To start driving in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, you will need to obtain a provisional license, be supervised by an instructor or eligible person, and meet age and residency criteria. The application costs £34 if submitted online and requires proof of identity, address history for the past 3 years, and payment via specified cards. Once you receive your Provisional Driving Licence, you’re ready start revising for the Theory Test and our qualified driving instructors at NeoMotion can support you in getting behind the wheel. However, it’s important to remember that you cannot drive unaccompanied until you have passed the UK Driving Test.

Learner drivers must successfully pass the theory test before scheduling the practical driving test. The test consists of two parts: the multiple-choice questions and hazard perception, a video test about spotting hazards on the road. Candidates will need to be pass both sections of the test, with a pass mark of 43 or more out of 50 for multiple choice and 44 out of 75 for hazard perception. Speak to your NeoMotion driving instructor for guidance on resources that can help support you.

Theory test certificates are valid for two years from the pass date. If you have not passed your practical driving test within the two years, the theory test will need to taken again. The test fee is £23 and can be taken as many times as needed, allowing a minimum of 3 days between the test date before rebooking. Further details on how to book your theory test can be found online.

After passing the theory test and once you feel confident enough on the road it’s time to schedule your driving test. The driving test assesses your ability to drive safely in various conditions and your knowledge of The Highway Code. The current fee for car drivers is £62 on weekdays and £75 weekends, evenings, and bank holidays. The test can be booked either by phone or online up to 24 weeks in advance. If needed the date of the test can be changed and providing you give at least 3 working days’ notice you will not need to pay the test fee again.

During the test, you’re allowed no more than 15 driving faults (minors) and no serious or dangerous faults (majors). If you pass, the examiner will provide a pass certificate, and you can start driving immediately without waiting for your full license to arrive, provided that you have an insurance policy allowing you to drive without supervision. If you fail, you can re-sit the test by choosing a date at least 10 working days in the future.