ASM - Getting Started

Provisional License
Before you can legally drive a car in the UK you need to obtain a provisional driving license. To apply for provisional licence you need to complete the form D1. This form is available from either the 'Driver and Vehicle (DVLA) form ordering service', or from your local Post Office. Be sure to enclose proof of your identity, two passport-type photos and the application fee of £50. Allow 2 to 4 weeks from time of posting for delivery, so if you want to start learning as soon as you hit 17, make sure you apply early!

Recommended reading
Highway Code and the book Essential Driving Skills, published by the Driving Standards Agency.

Theory and Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
The Theory test consists of 50 multiple choice questions which must be answered within 57 minutes. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. The questions cover a wide range of subjects from the Highway Code. After the theory test you will go on to take the Hazard Perception Test. During this test you will be presented 14 video clips, taken from the driver's point of view. Various hazardous situations will arise and you must click your mouse button/touch the screen to register when you see hazard. You must get 44 out of a maximum possible mark of 75 to pass.

To book your Theory and HPT test online or for further information about the Theory and the HPT tests visit the DSA website. Your ASM trainer will offer you further advice and can loan you various books and CD-Roms to ensure you pass these tests as part of your on-going training.

Independent Driving During Your Practical Test
From 4 October 2010, the practical driving test for all vehicle categories, will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving.

There is no change to the way that examiners assess your driving throughout the test. The aim of independent driving is to test your ability to drive unsupervised, and make safe decisions without guidance in unfamiliar driving situations; therefore, you cannot use satellite navigation aids (satnav).

Your examiner will give one of the following:

1, a series of directions to follow, this will include a diagram to help you understand where you are going

2, instructions to follow traffic signs

3, a combination of both

However, you should remember that driving independently means making your own decisions and remember this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going.

The Practical Driving Test
Test day is important to us here at ASM as we wish to build our reputation of having an above average pass rate, so we will do everything within our power to help you prepare for this day.

We will collect you from home, between 1 and 2 hours before test time (depending on distance to the city centre).

You will then drive to the town centre accompanied by your instructor and run through any things that you would like to have a final practice of. We will then arrive at the test centre 10 minutes before test time.

The 'Driving' part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for evidence that you've reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific manoeuvres. You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. However, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you'll fail the test automatically.

You must bring the following items with you to the test. If you don't, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.

An appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L- Plates, that's suitable for the test - don't worry our ASM Cars are perfect for the job and are readily available! Your appointment letter confirming your test time and date.

The appropriate theory test pass certificate. Both parts of your photo card licence. If you don't take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you'll lose your fee.

If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and separate approved photo identification with you.

After signing a declaration that you are insured for the test car and having your provisional license checked, you will be required to read a car registration plate about 20.5 metres away. Provided you can read the plate you will then be asked 2 'show me/tell me' questions. There are 13 different questions from which these are chosen. These cover basic car mainteneance ie. show me/tell me how you check the oil level on this car. Your ASM instructor will give you a copy of these well in advance of your test and answer any questions you may have.

After the 2 questions you will drive the car for about 35 minutes under the supervision/instruction of the examiner. During this time you will be asked to perform 2 reverse manoeuvres and possibly an emergency stop. Dual carriageway driving may also be incorporated depending on where you take the test. Junctions and roundabouts are a definite. You can gain driving faults for any errors you may make. Minor faults can be given for smaller faults such as missing a mirror check. You are allowed a maximum of 15 minor faults for a pass, 16 faults and it's a fail!