[BlackPearl]

The rule for driving in the UK with a non Great Britain driving license is as mentioned in the image above. So one can drive for 12 months with Indian driving license from the day the person becomes a resident (hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit or BRP in short).

The link is https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-lic...-other-country

For people without Indian driving license and planning to go to UK and start learning to drive, I would recommend to do some basic courses in India because the driving lessons are quite costly in the UK. It usually ranges between £22 to £30 per hour and one can easily take up to 50 classes or more to become a proficient driver. In the UK, the minimum legal age one can hold a driving license is 17. One is allowed to drive from 16, but only on a provisional license with a qualified driver in the passenger seat.


Basic Rules of the Road in the UK


1. Drive on the left hand side of the road -

This is same as India, so not a problem for us

2. Observe all posted speed limits and road signs -

The speed limits change frequently, so the key here is observation. Some of the GPS apps show speed limits, so better to use them if possible

3. Don’t drive if you are over the legal blood alcohol limit -

In England and Wales, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath or 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine. In most other European countries, the limit is less, usually 50 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood

The alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland is different than in the rest of the UK. In December 2014 the limit was reduced to 50 milligrammes of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood. The breath alcohol equivalent reduced to 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath

More information can be found at - https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol...alcohol-limit/


4. You must stop at all STOP signs and red traffic lights -

This rule is same throughout the world

5. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt -

The Rule 99 screenshot from the Highway Code is attached and it is a straight forward rule. The exemptions and "who is responsible" are also mentioned.



6. Obey all directions given by police officers -

This rule is same throughout the world

7. Give way to all emergency vehicles which have their sirens and/or lights flashing -

Some simple rules to follow -
<1> Give the vehicle a wide berth
<2> Be prepared to pull over
<3> Avoid stopping on kerbs
<4> Look for space to move aside
<5> Check your mirrors
<6> Don't panic
<7> Don't break the law. This is very important, e.g. don't jump a red light to give way to an emergency vehicle
<8> Avoid blocking the hard shoulder
<9> Keep a look out for more emergency vehicles. Never assume that that there is only one passing by


The Highway Code

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for every road user. The link is https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code

I am attaching the PDF for the 2018 Highway Code. This is updated every year, so it is advisable to go through the latest one.


The traffic signs

It is advisable to go through the traffic signs before one starts driving in the UK. These signs are heavily used throughout UK. The link is https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-high.../traffic-signs

I am attaching the PDF in the thread as well.

[BlackPearl]

Road Types in the UK and Speed Limits

“M” roads - An “M” is a motorway, which is the largest road in the UK, and also usually the fastest. An M road can be anything up to four lanes of traffic each way, although three lanes is more common. Sometimes “M” roads will just be two lanes in each direction. Motorways have speed limits of 70 miles per hour. Learner drivers and certain classes of vehicle, as well as pedestrians, are not permitted on motorways. Motorways do not have traffic lights or roundabouts – to join them you use the on and off slipways. Signs on motorways are always white lettering on a blue background.

“A” roads - A roads are generally the main roads in the UK and for the most part have a speed limit of 60 miles per hour unless otherwise indicated. Some sections of “A” road will be dual carriageway, in which case the speed limits will be 70 miles per hour. For this to be the case, there must be a central dividing reservation between the two lanes. “A” roads can have traffic lights and roundabouts. Signs are generally a green background with yellow or white writing. Very rarely, in more remote parts of the UK, “A” roads can be single track.

“B” roads - A “B” road is smaller road, usually used to link “A” roads. They can still carry a fair amount of traffic, however they tend not to be as long.

“C”, “D” - and other roads. These are smaller roads which might even be single-track roads. These tend to be minor roads, either in very rural areas, or which cover shorter distances in less rural areas.

source - https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/t...ing-in-the-uk/




Stop Signs and Give Way Signs

Image is taken from http://www.ilankelman.org/stopsigns.html



STOP signs in the UK are the same as STOP signs around the world. These large red octagonal signs have the word “STOP” in white lettering, and when you encounter one of these you must bring your vehicle to a complete halt.

