Taking the Driver's Test

[caseysmom]

Congratulations! They don't make the kids parallel park here anymore but I remember having to do it.

Be careful out there I don't want anything to happen to my daughter

[Miss Z]

Well done Alyssa, sounds like you did perfectly! Wow, things are so different over there. Do you have to take another test to get the 'full' license? Over here, you only need to apply for the provisional to be sent to you in the post, which allows you to take driving lessons, and then you take the test for the full license when you feel ready (and spent one heck of a lot of money paying the instructor ).

[Anikaca77]

Congrats! I remember the day that I passed my drivers test and I was so excited!! Just try not do talk on the cell phone while driving because it's very dangerous. But I'm glad you passed and congrats again!!!

[Alysser]

Thank you, guys! It's nice that I no longer have to depend on my parents to drive me everywhere! I can only drive 1 friend though, for 1 year - kind of annoying but I still have freedom! :P Mom, I promise I'll be careful, and Anikaca thank you I know I doubt I will ever use my phone when I'm driving I always put it in the back seat, thanks for the advice though


Yes, Zara it does seems alot different. No, you don't have to take a test to get your full license - you just automatically get it a year after your provisional. Before you get your provisional, you have to have a permit and you can't drive alone only with your parents so it's annoying. We have lessons to get our permits.

[kokopup]

Congratulations on passing your test. The thing that causes most accidents with people that are accident proned is they are easily distracted. The cell whether talking or texting should only be done if not at the wheel. It is not necessary to look at your passenger when talking, and it is a good idea to sort out your entertainment,(radio cd etc) before you start driving. OK, end of lecture, be careful.

[fritz03]

Congratulations on getting your license,must be great.I remember getting mine 25 years ago,the lady who gave me lessons phoned her dad when I found out I passed.have a great time driving!

[Freedom]

CONGRATS on passing! GOOD JOB!

[ChrisH]

Congrats & well done Alysser!

As has been said before, over here in the UK the license system is somewhat different. You need a provisional to begin with which allows you to take lessons/drive with a qualified instructor or someone who already possess a full driving licence in the car with you. To get a full licence you need to pass the theory test & practical test.

The theory test is in two parts, firstly a 50 question multiple choice exam to complete on a touch screen, it last 57 minutes and requires a pass mark of 43. The second part consist of watching a series of 14 video clips where you must click the mouse to indicate when a hazard is presented on screen. Each clip will contain a developing hazard and one clip will present two. You can score a maximum of 5 points for each clip depending how soon you are aware of the hazard. You need at least 44 out of a possible 75 to pass. A pass in both parts is needed before you can apply to take the practical, out on the road, test.

To pass the practical you must not commit a serious fault and fewer than 15 less serious errors.
It lasts around 40 minutes and assesses whether you are competent of controlling the car, whether you are maintaining normal progress for the road you are on, how you react to any hazards that occur, whether you are noticing all traffic signs, signals and road markings, and reacting to them in the correct manner. The test also includes two set exercises from either turning in the road, reversing around a corner or reverse parking.

I have my first driving lesson tomorrow.