You will drive a new and strikingly designed Silver Vauxhall Corsa.

The Corsa generates little road noise and has a spacious and air conditioned cabin making it a comfortable learning enviroment. Its size is also ideal for learning driving and accommodates learners of any stature, thanks to the height adjustable seat and steering wheel.

On safety, the Corsa boasts ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), Traction Control and Dual Air Bags. The car is also fitted with Dual Controls which I may need to deploy on occasion in order to ensure your safety and the safety of all other road users.

For further details call 07775 937 348 or visit www.passwithsevan.co.uk/thecar or email Sevan

If you would prefer to learn to drive an automatic car please contact Ralph on 0794 1111 584 or visit his driving school website www.DriveWithRalph.co.uk

Planning Your Training? How I Can Help

First, you must apply for a Provisional Driving Licence from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency). You cannot train and practise without being in possession of a UK Provisional Driving Licence. You can apply online or by post. Applications are available from Post Office branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the current fee of £50.00. If your application is successful then you should receive your licence within 3 weeks. The minimum age to qualify for a Provisional Driving Licence for a car (category B) is 17 or age 16 if you are getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate. I am happy to help you obtain and complete the application form free of charge. Give me a call on 07775 937 348.

Having received your Provisional Licence you will then need to study and pass the Theory Test and also train to pass the Practical Test. You can study the theory and practise driving concurrently, although you cannot book a Practical Test appointment until you have passed the Theory Test. When you pass your Theory Test you receive a Theory Test Certificate valid for 2 years within which you must sit and pass your Practical Test. Otherwise, if the 2 years expire, you will have to resit the Theory Test.

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) is the government organisation responsible for setting driving standards and for conducting theory and practical driving tests in over 400 driving test centres and 140 theory test centres in the UK.  They also regulate driving instructors and trainers and promote activities to improve driving standards. My local test centres are Southgate (for theory) and Barnet, Enfield or Wood Green for Practical Tests.

The Theory test is about an hour long and comprises two parts: the first part consists of answering 50 multiple choice questions using a touch screen computer. The second part (15 minutes long) requires you to watch 14 hazard video clips and identify developing hazards by clicking on the computer mouse. Motivated pupils are typically able to study the Highway Code and pass the Theory Test within a month. I can help you with your study (free of charge) and also supply you with LDC's award winning Driving Test Complete DVD which contains all you need to study and practise for the Theory Test and more. It contains the full database of multiple choice questions, 406 hazard clips, theory test simulations and the electronic highway code for only £10. You can book your Theory Test appointment online at the DSA. The current fee is £31. Alternatively I can do the booking for you. Call me on 07775 937 348.

According to the latest Government survey people learning to drive in the UK buy on average 52 hours of professional driving lessons. From this you will appreciate it can easily cost you over a £1,000 to learn to drive and take up to a year to pass the practical driving test. With LDC's unique LD System of driving tuition the average number of hours to pass the test is closer to 30 hours - a potential saving of up to 22 hours from the norm or about £450. This is why it is important to select the right driving instructor and training approach. Please do give me a call. I'm happy to pay you a visit at home with no charge and no obligation on your part to show you the study materials and explain to you the approach. Call me on 07775 937 348.

The Practical Test is 40 minutes long. You are allowed 15 minor faults (you fail the test on the 16th minor fault!), but no serious or dangerous faults. At the start of the test, the examiner will ask you two "Show Me Tell Me" questions that demonstrate your ability to check and detect operational faults that affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle. During the test you will also be asked to conduct two reversing manouevres and on some occasions an emergency stop exercise. You can book your Practial Driving Test online at DSA. The current fee for weekday tests is £62 and £75 for weekend appointments. If you're not getting it right all the time without your instructor's help then you're not ready to take your test.

Learner News

Improvements to theTheory Test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is introducing case studies into the driving theory test. From 28 September 2009, one case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess a candidates' understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.

During the theory test, the case study will be introduced in the form of a road scenario, a short story, on which five questions will be asked. Candidates answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

Driving Test to Incorporate "Independent Driving"

From October 2010, the DSA is incorporating "independent driving" into the practical driving test. During the 40 minute practical test and for a duration of 10 minutes or so, candidates will be required to drive to a destination independently (i.e. drive without receiving turn-by-turn directions from the examiner), thus demonstrating their driving competence in the context of a realistic driving experience. Before setting off on the 10 minute journey, the examiner will either instruct the candidate to follow road signs to the destination or illustrate the route on a map.

Other changes to the practical test will include a shift in emphasis from low speed manoeuvres to higher speed driving skills. It is proposed that from October 2010, candidates will only be examined in perhaps one reversing manoeuvre instead of the current two, but the range of reversing manoeuvres on which candidates may be tested will remain the same.

Useful Links for Learners

• Directgov
• Driving Standards Agency
• THINK Road Safety
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
• Pass Plus