Theory
This must be passed BEFORE you can APPLY
for your driving test.
The test costs £31.00 and the theory questions are based on the HIGHWAY
CODE. It consists of 50 multiple choice questions, on a touch screen
computer. 43 or more correct answers are needed for a pass. You will also
need to pass the Hazard Perception Test which uses a points system, with 75
points maximum, you need 44 points to pass. This comprises of short video
clips and you need to identify the hazard as soon as possible. You will need
to pass both parts of the test, if only one part is passed then the overall
result will be a fail. Special arrangements are available for disability,
non-English speakers etc. The nearest theory test centre is in Stevenage,
but Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Luton also have theory test centres.
Practical
The nearest Test Centres are Letchworth, Stevenage and
Bedford. The test costs £62.00 and lasts approximately 40 minutes. You take
your test in MSM’s car, and the examiner gives you the result immediately.
MSM's Survival Guide for
L Test Candidates
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Before the Test
DO find
both parts of your licence (or your old style licence and photographic ID),
your theory pass certificate and test appointment letter the day before the
test and put them ready in an obvious place.
DO
keep yourself occupied before you leave for the test
DO
wear comfortable lightweight clothing and your usual driving shoes. Remember
your glasses if you wear them for driving (or signing the insurance form)
DO make sure you have something to eat and drink before leaving, even
if you have an early test.
On the Test
DO remember the examiner is user friendly; he or she will try to put
you at ease. Be nice back!
DO concentrate totally
on your driving and following the instructions. If you are not clear on any
instruction, ask the examiner to repeat it.
DO NOT
rush into the manoeuvres. Think what you do BEFORE you move the car. You
will be asked to do two of the manoeuvres that you have prepared for. The emergency
stop is not a manoeuvre.
DO NOT try to see what the
examiner is making on the report form; this will distract you from your
driving.
DO NOT fall apart if you think you have
made a mistake. Put it out of your mind immediately and concentrate on the
next hazard.
DO NOT try to work out if you have
passed or failed. You are paying over £1 a minute for the examiner to make
that decision.
After the Test
DO listen to the examiners comments on your driving, and act on them,
regardless of whether you have passed or failed.
DO
re-apply immediately if you do not pass this time, and get your name back on
the waiting list.
DO keep in practice. Work as hard
for a re-test as you did for the first one. Persevere until you pass
DO continue to improve your driving after you have passed. ‘Pass
Plus’ lessons will improve your skills and make you a safer driver. After
some experience consider trying an Advanced Test (ROSPA or IAM)
Test Information
You can ask a friend, relative or
your driving instructor to go with you on your test, but they are not
allowed to say anything during the test. You can bring an interpreter if
needed.
The test is marked using a standard from DL25. 16
or more driving errors or one serious fault results in a fail.
If you book a retest, at least 10 working days must elapse between the two
tests. Otherwise the next result is invalid. For example if you fail a test
on a Monday, the earliest retest could be on a Tuesday two weeks ahead.
To ensure uniform testing, a supervising examiner occasionally sits in the
back during tests. They are checking your examiner, not you!
The fee payable to MSM is for 2 hours which includes the one hour warm-up lesson,
use of the car for the test and return home afterwards.
