Driving test ready

D riving test ready means having a thorough understanding the theory of driving and being able to drive consistently well with confidence.

Putting theory into practice

The best time to study for the Theory Test is whilst taking driving lessons as you can put theory into practice.  Applying your knowledge of the theory and hazard perception skills on the road will improve your chances of passing the Theory and Practical tests first time. 

The combination of support you receive from your dedicated driving instructor plus practising the theory questions on line , will help you turn theory into practice.  It's a good idea to begin preparing for your theory test from your first few driving lessons. 

Karen's Driving School will offer theory help with our FREE theory training, either online or with our in car training and homework programme .

Alternatively, when you first enquire or book your course of lessons, we will be more than happy to recommend the ideal books, PC DVD's.  Some of these can be viewed or purchased from our e-shop.

What to take to the Theory test:

• Your signed provisional driving licence and photographic identification (e.g.  passport/student union card), or
• Your signed photo-card licence.

To cancel or postpone a booking, notify the DVSA booking office at least three days before the test, otherwise you will lose your fee.

How will you know you are ready for the practical driving test?

You'll be ready for both the theory and practical tests when you show that you have reached the appropriate level.  Your instructor has the knowledge and experience to tell you when you are ready.  You'll be ready when you can drive consistently well, with confidence and without assistance from the instructor.  If you can't do this all the time, your not ready to take the test.

Remember at this stage it's natural to feel nervous about a driving test but these nerves can be overcome by following simple steps.

It's my driving test and I can do what I want to...Well although you can take the test in your own car, our instructors will only accompany you on test with their car if the instructors feel that you are ready.

Mock Driving Test

We see the mock test as a perfect conclusion to your driver training.  The benefits to you include, better preparation, greater awareness of the standard required, and the opportunity of valuable feedback given by our specially trained mock test examiners.  Your instructor will arrange the mock test nearer to booking the real test.  It will be conducted in a very similar way to the DVSA practical test, with regards to assessment, conduct and importantly with someone independent of your normal lessons.

Students that haven't had lessons with us will be required to have an assessment lesson first.

Practical driving test

There are driving test centres throughout Essex.  Your instructor will let you know which one is most suitable for you.  Take your instructor's advice about booking to make sure they're available on the day.  This will usually require a 2-hour booking to allow time for a warm-up driving lesson, the test itself and the journey home. 

You can book your driving test online with the DVSA without additional surcharges or booking fees.  Be careful of third parties that book tests in excess of standard DVSA costs.  The current theory test fee is £23 and the practical test £62 (16/03/19) There is supplement for weekend tests.

You'll need to provide a contact email address when you book or change your practical test online to receive your booking confirmation.  If you need to cancel your test for any reason, you'll have to give three working days notice to keep your fee.  Booking confirmations for tests will no longer be posted out to you although you will receive notification via an email.

You must take your provisional driving licence and your Theory Test pass certificate with you when you arrive to do the Practical Driving test.  If you have a photo-licence you now no longer need the counterpart.  If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

The current pass rate is just 43%, although this varies regionally for each driving test centre and for first time candidates, it's even lower. 
As the driving test nears, you'll find family, friends and colleagues will be keen to fill you in on 'insider tips' about the test.  But are they the truth or myth

Short notice driving tests

If you have a driving test booked but your driving school fails to provide a car or appointment we can offer students not taking lessons with Karen's a minimum of 10 hours, including test day.  An assessment lesson will determine suitability plus we do not apply additional car hire costs.

Post-test support

Pass Plus is a training scheme linked to insurance discounts that will benefit you, the NEWLY QUALIFIED DRIVER.  It can save you money on your car insurance premiums.