brought into the action by another road users. In the beginning or in few cases it is hard to conclude when a possible hazard becomes a developing hazard and when the scoring window should start.

It is suggested to click a few times as you see a hazard develop to make sure examiner doesn’t click too early and miss the opening of this window.

Identification of offered clues and perception of risk are ability that is essential in all drivers and riders, irrespective of the vehicle used. For this reason, the same version of the perception test is used for all categories of test.

Look for these hazards:

• Hidden junctions & turns
• Loose pets and farmyard animals
• Vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
• Road surfaces
• Weather conditions of the day
• Parked vehicles
• Changes in the traffic movement and volume
• Junctions and roundabouts
• Horse riders
• Meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving vehicles make the road narrow
• Pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
• Large vehicles moving over to your side of the road.

Hazard perception test - An important part of driving test

Hazard perception test introduction –

Hazard perception test has been introduced in the driving theory test. It was introduced because new drivers are unfairly involved in accidents, generally in the first months after passing their driving test.

Hazard perception test is a second section of the driving theory test and candidate must pass the test at the same time. It has been noticed and brought into the picture that driver who has taken hazard perception test practice or training has much better hazard skills.

Many learner drivers fail in hazard perception test because they need to know more about hazard test itself. Hazard perception test plays a very vital role as it helps in reducing number of deaths on the roads. While driving there are some hazards to which driver come across such as huge vehicles moving over to your side of the road, loose pets and farmyard animals, change in the traffic movement and volume, junctions and roundabouts, horse riders, weather conditions of the day, road surfaces, parked vehicles, hidden junctions & turns. A driver has to face all this obstacles and has to come out of all this very smoothly and make his own way.

Hazard perception test examination process –

In this pattern of driving theory test you will be shown 14 hazard video clips on the computer screen which will be of one minute each. You have to watch these clips as if you are the driver. There will be at least one hazard in each clip means totally you have to find 15 hazards. All together one clip will have two hazards. M

The clip has variety of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians and road conditions. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.

Hazard perception clips will start with a freeze frame at the beginning of the video sequence and a count down from 10 will being. At the end of the count down the clip will start to play and you need to click the mouse button each time you see a developing hazard.

To let you know that the program has registered you need to click a red flag which will appear on a grey band across the bottom of the screen - one flag for each click you make in any particular clip. At the end of the clip all the flags will be removed before you proceed the next clips.

Hazard perception test scoring mechanism -

If a candidate understands the concept of hazard perception test that how to score good marks how does it works, what are the ways to which one has to come out of danger or hazard while driving etc. It’s not at all difficult to pass hazard perception test instate it’s a scoring mechanism.

Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 score able hazard. You need to click either the left or right mouse button wherever you think you can see a hazard developing or soon you may come across. The speed at which you click the mouse button as a hazard develops will determine your score for that particular hazard clips. You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard.

The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 (i.e. 15 hazard x 5) for car drivers and motorcycle riders. Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 50 out of 75.

Driving theory test- Special needs

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) offers or provides a number of facilities for those with special needs, which includes foreign language voiceovers, extra time, British sign language interpretation, reading difficulties and translator assisted tests.
How do candidates with special requirements take the theory test?

The following services are available for candidates with special requirements. At the time of booking all the listed facilities or some special needs need to be demanded.

Facilities for those whose first language is not English:

If a person has difficulty while reading or understanding English well, he or she can demand a voiceover in one of 21 languages. With the help of headphones a person can hear the theory test instructions and questions. Automatically the question will be read out to you and by touching the text on the screen; you can also hear the answer options. By simply touching the text of the question onscreen again; you can hear the questions as many times as you want.

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:

You can also request to have a translator assistant for driving theory test if required voiceover is not provided in the language which you need. You can get the details of the relevant DSA approved translators which include names and contact details from the call centre agent. To arrange a test date with the translator and driving test fees, you need to coordinate with him/her.

Facilities for those with reading difficulties:

You can ask for an English or Welsh voiceover, if you are suffering from dyslexia or any other reading difficulties. The standard time for multiple choice part of the driving test is of 57 minutes, on request you can exceed it up to double but for this you will have to send a proof of your reading difficulty to the theory test booking customer services.

Facilities for those with hearing difficulties:

You can ask to take the theory test in British sign language (BSL); if you have hearing problem or you are deaf. The standard test questions and answers of BSL interpretation will run alongside. An interpreter can be taken into the test centre, if you don’t want to use BSL interpreter. This facility has to be arranged by the theory test customer services section which is available at free of cost.

Other special requirements:

You can contact the driving theory test customer services section if the facilities which are listed above don’t meet to your requirement or you have a special requirement. They will discuss your requirements and match or compare the facilities available with them which are required.

If you are appearing for driving test you must be a holder of a valid provisional driving licence then only you can appear for driving theory test and after passing driving theory test you can appear or apply for driving practical test.

Following are the various ways through which you can pass your driving test in first attempt - driving test cd,driving test dvd and driving test cd rom which help you clear or pass your driving test in first attempt. With the help of theory test download you can download the file which contains the questions which are frequently asked in the driving theory test by DSA.

