Need UK Driver License - How? And is it just written or road test as well?

I second Cadenza - it takes so long to get through the process! Where I am, practical tests are about a six week wait from booking, and the theory test was at least 2 or 3 weeks.

Yeah, when I learned to drive, there was a 2-month wait for practical test bookings and since I failed the test twice (which isn't uncommon as the practical test only has about a 45% pass rate), it took me 8 months from taking the theory test to actually getting my licence (I passed the theory in December and called to book the practical test in February... my first test was in April, the second test in June and the third test in August)!

The theory and hazard tests aren't too difficult if you put in the time and study (books and/or DVDs). It's the practical test that often trips people up - sometimes repeatedly. I was lucky in that I passed on my first try but, as ksand24 says, it's not uncommon for people to fail.

As far as I know, (and it's been a few years since I did mine), you are not required to take the test where you live so don't rule out neighbouring areas if their test route is easier or has a better wait time.

Some test center routes are perceived as "easier" to pass and my driving instructor had that information for me. Also, if you book your test online, but would prefer a closer date, check back daily to see if there are cancellations. I shaved weeks off my wait time by getting a cancellation spot. Finally, try and book an early morning slot. There will be less traffic on the road and your examiner will be less likely to be tired/grouchy.

Good luck!

Finally, try and book an early morning slot. There will be less traffic on the road and your examiner will be less likely to be tired/grouchy.

My driving instructor suggested mid-morning - so that we missed the early morning work/school traffic.

True. Guess it depends on what time slots are available. Mine was at 7AM so not too many folk about. 

Apologies if this has been mentioned before, as I haven't read all of the replies here, but you may be able to get your instructor to ride with you on the day of your driving test.

I did this back in 2005. I had to ask the permission of the examiner, but in my mind if I failed the test, my instructor would have a good idea what we would need to work on in order to pass the text the next time.

I was 7 months pregnant, and had a very sweaty nose during that test. I took 7 driving lessons, and passed the other two tests the first time. Having the instructor in the car felt like my lucky talisman.

I second Cadenza - it takes so long to get through the process! Where I am, practical tests are about a six week wait from booking, and the theory test was at least 2 or 3 weeks.

And don't forget working in lessons with your budget and schedule and your instructor's schedule. If you've got a good instructor, you'll find trying to fit in your schedule with his/hers will be even more difficult as they'll be booked up. It is worth the frustration, though, as a good instructor is worth their weight in gold.

I obtained my provisional in August, took my theory test in mid-September and started lessons shortly after. I just passed my practical this week (first try on all tests).

As to the question about a book to study from - yes, but I suggest getting the DVD/online program that will let you do practice theory questions straight from the DVLA. The questions in the program were on the test. And don't forget to get a practice program for the hazard perception test, you need to learn how to time yourself for clicking to spot the hazards.

Thanks so much for the tips.  I'll definitely look into the DVD online program.  Thanks to everyone who gave info.  I certainly appreciate it 

Fab tip lhoward! I also asked permission for my instructor to be with me and I passed the first time despite a few minor boo boos. I do think it helps.

They are changing the way they do the theory tests, see link below.......

Changes to the theory test facts:  http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/stories/dsa-news-20111212

Also they no longer have you drive specific routes when taking the practical test

Independent driving explained:

Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving.

During your test you'll have to drive independently by either following:

    traffic signs
    a series of directions
    a combination of both

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.

What happens if you forget the directions: It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going.


The independent driving route: If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

What happens if you go off the independent driving route: If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.

If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route. You can then continue with the independent driving.
What happens if there are poor traffic signs

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign. You won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

Why you can't use sat nav: You can't use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

And I do believe you can have your driving instructor in the car with you while you drive

I have my provisional, got it 1 month after arriving here.  I still drive even though I can't on my US license....but then I never go anyplace without my DH in the car with me anyway......and "L" plates suck....lol......I hate being treated like I have never driven in my life.....and I don't do well on tests....I have the "freeze up" syndrome and my mind goes blank.......I also get very nervous when someone I don't know is in the car with me.....maybe one day I will get over these tests but in the mean time I stay at home and order everything online and have it delivered.....only time I drive is to go to MIL's house.......anyway good luck to you Brigette.....take care!!!!

I just took my exam in early December.  My instructor downplayed the independent driving part so I was surprised when I was asked to do it.  Fortunately it was in the one area we practiced in the one time we did, so I did alright.  I did ask for confirmation a lot and the examiner was happy to help.

There is also a series of questions before you start off on the test, about how the car functions (how to turn on fog lights, check fluid levels, how to evaluate if your vehicle is proper operating condition) - it's about 25 points (bits of information), some common sense and some a bit more obscure.  My instructor wanted to wait until just before the test to review them, but I'm the type that needs a bit of time to digest information so I asked him to give them to me in advance.  I'm glad I did because we got tight for time prior the exam and I was nervous enough without having to learn new information right in a hurry.

The instructor I had when I failed the practical two years ago didn't mention it at all and I was properly annoyed when it came up.  It wasn't what failed me, but it didn't help my confidence at all.

I had three instructors in all the time I've taken lessons, and I can't say that any of them were well suited to my particular needs.  I agree that a good instructor is not easy to find.

They are changing the way they do the theory tests, see link below.......

Changes to the theory test facts:  http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/stories/dsa-news-20111212

Also they no longer have you drive specific routes when taking the practical test

Independent driving explained:

Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving.

During your test you'll have to drive independently by either following:

    traffic signs
    a series of directions
    a combination of both

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.

What happens if you forget the directions: It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going.


The independent driving route: If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

What happens if you go off the independent driving route: If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.

If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route. You can then continue with the independent driving.
What happens if there are poor traffic signs

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign. You won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

Why you can't use sat nav: You can't use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

And I do believe you can have your driving instructor in the car with you while you drive

I have my provisional, got it 1 month after arriving here.  I still drive even though I can't on my US license....but then I never go anyplace without my DH in the car with me anyway......and "L" plates suck....lol......I hate being treated like I have never driven in my life.....and I don't do well on tests....I have the "freeze up" syndrome and my mind goes blank.......I also get very nervous when someone I don't know is in the car with me.....maybe one day I will get over these tests but in the mean time I stay at home and order everything online and have it delivered.....only time I drive is to go to MIL's house.......anyway good luck to you Brigette.....take care!!!!

Thanks you so much!  Wow... I definitely take as many classes as I feel is necessary.   

Hollyberry,  I'm going to go the route of recommendations in terms of an instructor. I'm hoping that will help.

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Also they no longer have you drive specific routes when taking the practical test

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No, that's not accurate. The independent driving portion of the test replaces a maneuver (so you only need to do one instead of two, such as parallel parking, emergency stop, turn in the road, etc.). It only lasts 10 minutes. The rest of the time, you're driving on a pre-determined route assigned when you book your test by the computer.

The independent driving portion of the test replaces a maneuver (so you only need to do one instead of two,

Only 1 maneuver!! Wow! The maneuvers were the things that made me the most terrified!

Does an emergency stop count as a manoeuvre?  Because I had to do reverse around the corner, bay park and emergency stop.

I also did mine at 9:15, so after work started and on a school holiday. 

Does an emergency stop count as a manoeuvre?  Because I had to do reverse around the corner, bay park and emergency stop.

I also did mine at 9:15, so after work started and on a school holiday. 

All three of those (assuming you were asked to back into a bay parking spot and not just pull in forwards) are manoeuvres. On my test last week, I only had to do a turn in the road, plus the independent driving bit.

My test was at 1:35, which is perfect for wintertime as any frost hopefully will have melted (and your test won't be cancelled and rescheduled).