STOP signs are not very common in the UK, as they can only be placed at junctions with severely limited visibility. When you encounter a STOP sign, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop, and give way to all other traffic.



Give way signs are far more common in the UK than STOP signs. These are triangular signs with the words “give way” written on them, and are similar to the “Yield” signs in the USA. Usually there will also be a white triangle painted on the road as well.

At a Give Way sign you must give way to other vehicles, but if the road is clear as you approach it, there is no requirement to fully stop.


source - https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/t...ing-in-the-uk/


Roundabouts in the UK

Roundabouts are very common in the UK when roads meet and are the trickiest for learner drivers. Using them is supposed to be quite simple, but in practise I found them to be the most difficult to master. The rule is that you always give way to the traffic on a roundabout, which will be approaching from your right. You will always turn left onto a roundabout, and traverse it in a clockwise direction.

The only exception to the give way rule is if the roundabout has traffic lights, in which case you have right of way if the light onto the roundabout is green – this means that the traffic on the roundabout will be stopped at a red light.

But problems arise when roundabouts have multiple exits and lanes. Taking an instructor led session is the best option to properly understand and drive around roundabouts is what I have felt.



For more information, please go through - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-high...oad-159-to-203


Pedestrian Crossings - One of the most important things to remember, specially for us

There are a number of different types of pedestrian crossings in the UK which you need to be aware of as a driver. These have been given odd names, including Zebra, Puffin and Pelican crossings.

Zebra crossings, so called because of the white and black stripes on the road, do not have stop lights. You can recognise them by the white stripes painted on the road, as well as flashing yellow beacons on either side of the road. Vehicles must stop at these crossings if a pedestrian is on the road.

Puffin and Pelican crossings are similar to each other. They don’t have stripes on the road, and are instead traffic light controlled. To cross, pedestrians push a button by the side of the road to trigger the traffic light to change colour and activate the walk symbol (a little green man). You only need to stop at these if the light is red, or if there is someone on the crossing and the light is either amber, or flashing amber.


Police stopping procedures

If the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possible, attract your attention by

flashing blue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind
directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator.
You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine.

[BlackPearl]

If you have gone through the links and documents in the above posts, you are more or less set for driving in the UK. This is obviously with the understanding that you are already proficient with the controls and manoeuvres of a vehicle.

The next steps would be -

1. Apply for a provisional licence
2. Pass the Theory and Hazard Perception Tests
3. Pass the Practical driving test


Provisional License

The link for applying for provisional license is - https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provi...riving-licence

To apply you must:

be at least 15 years and 9 months old
be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away

Before you start
It costs £34 to apply online. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

You’ll need to provide:

1. an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport. BRP card works for us
2. addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
3. your National Insurance number if you know it

The form usually arrives within a week of applying. One needs to fill up the form, attach a passport size photo and send it to the DVLA along with the BRP Card. It is better to send by secured post and attach a paid return envelop as well. Otherwise DVLA sends the BRP card back in second class post without tracking and there are chances of it getting misplaced. It is better not to take the risk for a few pounds.

The provisional license takes at least 15 to 20 days to arrive to the given address. The provisional license is valid for 10 years. One can apply for the written test only after receiving the provisional license. One can drive with the provisional license but he/she must be accompanied by someone aged over 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years.

Rules for learning to drive (https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive)

1. You must have a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland when you’re learning to drive or ride.

2. You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by a driving instructor or someone else who meets the rules, for example family or friends.

3. The car you learn in must display ‘L’ plates.

4. You can drive at any time, day and night.

5. You can only drive on motorways if all of the following apply:

- you’re driving in England, Scotland or Wales
- you’re with an approved driving instructor
- the car is fitted with dual controls
- Speed limits
- In England, Scotland and Wales the speed limits when driving with ‘L’ plates are the same as when you’ve passed your test. In Northern Ireland the speed limit is 45 miles per hour when
you’re learning to drive a car.