Things you should know to pass online driving theory test

Online driving test

A. Multiple choice element in online

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

This section is designed to test your understanding of the theory behind driving. Before the online test starts you'll be given instructions on how the driving 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 online test.

At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. You have 57 minutes to complete the test. There is a 15-minute practice session you can work through before starting the tests. The questions in each multiple choice test in driving theory test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a license for, i.e. a motorcycle driving test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.

A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen.

Some questions may require more than one answer. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test.

After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts. For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked randomly selected 50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes and you need to get at least 43 right to pass. For lorries and buses you'll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60.

B. Hazard Perception Test

After the break in online driving test you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. This forms a second section of the online driving theory test and must be passed at the same time. This section is designed to tests your awareness of potential hazards whilst driving.

The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips each about a minute long, which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

The videos feature various types of hazard, such as road conditions, vehicles and pedestrians. The earlier you spot a hazard developing that may require the driver to take some action, the higher the score. There are 15 scoreable hazards in the tests and candidates can score up to 5 points on each hazard. Unlike multiple choice questions, for the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles e.g. car, bike, heavy vehicle etc, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.

Hazard perception test information

How to pass hazard perception test in DSA driving theory test

Hazard perception test is an interactive practice session in the driving theory test featuring hazard perception clips to identify the developing potential hazards.

Why the hazard perception test element was introduced?

The government is committed to reducing the numbers killed and seriously injured on Britain's roads by 40 per cent by 2010. The hazard perception element was introduced into the driving test in November 2002 as one of the measures that should help achieve this target by encouraging appropriate training in scanning the road, recognizing at the first opportunity from the clues that a potentially dangerous situation might arise and adopting a driving plan to reduce the risk.

  During the development of this test, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) worked closely with colleagues from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the road safety division of the Department for Transport, both of whom thought this test suitable for testing the hazard.

When to respond to score in hazard perception test

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.

The scoring mechanism in hazard perception test

Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5.

Appearing for driving theory test - Wait and read this!!!

Passing your driving theory test is your first step towards being a safe driver on the road. You need to know few things before you appear for the driving theory test

Minimum ages and rules:

You can take your driving theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid. Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.

So, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test.

Disability living allowance :

If you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate your provisional licence will come into effect when you are 16, but you can apply for it within three months of your 16th birthday.

Motorcyclists direct access scheme:

Direct access is a scheme, which allows a person over the age of 21 to avoid the two year/25 kW restriction by taking a test on a machine of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). A pass allows you to ride any size of bike. Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact. You should also wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all other provisional licence restrictions.

Accelerated access :

Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW (33 bhp) machines, but who wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle of at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). They may practise on bikes over 25 kW (33 bhp) under the same practice conditions for direct access riders. You will revert to learner status while practicing (on a motorcycle greater than 25 kW (33 bhp) although test failure will not affect your existing licence.

Mopeds and tractors:

If you want to ride a moped you can take your theory test when you are 16, but again you must make sure you have a valid provisional licence. If you are 16 and already have a provisional licence for an agricultural vehicle or a moped, this will give you provisional entitlement to drive a car when you are 17.

Rules for learner drivers : Before you start to drive, you must:

• Hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland
• Make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured
• If you want to practice your driving with an accompanying driver, the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years.
• As a learner driver, you must display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.
• You're limited to less powerful motorbikes.

Apply for provisional license :

If you have never held a driving licence before you will need to apply for a provisional licence. You cannot start to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and in your possession.

Driving theory test: must-have learning resources:

Preparing for your theory test is essential if you want to become a safe, responsible driver or rider. If you are a learner driver, you must take and pass your theory test before you book your practical test. The theory test is a computer based test and can be taken at various tests centers around the country. For detailed information and the FREE learning resources you can visit www.pass-test.co.uk

Eco-safe driving and riding as part of the driving test

Always try to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to:

From 10 September 2008, if you're sitting a driving test, you’ll also be assessed on your ability to drive or ride in a way that shows eco-safe driving techniques.

This assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for the practical test and you will not fail your test because you don’t demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques.

The driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you’re driving.

Control

• starting and moving away
• accelerating
• using gears
• driving at an appropriate speed

This reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and will help in reducing CO2.

Planning
Reduce harmful emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions and acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially:

• Showing hazard awareness and planning
• Making use of engine braking
• Stopping the engine when appropriate
• Tips for ‘eco-safe’ driving and riding

Follow these tips as a guide to safe driving or riding for economy:

• Check your tyres regularly and keep at recommended pressure
• Don’t carry unnecessary weight
• Remove roof-rack or luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance
• Don’t exceed speed limits, accelerate gently
• Consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate
• Turn off your engine if you’re likely to have a prolonged wait
• Use air conditioning only when you need to
• Plan your route to avoid known congestion points
• Try to travel during off-peak times

Are you eager to drive?

Do you know you need to pass driving theory test before you can appear for your driving practical test?

If you are preparing for driving theory test for either car or bike -

You can download all official driving theory test questions including new case studies to prepare for driving test. Driving test free download is also available.

