Getting Started

Your instructor will tailor what you do on your lessons to fit your individual skill level.  You will be given a personal learning record which will be updated on each lesson so you can see how your skills are developing.  As you progress through your practical lessons you should also be studying for your theory test.  You can buy study materials from your instructor or from our online store.  Your instructor will help you to study for your test if required, and as you gain practical experience you will be able to apply what you have learned for your theory test to on-the-road situations.
 

The Theory Test 

You must pass your theory test before you can take your practical test.   When you book your theory test you will receive a letter confirming your test details.  You must bring this letter and BOTH parts of your provisional licence with you when you take the test.

The theory test is screen-based, and consists of 2 parts.  Part 1 is made up of 50 multiple choice questions covering all the topics you will have been studying.  You select your answer for each question by simply touching the screen.  The pass mark for part 1 of the test is 43/50.  Part 2 is the hazard perception section of the test.  This consists of 14 film clips shown from a driver's point of view.  Each clip contains 1 or more developing hazards.  You respond by clicking the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, taking some action.  The earlier you respond, the higher your score.  The pass mark for this part of the test is 44/75.

Your instructor will tell you about this test in more detail, and advise you when you are ready to take the test.  Once you have passed your theory test and achieved all the skills in your personal learning record, your instructor will advise you when to book your practical test.

The Practical Test

When you attend your practical test you must have with you your letter confirming your test details, your theory pass certificate and BOTH parts of your provisional licence.  The practical test lasts from 35-40 minutes.  The examiner will test your eyesight and then ask you 2 questions about carrying out safety checks on your vehicle.  Then you will be asked to drive safely under a variety of road and traffic conditions.  You will be asked to carry out 2 manoeuvres and you may be asked to do the emergency stop exercise. 

The examiner will assess any errors you make and depending on the nature of the fault, record them on a Driving Test Report form.  1 or more serious or dangerous faults will result in a fail.  More than 15 less serious faults, known as driving faults, will also result in a fail.  At the end of the test you will be offered an explanation of your Driving Test Report.

If you fail, your instructor will help you correct the faults you made and advise you on booking your next attempt.  You can't take another test for at least 10 days.

If you pass, well done!  The examiner will take your provisional licence and give you a pass certificate as proof of success until you receive your new licence.

Once you pass, it will benefit you to take the Pass Plus training course for new drivers.

Pass Plus

The aim of Pass Plus is to improve your driving skills and make you a safer driver, by developing your knowledge in areas where you may have limited experience.  One such area is motorway driving which you will not cover as a learner, for the simple reason that it is not legal for a learner to drive on the motorway!  The other areas covered are driving in town, on rural roads, in all weathers, in the dark and on dual carriageways.  Pass Plus consists of a minimum of 6 hours' training covering 6 modules on the above subjects.  There is no test at the end; you must cover all the modules satisfactorily to complete the training.  KMS School of Motoring provides Pass Plus courses - please ask your instructor for more details.