[BlackPearl]

Theory and Hazard Perception Tests

The written test is divided in two sections -
1. Theory test consisting of 50 questions
2. Hazard Perception test consisting of 14 clips

Pass Criteria

The pass mark for the Theory Test is 86%, so you'll need to answer 43/50 multiple choice questions correctly to pass. And for the hazard perception section of the test, you need to score 44/75

There are ample amount of materials for the theory test questions on the net and there are mobile apps for iOS and Android. But it is best to go through the Highway Code (attached in the first post) at least once before attempting the mock tests. As far as I have seen, most of the questions can be answered if you have common sense for driving on public roads. Safety is of paramount importance, so that has to be kept in mind for answering the questions.

There are a few things which have to be remembered and one might not be able to answer just by applying common sense e.g.

1. Lines and lane markings on the road (rules 127 to 132)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-high...ers-103-to-158

2. Reflective road studs

Rule 132
Reflective road studs may be used with white lines.

White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road.
Red studs mark the left edge of the road.
Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway.
Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads.
Green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place



2. Speed limits



3. Stopping distances



4. Traffic Signs

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-high.../traffic-signs

The PDF has been attached in the first post as well

5. Parking at night

Rule # 248 - You ​MUST NOT ​park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space

Rule # 249 - All vehicles ​MUST​ display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).


6. Breakdowns and incidents - This is very important for us as we hardly get any training on these in India unless someone is interested or passionate enough

Rules 274 to 287 of the Highway Code

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-high...nts-274-to-287



Links for mock theory test

https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-the...1-66a575c2f61f

https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/...ctice-test-one

[BlackPearl]

Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test is a bit tricky compared to the theory test. I had great faith on my ability of perceiving hazards on the road due to my experience of over 20 years of driving. So I practised very little for this one. Though I passed, I found that most of the people around me scored much better in-spite of having less or no driving experience! So I would suggest to give as many mock tests on the net as possible.

The format of the test -

>You are going to be shown 14 clips, each lasting 60 seconds

>13 clips contain one developing hazard, while one clip will contain two developing hazards

>You need to tap the touch screen or click the mouse (depending on the test centre) as soon as you see a developing hazard. This could involve other vehicles, pedestrians or poor road conditions

>You only get one chance at each question, with no retakes. To get full marks, you need to click the mouse or touch the screen as soon as the hazard emerges

>A maximum of five points is available for each developing hazard you spot. The longer it takes for you to get the answer right, the fewer points you will receive

>No points are lost if you get a question wrong -- however, clicking in a continuous pattern will mean you score nothing.

8 examples of developing hazards you may encounter

The DVSA has created dozens of clips for its theory tests. This means it is rare two people will receive the same set of videos in their exam, and you won’t be shown identical clips in the unfortunate event you need to take a re-sit.

1 Emergency vehicles
If a police car, ambulance, fire engine or another type of emergency vehicle is approaching with flashing lights or sirens, you will likely need to take urgent action by indicating and pulling over to the side of the road safely so they have sufficient room to get past.

2 Sudden braking
Although you might be on a road with little traffic, the brake lights of a vehicle may suddenly come on, requiring you to reduce your speed with urgency to avoid a collision.

3 Parked vehicles
In a video clip, you may turn a corner to see several stationary cars along one side of the road. One urgent developing hazard which would require you to take action (and click immediately during your perception test) is a pedestrian suddenly emerging from in between two vehicles on the pavement and attempting to cross the road.

4 Playing children
Youngsters are among the most vulnerable road users, and there is a chance they may step out into the road unexpectedly. In a real-world environment, you would need to adjust your speed accordingly and remain vigilant.

5 Cyclists
Bike users are a hazard because you need to give them plenty of extra room, and they can often emerge in unexpected places. This will likely be reflected in a hazard perception clip you are played. Remember: if a cyclist isn’t clearly indicating their intentions, it’s important to hold back instead of making an assumption.

6 Traffic restrictions
A change in speed limit, an upcoming speed bump or traffic lights may crop up in your questions.

7 Roadworks
This is a hazard because of how your vehicle could end up damaged if you don’t adjust your speed accordingly. Surfaces may be uneven, and there may be workers on the road ahead. Temporarily speed limits may also be enforced.

8 Poor visibility
Driving conditions such as wet and icy surfaces may make an appearance during your hazard perception questions, as well as fog which can considerably reduce the distance you can see on the road ahead.

