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Your ultimate goal is to pass your practical driving test and be a competent and confident driver. In order to take your practical test, you must first pass the theory test, however you do not need to pass the theory in order to take practical lessons in the car. Once you have that full driving licence, It is worth considering getting further experience on different types of roads, different weather and driving in the dark with the pass plus scheme which might also get you an insurance discount. Full details of everything you need to have and do are available on the government website link https://www.gov.uk/learn-to-drive-a-car

The theory test is in two parts. Part 1 - Multiple choice:- this consists of lots of multiple choice questions, one or two case study questions, and a case study video. You must score 43 or more out of 50. Part 2 - Hazard Perception:- This consists of video clips where you need to identify hazards by clicking a mouse button when a hazard starts to develop on the computer screen. There are 14 clips, 13 contain 1 hazard, and 1 contains 2 hazards. each hazard is worth up to 5 points and you must score a minimum of 44 points out of 75 to pass this section.

To book a theory test, go to https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

The practical test starts with checking your identity against your driving licence, and the examiner will ask you to confirm the email address where you test result will be sent to. Next you will be required to read a car number plate at a minimum distance of 20 metres. The 'Tell Me' question comes next - this may be done outside or inside the car. The examiner will take down some details of the car and the instructors ADI number and then they should explain about the driving part of the test, something like this:-

'The test will take between 38-40 minutes and during that time you will be on a number of different types of roads and in different traffic conditions. You should follow the road ahead unless signs or road markings direct you otherwise, and if I want you to turn left or right, I will tell you in plenty of time. During the test there will be one reversing manoeuvre and possibly an emergency stop. There will also be 20 minutes of independent driving which I will explain just before that part of the drive'.

The independent part of the drive will be either, following a pre-recorded route from a Satnav, or following road signs. Satnav is more common, but either method could be used.

During the test, while you are driving you will also be asked the 'show me' question. the examiner will also be entering details of the drive onto a computer tablet.

Once the test has finished the examiner will tell you your result and an email will be sent to the address that you provided.

To book a practical test, go to https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

The Pass Plus scheme was brought in to give recently qualified drivers the opportunity to gain more confidence on the road and provide experience in different areas and conditions which may not have been fully experienced before. It is less likely that a driver with Pass Plus will have an accident which was their fault. It is broken down into 6 modules:-

Module 1)   Introduction - part 1, Town Driving - Part 2

Module 2)   All-Weather Driving

Module 3)   Out of Town Driving & Rural Roads

Module 4)   Night Driving

Module 5)   Dual Carriageways

Module 6)   Motorways

Visit www.gov.uk/pass-plus for more details.