Your Provisional Licence:

By law, you must be 17 years or older (If you are disabled and receiving mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16) before you are entitled to drive a car on a public road.  You may apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th  birthday, but you must not drive until the day of your birthday, and only after you have received your driving licence.  The cost of a provisional licence is £45.00.

The Theory Test:

The theory test consists of 2 parts, the first is 50 multiple choice questions and the second is 14 hazard perception clips. Take free test, click on Image below.

At Thistle we will advise and assist you to prepare for your test, and recommend books and CD’s which will make your preparation easier to follow and understand.  The cost of a theory test is £31.00

The Practical Test:

The driving test last approximately 35 to 40 minutes.  It starts with an eyesight test and two questions on vehicle safety.  This is followed by a road drive in which you need to demonstrate that you can drive competently and safely on different types of road and in different driving conditions.  The test will include an uphill start, an angle start, one of the three manoeuvres that your instructor will have taught you and a ten minute independent drive (independent drive explained).  It may include an emergency stop.  You will be continually assessed by the driving examiner during the test.  The cost of a driving test is £62.00 Monday to Friday and £75.00 for a Saturday.

How many driving lessons do I need to pass my test?  

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has stated it may take between 40 to 45 hours of professional tuition and 22 hours of private practice to bring your driving up to test standard.  However, this varies from learner to learner as everyone is different and individuals learn new skills at different speeds.  All pupils need time to learn properly in order to pass the driving test first time.  Your instructor will constantly re-structure your training to make it as easy and fun for you to get your driving up to test standard.  After a few lessons your instructor will be able to advise you on how many lessons you may require.

Useful Driving Publications

Available at all good bookshops