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  4. Learn to drive

Planning and recording how you learn to drive

Experience has shown that learners, who have a mix of professional training and private practice, do better during the driving test.

Practising your driving skills

An important part of the structured learning process is practising what you have learned during your lessons. Get together with your instructor and the person who will be helping you to practise and talk about what you need to practise. You should vary what you do. Try to practise:

  • on as many types of road as you can
  • in all sorts of traffic and weather conditions, even in the dark
  • on dual carriageways where the national speed limit applies - you may be asked to drive on this type of road during the test

You should try to keep a record of any practice you have on different types of road and during different conditions between lessons. This will help you to remember and quantify the amount of practice you have had in the different conditions. You should also record any worries you may have about your driving and then talk about these with your instructor.

When to take your practical test

You aren't ready to take your test until your instructor tells you that you are ready and you have passed your theory test. By this time you should be able to drive safely without prompting from your instructor or the person helping you to practise.

Car driving test, take someone with you

The DVA encourages you to take someone with you on your driving test. This will usually be the person who has taught you to drive, but it could be a relative or friend. They must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

The person who goes with you will be able to see how you do during the test. To get the most benefit from this, it would be sensible to ask your instructor to go with you. They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail.

If you would like to take someone with you, make sure that you talk to them about it when you're preparing for your test.

More useful links

  • Theory test
  • About compulsory basic training (CBT)
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Learn to drive

  • Choosing a driving instructor
  • Driving eyesight requirements
  • Driving test fees
  • Eco safe driving for cars, lorries and buses
  • Find driving or motorcycle instructors
  • Minimum ages and rules for learner drivers and riders
  • Planning and recording how you learn to drive

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