Source - https://toptests.co.uk/hazard-perception-test-guide/


Hazard perceptions FAQs

https://www.drivingtestsuccess.com/b...tion-test-faqs


Hazard perception test links -

https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/...erception-test

https://www.driving-theory-test.com/hazard-perception

https://theorypass.co.uk/hazard-perception/test-1/


Sample Videos

https://youtu.be/SdQRkmdhwJs

https://youtu.be/R-hnnV9MUoY

Booking the theory test

Link - https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

Before you start

You need your:

1. UK driving licence number
2. email address - you have to book by phone if you don’t have one
3. credit or debit card

Car and motorcycle tests cost £23.

[BlackPearl]

The Practical Test

This is the most difficult of all the tests. This is not to discourage people, but the pass rate is around 47% i.e. every 1 out of 2 people fails the practical test. But good thing is that the first time pass rate is not lower than the overall pass rate. So it is a myth that you have a higher chance of failure if it is your first attempt.

Pass criteria
To pass you must have no more than 3 errors in the pre-drive checklist, no Critical Error mistakes, and no more than 15 errors while driving on the road


What happens during the test

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

1. an eyesight check
2. ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
3. general driving ability
4. reversing your vehicle
5. independent driving

The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.

How long the test lasts

You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.


Details of the tests


1. Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.


2. ‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

You’ll be asked the:

‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving. You don't have to actually get down from the vehicle or do the things asked, you need to explain what needs to be done. Example show me questions -

1. How will you check pressure of tyres - Answer will be to check the pressure when it is cold with a tyre pressure gauge
2. What is the minimum required tyre tread depth and how will you measure it - Answer will be that the minimum tread depth should be 1.6 mm along the middle 3 quarters of the tyre through out the tyre and it has to be measure by a tread depth gauge. There should not be any bulges or cuts on the outside of the tyres
3. How will you know that ABS is not working - Answer will be that after starting the car the ABS light should go away. If it is still on it means that ABS is not working
4. How will you test if the power steering is working - Answer will be that you will have to pull the steering down on one side and start the vehicle. The steering should become light if the power steering is working. If it remains hard, it means that it is not working
5. How will you know the headlights and indicators are working - Answer will be that you will switch on the ignition and turn the knob for headlights and press the hazard light button. Then you will have to say that you will check the headlights and indicators after getting down from the vehicle. But you don't have to physically get down from the vehicle to answer this question
6. How will you know the brake lights are working - Answer will be to switch on the ignition, press the brakes and request the examiner to check the brakes at the back. Or you could ask the examiner to press the brake pedal and you would go at the back to check if the lights are working. Or you could reverse close to a wall or a reflective window and check for the lights against the wall or in the reflection. You have to explain all these without actually doing them
7. How will you know the brakes are working - Answer would be that you would start the car, move off slowly and press the brake pedal. The car should come to a halt without pulling to any side
8. How would you test the hand brake - Answer would be that you would start the vehicle, press the brake pedal, put the handbrake down and pull it up again. The handbrake lever should not go up more than 40 to 45 degrees.

These are all the show me questions that I could think of. There might be more if you search on the net.

You’ll be asked the:
‘show me’ question while you’re driving. For these you will have to perform the actions preferably without taking off your eyes from the road and when it is safe to do so. Some examples are -

1. Show me when it is safe to use the front windshield washer - You will need to perform this action. The exact action will depend on the car you are driving. In most cars it is by pulling the right side lever towards you

2. Show me when it is safe to use the rear windshield washer - same as above and the action will depend on the car you are driving

3. Show me when it is safe how to operate the driver side window

4. Show me when it is safe how to operate the front de-mister

5. Show me when it is safe how to operate the rear de-mister


Apart from the show-me tell-me questions mentioned above, it is a good idea to know how to open the bonnet of the vehicle and know how to check the engine oil level, brake oil level, coolant level and wind shield washer level. Though I came to know that nowadays they have stopped asking these questions, but it is better to be on the safer side. Moreover it is good to know how to check and do these checks at least once every week.


3. Your general driving ability

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.
The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes are not published, so you cannot check them before your test.


