Getting Started with Driving
Excited to start learning? Here’s everything you need to know about getting your provisional licence, booking your theory and practical tests, and arranging your test day with me.
Some third-party sites ask for your licence details and may use them to book test slots for someone else. This can result in your test being cancelled or rescheduled without your permission.
Always book through www.gov.uk – it’s safe, secure, and avoids hidden charges.
Apply for Your Provisional Licence
You can apply for your provisional licence from age 15 years and 9 months, but you must be at least 17 before you can start driving lessons.
To apply, you’ll need:
- A valid form of ID (usually your passport)
- Your address history for the last 3 years
Check the official eyesight rules
Cost: £34 (online)
Apply here:
Apply for your provisional licence via GOV.UK
Book Your Theory Test
You’ll need to pass your theory test before you can book your practical driving test – but you don’t need to wait to start lessons. In fact, combining lessons with theory study is one of the best ways to learn.
While you’re driving, you’ll see real examples of road signs, hazard awareness, and everything in the Highway Code – helping it all make much more sense and stick better.
It checks your understanding of road rules and hazard awareness, and includes two parts:
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 14 hazard perception video clips
Cost: £23
Book here:
Book your theory test via GOV.UK
Book Your Practical Test
Once you’ve passed your theory and you're driving confidently, we’ll chat about booking your practical test. I’ll help you find the right time and location.
The practical test includes:
- Eyesight check
- ‘Show me, tell me’ safety questions
- About 40 minutes of driving
- One reversing manoeuvre (e.g. bay park, parallel park)
- Possibly an emergency stop
Cost: £62 (weekdays) / £75 (evenings or weekends)
Book here:
Book your practical test via GOV.UK
What Happens During Your Driving Test
Your practical driving test will last around 40 minutes and is designed to check that you can drive safely and confidently on your own. Here's what to expect:
- Eyesight check: You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you have them on!
- Show me / Tell me: The examiner will ask one vehicle safety question before you start driving, and one while you’re on the move. These are simple checks like how you’d use the demister or where to find the oil level.
- General driving: You’ll drive on various types of roads – including quieter residential streets and busier main roads – following directions from the examiner.
- Independent driving: For about 20 minutes, you’ll follow road signs or a sat nav route. Don’t panic if you go the wrong way – it’s not a navigation test, it’s about how you drive.
- One manoeuvre: You’ll be asked to complete a reversing manoeuvre such as a bay park or parallel park.
- Emergency stop: In some tests, the examiner will ask you to carry out a controlled stop. Don’t worry – they’ll always check it’s safe first and give you clear instructions.
The examiner is there to assess, not to catch you out – they just want to see that you’re a safe, sensible driver who can stay calm and make good decisions. You’re not expected to be perfect!
Once I’ve handed over the keys and you head off with the examiner, I’ll stay close by – usually at the test centre – ready for when you return. I’ll be there to debrief with you afterwards, go over any feedback, and hopefully snap that optional post-test photo 📸 (only if you fancy it!). Rest assured, I’ll be ready to support you no matter the outcome.
Using My Car for Your Driving Test
Most learners use my car for their test – it’s the one you’re comfortable with and fully insured for test use. I offer a test day package that includes everything you’ll need:
Standard Test Day Package – £84
- Pick-up from home or agreed location
- Pre-test warm-up drive and final practice
- Use of the car for your test
- Debrief and feedback afterwards
- Drop-off after the test
- And of course, the post-test photo 📸 – totally optional, but a great memory if you want one!
This price covers Blyth and Gosforth test centres.
Other Test Centres
If you're using a different test centre, the package price may vary depending on travel time and distance.
- Alnwick: £105 (approx. 2.5-hour session)
Please note: Tests on weekends or bank holidays may incur an additional charge. Just check with me before booking your test to make sure I’m available and we can plan everything properly.
Summary of Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Provisional Licence | £34 (online) |
| Theory Test | £23 |
| Practical Test | £62 (weekday) / £75 (weekend) |
| Test Day Car Booking (Blyth/Gosforth) | £84 * |
| Test Day Car Booking (Alnwick) | £105 * |
* Weekend and bank holiday driving tests may incur an additional car hire charge – please ask for details.
After Your Driving Test
If you pass – congratulations! 🎉 You’ll get a pass certificate on the day, and the examiner can send your provisional licence off to the DVLA to have it upgraded to a full driving licence.
Goodbye provisional – hello full licence! If you’d prefer to keep your provisional (some people like to keep it for ID or as a memento), just let the examiner know and they’ll leave it with you. You’ll then need to contact the DVLA yourself to exchange it.
Your full licence should arrive by post within a couple of weeks. You’re allowed to drive on your own straight away, but I always recommend taking a moment to go over your test feedback and think about whether any extra lessons – like motorway, night, or rural driving – might help you feel even more confident.
After the test, you can either drive home or I can – totally up to you. Some people are buzzing and want to get straight back behind the wheel, while others are a bit emotional (whether that’s joy, frustration, or just relief!). If you’d rather not drive, that’s absolutely fine – I’ll be there either way.
Consider Pass Plus
Pass Plus is a 6-hour post-test course that covers real-world driving conditions you may not have practised before – including:
- Motorway driving
- Night-time driving
- Rural and country roads
- All-weather conditions
It’s designed to build your confidence and experience – and may even help reduce your insurance with some providers. You can take it in two 3-hour blocks or three 2-hour sessions, and I’ll tailor it to your needs.
Interested? Just ask after your test or get in touch to find out more.
And if you didn’t pass this time – don’t worry. I’ll go through your feedback with you and we’ll make a plan for next time. You’ve got this.
If you have any questions at all – just get in touch. I’ll guide you through every step.