Some Frequently asked Questions,
Before you
can drive a car you must,
1. Be 17
years old.
2. Have
a provisional driving licence. You can apply up to three months before
your 17th birthday. Application forms are available from the Post
Office and should be sent to the DVLA at Swansea along with identification
photographs and required documents. You should allow 2 - 3 weeks for
your licence to arrive.
3. Then book some lessons
with Sussex Ladies and start driving!
HOW
MANY LESSONS WILL I NEED
The number of lessons required
can vary a lot and can depend upon your age, natural aptitude and
opportunity to practice with friends and family. The DSA (Driving
Standards Agency) now recommend a minimum of 40 hours with an instructor,
plus practice with family or friends.
HOW
LONG WILL IT TAKE
The length of time required depends
upon how many lessons you take per week. Two to four hours is recommended,
but it also depends upon your ability to practice in between lessons.
Remember however, that you will need to pass your Theory Test before
you can take your practical test and the waiting list for the practical
test is usually 6 to 12 weeks.
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WHAT
IS THE THEORY TEST
You need to pass your theory
test before you can apply for the practical test. You can take the
test before starting your practical driving lessons, but it is preferable
to study for your theory at the same time as you are taking practical
lessons.
The theory test must be booked through the D.S.A. and you will usually
have to wait between two and three weeks for your appointment.
The test is undertaken using
a computer screen. You will select your answers by simply touching
the area of the screen that shows the answer of your choice. No previous
computer experience is required. The test comprises 50 multiple choice
questions out of which you must answer 43 correctly to pass.
In addition, you will be shown
14 video clips from which you must spot 15 hazards within an allocated
time frame. The sooner you spot them the higher you will score. At
present, you must score 44 out of 75 to pass.
You must pass both the multiple
choice and the hazard perception test to pass your theory test. If
you fail either part, you will be required to retake both parts again
at a newly booked appointment.
The core material for the theory
test questions are taken from the following DSA publications:
1. The Highway
Code
2.The Driving Manual
3. Know Your Traffic Signs
Visit the DSA website
for more information about the theory test.
Both parts are conducted at a
local centre in Brighton and are computer based. You will be told
as soon as you have finished whether you have passed or not. The test
can be conducted in several different languages. Your Sussex Ladies
instructor will advise you how to prepare for the test and when to
book it.
SHOULD
I LEARN IN AN AUTOMATIC OR A MANUAL CAR
There is an advantage to passing
your test in a manual car. If you pass your test in an automatic,
you are NOT entitled to drive a manual, but a licence to drive a manual
car allows you to drive an automatic.
If you find handling the gears
very difficult, your instructor may advise you to try an automatic,
but this does not happen often, as a little extra practice usually
sorts out any difficulties.
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HOW
DO I BOOK MY TESTS
You can book your Practical or
Theory test online or by phone by going to the DSA web site. Waiting
times vary, but expect at least 2 weeks for your theory test and 6
- 12 weeks for your practical.
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