Pulling over at the side of the road
You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

> normal stops at the side of the road
> pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
> a hill start (probably)
> You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Tips: Every time the examiner asks you stop on the side of the road, look at the mirror, signal and then turn and come to a stop. When starting again, always look at the mirrors, then turn your head for the blind spots, then signal and pull out. In case of an emergency stop, after coming to a halt put the gear to neutral, pull the handbrake and both hands should be back on the steering wheel. The feet should be off from the clutch and brake. Before moving again, slot the gear into first, cover the accelerator, put the left hand on the handbrake, do a 360 check of the surroundings by turning your head (not just by looking at the mirrors), then start moving after taking the handbrake down.


4. Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

parallel park at the side of the road
park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Tips: Every time you change the direction of the car i.e. slot 1st gear from reverse, or slot reverse gear from 1st, always remember to do a 360 check before moving off. This is mandatory. Also keep on checking all around as you reverse and stop immediately if you see any person or vehicle coming near to you.

5. Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

directions from a sat nav
traffic signs
The examiner will tell you which you have to follow.

They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You can’t use your own sat nav.

If you can’t see traffic signs
If you can’t see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.

Going off the route
The examiner won’t give you a fault for taking a wrong turning.

They’ll help you get back on the route if you do.

If you make mistakes during your test
You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.

The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.

Tips: The most important thing is safety while driving. To ensure safety you will have to keep observing. Observe the speed limits as they change frequently, observe the pedestrian crossings, check your own speed so that it does not get much below the limit, do not block traffic, be prepared to stop for pedestrians, no sudden manoeuvres. Always follow the MSM (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre) routine when you drive. Do not do anything that requires others to brake or change course because of you.


Personal Experience:

1. It was possible to take my own car for the test, but I did not want to take the risk due to several reasons. The MOT was due just the week before my driving test, I would be without a car if the MOT failed. Also I would have needed to get additional mirrors installed for the examiner. And finally I thought the examiner would be happier to be in a car where he had control over the brake and clutch (dual brake and clutch setup in training vehicles)

2. I booked 11 hours with AA after talking to the appointed instructor (https://www.theaa.com/security/sla-n...SINESS_ID=4021). Each class is for 2 hours and 3 hours were kept for the day of the test. So 4 classes before the test and 3 hours for the test day as I would give the test in the training vehicle

3. Roundabouts were my biggest challenge and I felt much more comfortable after the first class as I had told the instructor I needed specific training on roundabouts

4. Safety was not an issue as I had taken safe driver's course in USA and also an ardent follower of safety tips on the net and team-bhp. This is a fantastic thread by SS-Traveler - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/drive...ty-primer.html

5. Both my cars in India (Thar and Bolero) did not have good hand brakes. So I was accustomed to not using them unless absolutely required. However here the expectation is that you should pull the handbrake whenever you have to stop for more than 5 seconds. So I had to practise this a bit to get used to.

6. Years of driving non-ABS cars has permanently affected my braking. I do not have the skill to brake hard and firm. Even in case of emergency I press the brakes just hard enough not to lock the wheels and release the pedal if it starts to lock up. But the training car was fitted with ABS and I was expected to press the brake pedal hard during the emergency stop procedure. I was not able to do it properly. Every time the instructor was saying that I was too soft on the brakes

7. After 4 or 5 attempts during the last class I pressed the brakes really hard during the emergency stop procedure. But the vehicle started malfunctioning after that. There was a strange hissing sound coming from the brakes and then all the lights started coming up one by one. At first it gave the signal that service was due, then hill assist got deactivated, then ABS and traction control. Almost all the lights on the console switched on. The brake became quite hard. I still drove till the end of the class. Next day I got a message that the car had to be returned and I would get a new car on the day of the test. It would be a 2018 Focus with several changes e.g the handbrake would be the new push button brake.

8. It was a bit of a dampener as I had got used to the previous car as I had driven it for 8 hours. So the instructor said that he was willing to give an extra class before the exam to get familiarised to the vehicle. I did not opt for it as I was confident that 1 hour of drive before the test would be enough. I was proved right as I got used to the new handbrake and the other aspects quite fast. The brake on the new car was super sensitive but got used to it after about 10 minutes of driving. One big positive in this new vehicle was that the speedo showed the speed limit as well. This was missing in the previous vehicle.

