A step by step checklist for the Ayr Learner Driver
Step 1: Apply for your provisional driving licence
Well, you could say that the first step is actually something which you can’t do anything about: you have to reach the magic age of 17 before you can start taking driving lessons on a public road. However, you can apply for your provisional driving license up to 2 months before your 17th birthday – which is a smart move if you are raring to go as soon as you hit 17!You can’t drive on a public road until your 17th birthday and you have received your provisional license - except in certain circumstances. If you currently receive Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (including mobility component), you may be entitled to drive from 16 years of age, so you could potentially apply for your provisional license 2 months before your 16th birthday in that case.
The quickest way to apply is online and all you need is a debit or credit card plus a valid passport (if you haven’t a passport, you’ll need a passport style photo). Apply now or get more details via the DirectGov web site:
Step 2: Have your Eyesight Checked
You must be able to read a new-style UK number plate at a distance of at least 20 metres.It’s not a barrier to your driving if you need glasses or contact lenses to do this.... but you must then always wear them when driving. In any case, it makes sense to find out before you go to take your first driving lesson!
Step 3: Give me a ring or drop me an e-mail
If you live in or anywhere around Ayr, give me a ring to talk about starting driving lessons.Once your application for a provisional license is in, you can use the time before it arrives to ensure you are in a position to start lessons as soon as it arrives. Even if you are not ready to book your first lesson, I’ll be delighted to answer any questions you may have, with no commitment on your part.
Contact Bob
Step 4: Start your practical lessons
The practical course I provide covers the complete DSA Learn to Drive syllabus and will be built around your needs and the way you like to learn. By the end of the course, you will be ready to sit your Practical driving Test with confidence.
I am often asked how many lessons will be needed in order to pass the test. Well, everyone learns in their own way at their own pace and, since this question is usually asked before I have had a chance to work with the learner, it is very difficult to answer accurately. However, it is worth being aware that ACTUAL results show that candidates who pass their driving tests have had, on average, 45 hours of professional lessons, plus 22 hours of private practice.
More than you expected? Well, different pupils learn at different speeds and I will advise you to take your test just as soon as you are at the required standard. If you work hard, it is likely that you will be able to pass sooner and 30 hours is a reasonable target for many people.
I am often asked how many lessons will be needed in order to pass the test. Well, everyone learns in their own way at their own pace and, since this question is usually asked before I have had a chance to work with the learner, it is very difficult to answer accurately. However, it is worth being aware that ACTUAL results show that candidates who pass their driving tests have had, on average, 45 hours of professional lessons, plus 22 hours of private practice.
More than you expected? Well, different pupils learn at different speeds and I will advise you to take your test just as soon as you are at the required standard. If you work hard, it is likely that you will be able to pass sooner and 30 hours is a reasonable target for many people.
Step 5: Start working towards your theory and hazard perception tests
In fact, although I’ve made this Step 5, you can begin as soon as you like and it is certainly a help to have some background knowledge before you start practical lessons (though it’s not a requirement by any means).
I will guide you with your theory and hazard perception and can supply some excellent books and DVDs at a discount from published prices. If you book a course of at least 10 lessons with me, you will get a free theory training pack which covers evrything you really need.
I will guide you with your theory and hazard perception and can supply some excellent books and DVDs at a discount from published prices. If you book a course of at least 10 lessons with me, you will get a free theory training pack which covers evrything you really need.
Step 6: Book and pass your Theory Test
Again, so long as you have your provisional license, you can do this before you actually start practical lessons – just as soon as you are confident you are ready for it. For learners around Ayr, your local theory test centre is in Boswell Park in Ayr town centre. Don’t forget to bring along both parts of your provisional license to your test!
The test is in two parts: Theory is a set of 50 multiple choice questions, from which you need to score at least 43 correct. This shouldn’t present too much difficulty as you will have had plenty of time to practise the same format of test using the same bank of questions as will be used for the actual test.
The second part is the hazard perception test. This element was introduced into the test in an effort to reduce the amount of accidents involving newly qualified drivers and it takes the form of a sort of computer game which simulates some real driving situations. To score, you just have to click when you spot a potential hazard developing. You need to score 44 out of a possible 75 to pass this part. It’s not difficult to do once you have got the hang of it – I’ll advise you on what the test is looking for and you can practise as much as you like with the DVD I’ll supply.
Here is where you can book your Theory and Hazard Perception Test (click on the logo) :
The test is in two parts: Theory is a set of 50 multiple choice questions, from which you need to score at least 43 correct. This shouldn’t present too much difficulty as you will have had plenty of time to practise the same format of test using the same bank of questions as will be used for the actual test.
The second part is the hazard perception test. This element was introduced into the test in an effort to reduce the amount of accidents involving newly qualified drivers and it takes the form of a sort of computer game which simulates some real driving situations. To score, you just have to click when you spot a potential hazard developing. You need to score 44 out of a possible 75 to pass this part. It’s not difficult to do once you have got the hang of it – I’ll advise you on what the test is looking for and you can practise as much as you like with the DVD I’ll supply.
Here is where you can book your Theory and Hazard Perception Test (click on the logo) :
Step 7 Book and Pass your Practical Driving Test
Sounds nice and straightforward when I put it like that – and really it is... provided you are properly prepared! As you get closer to test standard, we will discuss when would be a sensible time to book your test. There is a waiting time which can vary considerably depending on how busy the examiners happen to be but you might expect to wait around 4 weeks (can be more!) so it makes sense to plan in advance.
Your local test centre is in Whitletts Rd, Ayr. I will accompany you to your test and pick you up afterwards. You will normally use my car for the test as that is usually the one you will have had most practice in – but you can use your own vehicle if you prefer.
We will carry out mock tests as you come up to your test date so you will know what to expect and I’ll highlight anything you still need to work on. To pass, you need to make no more than 15 driving faults and NO serious or dangerous errors.
To book your practical test, the easiest way is to go to the DSA site and do it online (click on the DSA logo):
Your local test centre is in Whitletts Rd, Ayr. I will accompany you to your test and pick you up afterwards. You will normally use my car for the test as that is usually the one you will have had most practice in – but you can use your own vehicle if you prefer.
We will carry out mock tests as you come up to your test date so you will know what to expect and I’ll highlight anything you still need to work on. To pass, you need to make no more than 15 driving faults and NO serious or dangerous errors.
To book your practical test, the easiest way is to go to the DSA site and do it online (click on the DSA logo):
Step 8 After you Pass
Celebrate – you deserve it! But don’t forget to send the pass certificate, along with your provisional license to the DVLA in order to get your full driving license. In practice, your examiner will offer to do this for you, and most people find this the easiest way to go.
So now you are a qualified driver... but there is still a lot to learn. The Driving Standards Agency have developed an additional course called Pass Plus which I'll be delighted to offer you. Pass Plus is designed to further develop your skills in situations (like motorway driving) you won’t necessarily have met before. The big incentive is a large discount on your insurance premiums with many major insurance companies (so the course can easily pay for itself) but the real benefit is in reducing the likelihood of you having an accident in the months after you first pass the driving test.
So now you are a qualified driver... but there is still a lot to learn. The Driving Standards Agency have developed an additional course called Pass Plus which I'll be delighted to offer you. Pass Plus is designed to further develop your skills in situations (like motorway driving) you won’t necessarily have met before. The big incentive is a large discount on your insurance premiums with many major insurance companies (so the course can easily pay for itself) but the real benefit is in reducing the likelihood of you having an accident in the months after you first pass the driving test.
