We all want to pass our driving test as quickly as possible, but make sure you're ready before you attend. Your driving instructor can give you a guide to let you know when your driving skills are at a pass level. You will also be aware when you're ready because your confidence level will increase and you will notice that you will need less guidance from your instructor. You will need to be as independent as possible with your driving skills and decision making, with regard to meeting traffic, general awareness of other road users and so on. You must demonstrate that you are confident enough to perform any manoeuvres you might be asked to do with reasonable accuracy, good car control and good observation. The test will last for about 40 minutes and you will be asked to perform two of the following manoeuvres; reversing round a corner, turning in the road and reverse parking (either into a bay or behind a car on the road). You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. Above all the important thing to remember is that learning to drive is not just about passing your driving test, its about becoming a safe and competent driver for life.

When you feel ready to book the test, you can do so by telephoning 0870 01 01 372 (0870 07 00 372 for Welsh speakers) or by filling out the form DL26 (postal application for a practical driving test appointment) available from your driving instructor or at test centres. More information can be found on form DL26/1 (Advice on booking and attending for a practical driving test) which contains all the information you need.

Before arriving at the test centre, make sure that you have all the necessary documents with you: •a provisional driving licence issued in Great Britain(GB), or a GB full licence giving the provisional entitlement •a provisional driving licence issued in Northern Ireland(NI), or a full licence giving the provisional entitlement If you have a photo licence you must bring with you the counterpart, which is part of the licence. Both parts (photocard and paper counterpart) are acceptable as photographic evidence. You will also need your theory test pass certificate. If your driving licence does not have your photograph on it, you will also need to bring an acceptable form of photographic identity when you attend for test. Other photographic identification you may bring includes: a current signed passport, or document of like nature, which doesn't have to be a British passport any of the following identification cards provided it has your photograph and your signature workplace identity card trade union or students' union membership card card for the purchase of reduced price rail ticket school bus pass cheque guarantee card or credit card gun licence proof of age card (issued by the Portman Group) a photograph of yourself, which has been signed and dated on the back by an acceptable person, confirming that the photograph is a true likeness of you. A signature will be accepted from the following Approved Driving Instructor DSA certified motorcycle instructor Member of Parliament local authority councillor teacher (qualified) Justice of the Peace civil servant (established) police officer bank official minister of religion barrister or solicitor medical practitioner LGV trainer on DSA Voluntary Register of LGV Instructors commissioned officer in HM forces Your test will be cancelled if you cannot provide one of these forms of identification.

Weekdays £39.00 Saturday and weekday evenings £48.00 After you have successfully passed your driving test an important point to remember is that the first two years are a probationary period. If you obtain six or more penalty points during this time you will loose your licence. You then have to reapply for your provisional licence and take the test again. Since the new drivers act was introduced in 1997, over 33,000 drivers have lost their licences.