Some of the resources will require a pdf file reader. You can get the free Adobe Reader here.
Useful links
- Driving Standards Agency - the body responsible for testing learner drivers and for monitoring the quality of driving instructors.
- Highway Code - an essential guide that sets out the rules of the road. You must know this code to successfully complete the theory test and drive safely.
- Medical Conditions - you must be fit and well to drive safely. If you have a medical condition it may affect your ability to drive and you may be required to notify the DVLA of your condition; failure to do so can result in a hefty fine. You must also notify your instructor and ensure that you carry appropriate medication with you whilst driving.
- Get provisional licence - you must have a driving licence before you can drive on the road. Everything you need to know about getting a licence can be found here, you can even apply on-line.
- Lost licence? - If you have lost your licence you can apply for a new one online or request a form to send through the post. There is a fee to pay. Follow this link for details.
- Book a test - booking a theory test or practical test is easily achieved on-line.
- Theory Practice - the official DSA theory practice site. A monthly fee is charged, but allows full access. One month's access should be enough if you read the Highway code and get practice on the road first.
- DIA - Driving Instructors Association
- MSA - Motoring Schools Association
Private Practice
Learner drivers can often benefit from getting practice in their own car or a relatives car but it can be a nerve racking experience for the person supervising. Therefore anyone intending to supervise a learner driver ought to prepare themselves. Check out my free guide for some basic ideas and give serious consideration to purchasing one of the following books:
Safety Check Questions
Many accidents and breakdowns could be avoided by making regular checks of the condition of your car. This requires a little knowledge of various parts of the car like - how to open the bonnet and check that there is enough oil in the engine.
Part of the practical driving test will include two questions related to the safety of your vehicle. These questions are often referred to as the 'Show me Tell me' questions because some of them require you to do something with the car to demonstrate an understanding, whilst others require you to explain something. There are 19 possible questions, you need to understand them all.
I have put together a free resource sheet that contains all of the questions and answers exactly as they are worded by the DSA. You can apply them to any car, but this sheet contains pictures of the Mini so that you can see how the 'show me' questions relate to this particular car.
If you are receiving driving lessons with RWS Driving I will go over all the safety checks and demonstrate how to make those checks.