THE TESTS

THE THEORY TEST

BEFORE YOUR CHILD can take their practical test they must pass the theory test. Book via the official website at gov.uk/booktheory-test. There are third-party websites through which you can book, but they charge extra fees on top of the £23 cost of the test. However, third-party websites often offer unlimited retests for free. With a pass rate of 48% for the theory test, there’s a good chance of having to retake, so you could save cash. Just check any terms and conditions.

To take the test your child will need to go to a suitable centre where they’ll be allocated a booth with a computer, along with instructions on how to use it. They will work their way through both parts of the test (multiple-choice questions then the hazard perception section) before being given the results for both tests at the end of the session. To give your learner driver the best chance of passing, encourage them to take the theory test seriously – they won’t be able to bluff their way through it.

To find out more about the theory test visit firstcar.co.uk.

GET SOME HELP

There’s a stack of aids to help your child get through their theory test. The apps here are a good start. The official theory test questions aren’t published anywhere, but the DVSA does publish The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers, and a similar title for motorcyclists. These feature hundreds of official revision questions, plus case studies on every topic, along with info to help understand and remember the theory. There are loads of real-life photos and diagrams, plus links to online resources and videos where your child can learn more. They’ll also need to study The Official Highway Code. Order a copy for your child from tsoshop.co.uk.

GREAT APPS

THE OFFICIAL DVSA THEORY TEST KIT

Because this was created by the same people who set the theory and practical driving tests, you’re not going to find a more useful app, and at £4.99 it’s a bargain.

UK CAR DRIVING THEORY TEST

This app from Webrich Software is user-friendly, interactive and your child can challenge their mates for some added fun. The full bank of questions costs £2.99, so this app is very good value for money.

DRIVING TEST SUCCESS

Practise every official revision question from the DVSA with this app. Available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. View the full range of apps at theorytestapp.co.uk

Your child must spot hazards like this, early

THE PRACTICAL TEST WHAT TO EXPECT

Passed the theory test? Then the practical test is all that stands between your child and their full driving licence

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVING TEST?

They’ll spend around 40 minutes behind the wheel, driving on a variety of roads.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THEY START DRIVING?

First of all, they’ll need to show they can see well enough to drive. That means reading a numberplate from 20 metres away (or 20.5 metres if it’s an old-style numberplate). If they can’t, the test will be over before it has really started, so remind your child to wear contact lenses or glasses if they need them to see clearly.

They’ll also be asked a ‘tell me’ question, such as “How would you check the headlights and tail lights are operating correctly?” They don’t need to make the check, just prove to the examiner that they know how it’s done. It will help if you can practise these questions with your child in the weeks before their test.

If they get the ‘tell me’ question wrong they’ll have notched up a driving fault. Any more than 15 minor faults results in failure.

WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT WHILE DRIVING?

For 20 minutes out of the 40 they’ll be driving independently. That means following road signs or a sat nav to a destination. They won’t have to enter the destination into the sat nav – the examiner will do that for them. They shouldn’t worry if they take a wrong turn, what’s really important is that they drive safely and legally.

They’ll be asked a ‘show me’ question while driving. It could be as simple as showing how they would turn on the rear demister, or wash and clean the windscreen.

As well as making a hill start, pulling out from behind a parked car, and making a normal stop at the side of the road, they may need to make an emergency stop. They’ll also need to carry out one of three reversing manoeuvres. If you can supervise lots of reversing practice before the test that will be a big help.

HOW GOOD DO THEY NEED TO BE TO PASS?

They need to prove that they are safe and competent – the examiner is not expecting perfection.

Any dangerous fault during the test means failure, but up to 15 minor mistakes are allowed. So they shouldn’t panic if they make the odd small mistake.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TEST IS OVER?

The examiner will talk your child through any faults. If they make the grade, they’ll be given a pass certificate. They’ll be able to start independent driving immediately – there’s no need to wait for their full licence to arrive. To find out more

about the practical test visit firstcar.co.uk.

YOUR CHECKLIST FOR PRACTICAL TEST SUCCESS

If your child can put a tick in all these boxes they won’t go far wrong

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

The instructor wouldn’t encourage your child to take the test if they weren’t ready, so encourage self-belief.

GOOD TIMEKEEPING

Allow plenty of time to reach the test centre. Your child’s stress levels will go through the roof if they are running late.

THEIR PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Your child needs to take their provisional licence with them to the test centre. They need their theory test pass certificate too. Don’t let them forget!

SENSIBLE CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR

Suggest they wear comfortable clothes, and shoes which make it easy for them to operate the pedals safely.

BE WILLING TO LEARN

Just over half of practical tests end with a thumbs down from the examiner. Don’t be surprised if this happens to your child, even if they’ve been flying in their lessons. They’ll be told why they have failed at the end of the test so they can correct what went wrong next time.

HOW TO HELP WITH TEST NERVES...

There’s no point in pretending your child won’t be nervous as their tests loom. But there are steps you can both take to prevent nerves taking over.

1 AVOID PEER PRESSURE

If having friends asking about their driving test will make your child nervous, encourage them to keep the test date to themself.

2 PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE

Talk to your instructor and your child about the manoeuvres they have been practising, in particular the skills they need to improve upon. Then make time so they can practise with you in the passenger seat. Getting a manoeuvre right time after time without the safety net of dual-controls will really help their confidence.

3 REMEMBER, WORRY MAKES IT WORSE

The trouble with worry is that it interferes with concentration. The mind focuses on what might go wrong instead of what needs to be done next. Encourage your child to block negative thoughts and give driving their full attention every time they get behind the wheel. 4 THINK SUCCESSFUL THOUGHTS

The instructor wouldn’t put your teenager in for their test if they didn’t think they were ready. Encourage your child to remember all the times they have successfully tackled tough manoeuvres. If they’ve done these things well before, they can do them again.

5 GO EASY ON THEM

However well they are driving in lessons, your child could still fail. Make sure they understand this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it will probably make them a better driver in the long run.

... AND SUPPORT THEM IF THEY FAIL The Theory Test App from Driving Test Success allows your child to practise every official 2021 revision question from the DVSA. It’s great for practising on the move. There’s more at theorytestapp.co.uk TOP TIP

1 GIVE THEM HELP

If your child didn’t pass their theory test, help them come back stronger by using learning aids such as apps to improve their knowledge. If they’ve failed the practical, discuss what went wrong and help them improve on any areas of weakness.

2 GET THEM BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL

Failing the practical test can be a real blow to a young driver’s confidence, and they may be tempted to take a break from learning. Don’t let them take more than a few days off. They shouldn’t be allowed to get rusty, or to put off facing their nerves indefinitely. Be supportive, understanding and encouraging. It will give them a lift to know you are in their corner. 3 THE LONGER THEY LEARN, THE BETTER THEY WILL BECOME 4 BOOK THE NEXT TEST SOON

Anyone who passes first time is very proud of the fact. But did you know there’s plenty of evidence that people who fail their first practical test actually go on to be better, safer drivers? That’s because the extra practice and instruction will improve their skills, and delay the moment at which they are exposed to the risks of independent driving. So failing may seem like a big deal at the time, but help your child understand that, statistically, it’s going to make them a safer driver. Instructors don’t set their pupils up to fail, so if they felt your child was good enough before they should be ready for a re-test. Allow time to work on weaknesses but book another test soon.