9. The speed limit on the console was a big boon and helped me during the test as I did not have to bother much about the signs on the road. A quick glance at the console was showing the limit. There is a caveat to it. My test was during school hours and the speed limit of the vehicle does not take into account the reduced speed limit at some zones during school hours. So one has to be careful about that

10. The instructor was familiar with many of the roads around the driving centre and took me to them. This really helps but there is no guarantee that you will drive on the same roads during the test. In my case I would say it was more than 70% of familiar roads, so it helped quite a lot.

11. On the day of the exam I had a high severity incident in office during the night and I was seriously sleep deprived. I thought that if I failed the driving test, it would be a good excuse

12. My instructor picked me up 1.5 hours before the exam and I got familiar with the new car. Drove it for almost 1 hour 20 minutes and arrived at the test centre 10 minutes prior to the allotted time. The examiner was sharp on time.

13. The examiner took the eye test first and then asked me to sit in the car and be ready. He had asked me if I wanted the instructor to be in the car during the test or not. I had said yes so that he would be able to provide feedback and things to improve if I failed.

14. The examiner did a scrutiny of the vehicle and once he was satisfied he told me the rules and the parts of the exam. He then setup the GPS and asked me to follow it for the next 20 minutes.

15. I will not go into all the details of the exam as it will be very boring. After the exam the examiner asked me what I felt about my driving. If it was good, reasonable or not good. I said it was reasonable. He then said it was good as I had passed without making a single fault





My instructor Dennis and the Ford Focus




Total cost of getting the UK License -

Provisional License - £34
Theory test - £23
Practical test - £62
________________________
Cost of License - £119

Cost of training - 11 hours X £25 per hour = £275

Final Total = £394


Booking the practical test

https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

Before you start

You need your:

1. UK driving licence number
2. credit or debit card
3. driving instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check they’re available

You can check the cost of your driving test before you start. For me it was £62 for the Uxbridge test centre

You must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your test.

[Gannu_1]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing Sumitro!

[Arwin07]

I'm impressed. Thanks for the post.

I read the thread about getting UAE license test yesterday and now this thread on UK. This is the level of difficulty in DL testing one expects in India given the huge population, the number of vehicles/ pedestrians/animals/birds we share road space with in crowded cities, rural roads and the new highways/expressways which have high enough legal speed limits.

General population is happily ignorant on basic road laws and safety precautions. So we need such strict licensing system to reduce accidents and ultimately deaths.

But everyone above 18 years can get a license in India. DL is more like an age proof that one is above 18 years of age than that one is knowledge and competent enough to drive in public roads.

We need Driving license system reforms in India ASAP.

[s4ch]

Great thread, thank you.

I got my Indian license when I was 18 and then got my UK one at 21. Although I considered myself a safe driver having been brought up in the UK and being aware of road safety, I was blown away by the amount of things I learned when I actually took lessons in the UK and did my test. I took only 6 lessons with the AA driving school but it was extremely beneficial and I appreciate it down to this day. Highly recommend anyone who can to take professional driving lessons in another country such as the UK as it really helps in developing driving skills. You won't believe how much it helps till you do it! Even just doing a mock theory and hazard perception test is very advantageous.

I just love the courtesy you get on the road in the UK, and honestly find it very stressful when coming back to India and driving here. India has a very long way to go to ever be a decent place to drive, and unfortunately I don't think I'll ever see that in my lifetime (I'm not even 30 yet!).

[superbad]

Very informative post, makes one appreciate the detailed, methodical & thorough approach that overseas driving tests have (for good reason). Not to mention the cost. A comparison with our country is inevitable. If we think about it, all this might never be possible in our country. Why? One word - population. I read somewhere that today in an average city, about 500 people appear for driving tests daily. There's no way each of them can be subjected to a rigorous test within the eight working hours of the test centre. Ergo - the test is over in 5-10 min by just driving in an eight/circle/whatever. Maybe some test centres are more strict, but the overall scene is of laxity. Driving schools have an obvious nexus with the test centre. Probably 20% of the fees of the driving school go into the pockets of their 'preferred examiner' within the test centre. If international driving test standards were to be adopted in our country, I suspect one will have months of waiting before one is allotted a slot. Even then, the attitude of the people will need a sea change before road etiquette improvement can be seen in our country.