You can choose either direct download to PC or can buy driving theory test CD.

Driving theory test CD contains ALL official DSA driving theory test multiple choice questions, mock theory test and hazard perception demo clips for car drivers and motorcyclists.

Driving theory test & download program prices are very competitive, the prices almost 75% cheaper than the driving test CDs available in market. So why wait, spend less money and pass in first attempt.

You can try the theory test application before buying. Once you are happy you can buy theory test software (with motorcycle driving theory test questions, car driving theory test questions, hazard perception test clips)

Are you a car/bike learner driver and preparing for the DSA theory test ?

How to prepare for the multiple choice question part -

DSA has distributed official driving test question bank for learner drivers from which actual exam questions are selected.


Please note DSA usually make changes in this questions set, so we advice is to solve the latest 2012/13 DSA OFFICIAL driving theory test question bank.

Like from 2009 onwards DSA has added new case studies section in the test.

DSA Questions have been divided questions into following sections -

• Alertness
• Attitude
• Hazard Awareness
• Other Types of Vehicle
• Safety and Your Vehicle
  
• Safety Margins
  
• Vehicle Handling
  
• Motorway Rules
  
• Rules of the Road
  
• Road and Traffic Signs
  
• Documents
  
• Accidents
  
• Vehicle Loading
  
• Vulnerable Road Users
  
• Case Study - (Based on all above sections)
  

There are total 1200+ questions for car & bike drivers to practice.
You need to solve all these questions and then you need to practice them again and again specially the questions which you are weak at or face difficult in remembering.
For some learner drivers may get nervous by this.
But actually it is not, if you prepare smartly, it is very easy to pass the exam in first attempt.
Follow our smart way of preparation -

Step 1 - Basic preparation

• Read questions
• Give answers
• Save for review
• Mark difficulty level

Step 2 - Advance preparation

• Use filtering criteria
• Revise
• Incorrectly answered questions
• Saved questions
• Questions marked for review

Step 3 - Exam preparation

• Solve at least 10 random tests.

Of course more the better..

We provide latest question bank of all official car and motorcycle questions with latest theory questions released.

With features like progress monitor, review complex questions and our unique study pattern you just can't fail.
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Easy straightforward driving theory test software for car, bike learner drivers

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New safety requirements for motorcyclists and lorry and bus drivers

Measures to improve skills and safety for new motorcycle riders, drivers of lorries and buses and new drivers who want to tow medium sized trailers were confirmed today by the Department for Transport (DfT) in conjunction with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The new measures will ensure that Great Britain meets new European requirements on driver testing, training, examination and licensing which come into force in 2013. Other motorists will not be affected.

The main aspects of the new requirements are:

Motorcyclists – The current two categories of motorbike will be replaced with three – A1 (up to 125cc), A2 (up to 35Kw) and A (above 35Kw) - and new rules introduced for riders of larger bikes. Riders wanting to progress to larger categories of motorbikes will have to take a further test and there will be a rise in the minimum age from 21 to 24 for those wishing to start riding larger bikes without previous experience.
However, riders moving from smaller to larger motorcycles will not need to do a familiarisation course as originally proposed in the consultation. Instead, as suggested by the Motorcycle Industry Association, riders who have had a full licence for smaller bike for two years or more will need to be accompanied by an Authorised Trainer while on public roads until they have passed their test.

Trailer towing - New car and light van drivers wanting to tow trailers will be able to tow a slightly larger trailer on a normal car driving licence (category B), if they take a further test. There will also be a restriction on the overall size of the vehicle/trailer combination that can be driven on a category B+E licence entitlement (car/light van plus trailer).

Licence renewals for bus and lorry drivers – at present, drivers of medium-sized and large buses and lorries need to renew their licences every five years once they reach the age of 45. Over-45s also need to demonstrate their fitness to drive through a full medical report. From 2013, under-45s who drive these vehicles will also need to confirm medical fitness and renew their licence every five years. However, under-45s will not require a full medical report and will still only need to renew their photograph every 10 years. All other drivers and riders will continue to renew their driving licences every 10 years as is currently the case.
 
Driving examiners – Compulsory initial qualification, periodic training and quality assurance checks for driving examiners will be required for driving examiners. The DSA already fulfils most of these requirements but the introduction of periodic training will enhance these existing arrangements.

Rosemary Thew, Chief Executive of the Driving Standards Agency which is responsible for delivering driver testing and setting standards for driver training, said:

"It’s important that everyone has the skills they need to drive or ride safely.

"We are grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation and are already working closely with the groups and industries that will be affected by these new requirements."

Noel Shanahan, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency which is responsible for the administration of driver licences and vehicle registration, said:

"We are implementing the requirements of the new directive with the least possible inconvenience to the UK bus and haulage industry who already operate to a high levels of safety with the vast majority of drivers in the industry already ensuring that they are fit to drive. However, we believe that this new measure will provide a useful additional reminder for drivers."

Visit link : http://www.pass-test.co.uk/common/frm_product_info.aspx