You will need to apply for and receive your provisional driving licence before starting to learn to drive. To apply for your licence you can
click here, visit the
DVLC website, or obtain a D1 form from your local post office. It takes approximately three weeks to receive your new licence. If you want to start as soon as you are 17, make sure you apply early. You can apply up to 3 months before your 17th birthday.
The next step is to start your driving lessons. This is where I can help! I am often asked "How many lessons will I need?" This is a very difficult question to answer, as everybody is different. It can be as little as 10 hours or as many as 100 hours. It depends on a number of things.
- Keeping to regular lessons
- Doing the required amount of lessons
- Listening and concentrating whilst on lessons
- Giving 100% commitment
Doing all the above will give you a better chance of passing first time in the least amount of lessons, thus saving you money.
The theory test has two parts, the first is a multiple choice of 50 questions the pass mark is 43. The second part is the hazard perception test whereby you are shown 14 video clips of various hazards (one clip has two separate hazards) the maximum score for each hazard is 5 points decreasing with the length of time it takes you to respond. Maximum score for this is 75 points. To pass you must achieve 44 points. Why not try a theory test, click on the right hand side. You will need to pass both parts of the test to become successful. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test and will have to take both parts again. The nearest theory test centres are Cardiff or Merthyr Tydfil. When your ready you can book your theory test on the right hand side.
At the test centre in Pontypridd you will be asked to produce the two parts of your driving licence and theory certificate for the examiner to inspect. It is a good idea to bring your appointment letter with you in case of a query. If all is in order you will be asked to read a car number plate at a set distance of approximately 20.5 metres or about six car lengths.
You will then be asked some vehicle maintenance questions. (Sample questions to be found on dsa website). The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes. You will be tested on your general driving ability, including two manoeuvres and possibly the emergency stop (only one in three are asked to do this on test). At the end of the test the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed.
You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and pass, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. If you commit 1 serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
To learn to drive in CF37, CF38, CF39, CF40, CF41, CF45, CF46, CF72 including Abercynon, Beddau, Church Village, Caerphilly, Llantwit Fardre, Llantrisant, Llwynypia, Mountain Ash, Nelson, Porth, Pontypridd, Pontyclun, Pentre, Tonypandy, Tonteg, Talbot Green, Treforest, Tonyrefail, Treharris, Ystrad, Ynysybwl
