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STEP 1 (GETTING YOUR PROVISIONAL)
Before you can drive a car on the public highways you will need to obtain a PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE.
You can apply for this by sending the form (Form D1) to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Obtaining the form is simple, just go to your local Post Office.
For further enquires about Driving Licences, call the DVLA on: 0870 240 0009.
Help online click the following link:
STEP 2 (THEORY TEST)
The theory test must be taken before you can take you practical driving test.
Southampton Theory Test Centre is very close to Debenhams and is the tall building you can see at the back of east street shopping centre. The address is:
Capital house (6th floor)
Houndwell Place
Southampton
Hampshire
SO14 1HU
From the 28th of September 2009 the DSA will introduce a "CASE STUDY" question, which will be a word picture of a car journey. From this scenario you will be asked 5 questions with multiple choice answers.
There will still only be 50 questions in total. The 5 scenario questions will be part of the 50
NOTE: You have 2 years from the date of this pass to take your practical driving test. Failure to do so will result in you having to retake the theory test again, before you can attempt the practical driving test.
To book the theory test you will need to contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0300 200 1122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk
If you decide to book your theory test or practical driving test on line make sure you go to the official DSA.Gov website and not another website that will act as a third party and charge you money for the booking.
STEP 3 (PRACTICAL TEST)
There are 2 Practical Driving Test Centres in Southampton and the addresses are:
FOREST HILLS DRIVING TEST CENTRE MAYBUSH DRIVING TEST CENTRE
FOREST HILLS DRIVE GREEN LANE, MAYBUSH
SOUTHAMPTON SOUTHAMPTON
SO18 2NT SO16 9FP
Take Your Instructor on the Test:
From April 6th 2010 when taking your Driving Test in Southampton the DSA will be encouraging more candidates to take the person who has been teaching them to drive, on the test with them. This has always been aloud but up till now the candidate had to ask the driving examiner for his agreement on this. From now on the driving examiner will ask the candidate if they would like there instructor or person who has taught them to accompany them on test.
You may not like the extra person in the car so just say no thanks. But the benefit is that your instructor can see exactly where you are making mistakes in the event that you do not pass the test and can give you more helpful advice because he/she saw it for themselves and is not trying to interpret your description of any mistakes.
Finally you will take your Practical Driving Test.
This test will last approximatley 40 mins. You will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres (66ft). You will be asked 2 questions from the bank of show me tell me questions.
Your now ready to go for a drive and to show the examiner that you can drive in a safe and competant manor. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to carry out some reversing manoeuvres and general driving to a reasonable standard obeying the rules that are set out in the highway code.
Contrary to popular belief the examiner is not going to trick you or catch you out and he/she does not have targets to meet.
From the moment you get into the car you are seen to be a competent driver. The examiner will then deduct marks from you if you make mistakes. At the end of the drive if you have commited 15 minor faults or less then you will pass. 1 serious or 1 dangerous fault and you will fail.
To book and manage your practical test you will need to contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0300 200 1122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk
Independent Driving on your Driving Test:
There Are changes happening to all driving tests from October 2010. At present on your test you will drive for about 35 minutes and be required to carry out 2 reversing manoeuvres. 1 in 3 candidates are required to do an emergency stop.
From October you will only have to do 1 reversing manoeuvre. There will be a new phase added to the test called INDEPENDENT DRIVING. 10 minutes of independent driving will be part of your 35 minute test. DON'T PANIC.....its not as bad as it sounds. The examiner will get you to pull up on the left. They will then tell you a route to follow. This may be following road signs to a destination or it may be a few instructions up front for you to remember. It will be accompanied by a brief look at a diagram to help you visualize the route. If you go the wrong way but do it safely you will not be marked down.
This new element is designed to show you are capable of making your own decisions without relying on the prompt of a directional instruction to alert you to check your mirrors and go through your usual routines. More accidents happen when driving ahead than they do when driving backwards, so this is why you are now only required to do 1 reverse manoeuvre and more time is allocated to going ahead.
Please watch the following video for more information.