[mmxylorider]

Thanks for taking the effort to put all this together. Useful for both long term residents and visitors.

And I think (considering this to be a petrol head site), it would be useful to bring in quirks in terms of driving aspects in different regions and what to expect. Case in point - 'Roundabouts' are as British as 'Jug handle turns' to New Jersey USA and 'frontage roads' to Texas and 'Yield on Green' in USA. I for one would be interested in knowing what are those small things in other countries.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by BlackPearl

As far as I have seen, most of the questions can be answered if you have common sense for driving on public roads.

True. Applying common sense would also make a world of a difference in our home country India. This is what we lack the most and something that is not covered in the curriculum for driver training.

I got my New Zealand drivers license early this year. I prepared well. Took all of 4 months to get myself familiar with the road code (A lot of similarity to the UK). I knew how to drive so that was less of a challenge but there are somethings you must do as part of the road code, when you drive.

During my practical driving test, I did not nail it 100%. There were a couple of minor errors that I did but not enough to cause a fail. While waiting to take a right turn, I was stopped in the flush median waiting for oncoming traffic to pass. The instructor asked me what are my immediate hazards and I called them out. You observe things around you and call out your hazards. I missed looking in my rear view mirror. The car waiting behind me was a hazard.

Another instance was an an odd shaped T intersection. I was coming up from the right of the T and headed straight. It was not exactly arrow straight to get the other side of the "T". A slight turn to the left and right was needed to negotiate this intersection. There was no round about but a sort of flush median in the middle of the T. I did not indicate as I cleared the T so that was the second minor error. In the end the Supervisor was pleased and I passed.

A lot was depending on this test to come through as I had planned a short trip the next day. Not that I could not drive as my Indian license was still valid for a few more months. I wanted this to come through as it was a matter of pride to drive in another country under their rules, their terms and you had succeeded. Also; a drivers license is pretty much like carrying your PAN card in India. It is valid for everything.

Your point on the cost of learning to drive in India is very true. It costs a lot more for driving lessons in the developed world. I am going through this now with my wife taking lessons with the AA. The cheaper alternatives are not all that cheaper too.

Thanks for sharing.

[ChiragM]

Thanks BlackPearl for this very informative post.

It took me quite a while to start driving in the UK. My first drive was in a media car around 7 months after moving to the UK. I used the time to understand all the rules when I was out on the roads with my fellow British friends.

I had also driven in the US and South Africa prior to this I didn't face any issues and most of the rules were explained by my British classmate.

But, as mentioned in your post, there is so much more to learn. Although I was considering it, I never took the test for a UK license. Some of the things you have mentioned, like Hazard Perception and Breakdowns are essential in India as well and more drivers need to educated on these aspects.

[ashishmathur14]

Originally Posted by BlackPearl

The Practical Test

15. I will not go into all the details of the exam as it will be very boring. After the exam the examiner asked me what I felt about my driving. If it was good, reasonable or not good. I said it was reasonable. He then said it was good as I had passed without making a single fault

Congratulations !! It is indeed a great feat. I do agree that your best chance of passing are in the first attempt.

I took lessons from a desi and I haven't been able to pass in my three attempts, although according to my instructor I am not making any faults during class, but I end up making one in test. Although, I have driven much in UK without a single ticket or narrow escape for a year, and I understand all rules. I end up getting extremely nervous during the the practical specially after going through the same saga. My last examiner who was from Indian origin suggested me to unlearn all my Indian driving instincts.
Hope to pass in my next attempt.I have already spent close to £700.

To add to my agony, are the worst rated Driving centers in East London (Wanstead and Barking)

Which driving center did you gave your practical test at ?
Do you feel taking classes from AA would be helpful, would you suggest ?

[Jeep]

How I wish this thread came up a year ago! I too cleared this in first attempt at Southall centre earlier this year. Took 10 hr driving sessions. Passed with 2 minors.

Got a used mini MPV too (will share the buying and ownership experience soon).