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25.09.2023

Booking a Practical Driving Test in the UK

After completing your driving course in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol or Exeter, there comes the time for a driving test. The DVSA practical driving test in the UK marks a significant milestone in one’s driving journey. It’s the final hurdle between you and the freedom of the road. Nervous? Don’t be. Here’s a concise guide from Pass in Days to help you navigate through the practical driving test booking process.

Importance of The Practical Test

While the test might seem daunting, remember that your driving instructor wouldn’t have nominated you if they weren’t confident in your abilities. At Pass in Days, whether you complete your driving course in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Exeter or Bristol, your instructor carries out a mock test to ensure that you’re safe and ready for your big day.

Taking your DVSA practical driving test is more than just an exam; it’s the gateway to independence. Having passed it, you’re no longer confined to the limitations of public transport. Instead, you’re granted the privilege to roam the UK’s roads with full autonomy.

Criteria for Booking the Test

Before rushing to fast track your driving test, ensure you meet these criteria:

  • You’re 17 or older.
  • You possess a valid provisional driving licence.
  • You’ve successfully passed the theory test (the certificate remains valid for two years).

How to Book Online

Opt for the speed and convenience of an online booking to ensure you pass your driving test fast. Simply head over to the DVSA’s official site. Booking can be done for slots up to 24 weeks in advance, from 6am to 11:40pm daily.

You’ll Need:

  • Provisional driving licence number.
  • A credit or debit card.
  • Your instructor’s reference number (to check their availability).

A word of caution for those seeking to pass in days: during peak times, you might be placed in a digital queue. Don’t worry; the system will inform you about the wait time.

Booking Over the Phone

If you prefer a more direct approach, dial 0300 200 1122. The DVSA line is operational from Monday to Friday, between 8am to 4pm.

Bringing Your Own Car to the Test

While many choose crash driving courses with their instructor’s vehicle, using your own car is an option. Ensure it’s taxed, insured, and (if over three years old) MOT’d. Check your insurance policy, fit an extra interior rear-view mirror for the examiner, display L-plates, and ensure cleanliness.

However, be wary. Cars like the MINI convertible and Volkswagen Beetle convertible, Toyota IQ, and Smart Fortwo aren’t permitted due to visibility constraints.

Preparing for your DVSA practical driving test is a journey. From the initial lessons to taking a driving course, each step is crucial. Aberdeen, Glasgow, Exeter, and Bristol are some of the cities offering the most recommended driving instructors. Whether you’re looking to speed up a driving course or simply pass your driving test fast, proper guidance and preparation are key.

Some companies, like Pass in Days, book a driving test for you and it’s included in the price of the course! Booking with Pass in Days, you will have you test secured in about a week or two after course completion, subject to being safe and ready.

Best of luck on the road ahead!

Photo by [gdsteam] on [Flickr], used under [CC BY 2.0]

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10-Day Course

(For beginners or those starting fresh)

40 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1999

10-day course. This course is intended for individuals with little to no driving experience and includes a total of 40 hours.

The 10-day course is most suitable for clients who:

 

  • have no prior driving experience but are confident in their ability to learn quickly (note that 4 hours per day can be very exhausting, even with a break halfway through);
  • have taken some driving lessons, but still feel the need to start “from scratch”;
  • took a driving test many years ago, but would like to start “from scratch”;
  • were almost ready to sit a driving test, but it was many years ago, and they would like to start “from scratch”.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe

7-Day Course

(For those who know the basics)

30 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1599

7-day course. With a total duration of 30 hours, this course is suitable for clients who:

  • have completed at least 10 hours of driving lessons with an approved instructor recently (e.g., within the last 6 months);
  • have undertaken at least 10 hours of private practice recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and mastered the basics;
  • have taken a driving test within the past 4-10 years, but failed;
  • were nearly ready to sit a driving test within the past 4-10 years.

Participants in this course should have a grasp of basic skills, including basic clutch control, moving off and stopping, dealing with easy junctions, progressive braking, gears, and easy hill starts.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe

5-Day Course

(for learners who are intermediate)

20 hrs & one “Fast-Track” Driving test included

from £1199

5-day course. This course totaling 20 hours, is designed for intermediate clients who:

  • have taken at least 20 hours of driving lessons with a qualified instructor recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and feel about halfway to being test-ready;
  • have engaged in extensive private practice in a safe and legal way (e.g., lessons with family) amounting to a minimum of 20 hours recently (e.g., within the last 6 months) and feel about halfway there;
  • have experience driving various vehicles (e.g. farm vehicles) on private land from a young age, are comfortable with car control, and just need experience on main roads;
  • had many driving lessons and have failed a driving test within the past 3 years;
  • were nearly ready to sit a driving test within the past 2-3 years;
  • have a car driving licence from abroad and are legally allowed to drive in the UK for some time (check DVSA guidance), but need to prepare for a UK Car Driving Test.

Participants in this course should be confident in fundamental car skills, including clutch control, gears, hill starts, negotiating easy junctions, maneuvering through easy roundabouts, and performing at least one of the maneuvers.

Please note, learning to drive is a very individual process and you might need additional lessons after your course, if you are not safe & test ready.

What's included in the price?

  • Lessons on One to One Basis
  • “Fastrack” Driving Test Included**
  • Theory Course Included
  • Mock Test Included
  • Pick up from Home*

* subject to location & availability **subject to being safe