...PASSING IS THE ONLY OPTION
Experience in teaching students at different levels has provided AIR with a greater understanding of the various requirements each student has. In doing so patience, expertise and communication has been extensively developed to ensure the national average pass rate is exceeded.

What is the Practical test?
The Practical test is your chance to prove to an examiner you know what you are doing behind the wheel. It will test your knowledge & confidence.

What's the Test like?
It lasts 40 minutes and is conducted by a DSA examiner. They will select the test and exercise content which takes place over a mixture of course and normal roads. We strongly recommend you practise a lot to cover all the areas.

To begin with, the examiner will be testing your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate from a distance. Before setting off, the examiner will also ask you a couple of questions about the car so you can prove you know it is safe to drive. But mostly the test will be about showing you can drive competently and safely while completing a series of manoeuvres.

The test car you choose has to be reliable and meet a series of legal requirements. When you take your test with AIR, all this is taken care of. But if you decide to use your own car, you will have to make sure it is roadworthy, with a full MOT certificate if it is over three years old and it must be fully insured.

If your car does not meet the standard, the test will be cancelled and you will lose your test fee. Find out more at www.dsa.gov.uk

Preparing for your Practical Test:
Once you have passed your theory test, you will then be ready for your Practical Test. Naturally, we want you to pass first time. So here are a few ways we can give you that extra edge. Your Track Record log book keeps tabs on your progress – showing you where your strengths are and what skills you will need to focus on.

How to pass
For a bit of extra help:
1. Online resources from DSA
2. Books available from all good book shops.

Make the most of your practice.
We recommend plenty of practice between lessons. Ask AIR which manoeuvres you should run through; and remember, if you are practising with friends or family make sure you are covered on their car insurance policy!

Take a mock Practical Test
A mock test shares exactly the same format as the real thing – think of it as a trial test. This is your chance to drive just like your test day!

Top 10 things to look out for
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) regularly publish the top 10 reasons why learners fail their Practical Test. To maximise your chances of passing first time, here are some things to look out for:

• Look carefully to judge when best to come out of side roads
• Use the controls correctly and demonstrate good observation when reverse parking
• Use the mirrors effectively long before you change direction or slow down
• Use the controls correctly and demonstrate good observation when reversing round a corner
• Use signals correctly, including how to cancel them and not give misleading ones
• Move away correctly from stationary positions, including good observation
• Use the correct road position, particularly on bends, and show good lane discipline on roundabouts
• Have good steering control, when making left or right turns for example
• Get in the correct position when turning right
• Don't hesitate or cause delay. Always pull out promptly at junctions.

Booking your Driving Test
AIR can book your test for you and handle all the details with regard to which UK driving test centre is best for you. When booking your test, we will provide ample time for you to prepare including a 1 hour warm up session before your test!

When you book your test you'll need:

• Your provisional driving licence
• Your Theory test certificate number
• A debit or credit card for payment
• Your preferred dates and times for the test
• Details of any special requirements such as an interpreter

You can cancel your test for any reason, but you'll need to give ten working days' notice to keep your fee. You can book your own Practical Test directly with the DSA by calling 0300 200 11 22, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Remember to make sure your instructor is available on the day, and let them know when you get your test appointment letter.

Knowing what to expect when you get to the test centre can boost your confidence and your chances of passing.

Preparing for the Test
Immediately before your test you should have at least an hour's lesson with us to warm up and feel comfortable in the car. This will also help to calm any last minute nerves.

Remember to bring along your test appointment letter, provisional driving licence and some other form of photographic ID. Check your appointment letter for the correct forms of ID.

What else happens on the test day (Show me/Tell me)?
You will also answer up to 5 questions relating to 'show me' / 'tell me' vehicle safety questions. Both answers need to be correct, or one driving fault will be recorded.

During the Practical Test
The examiner will be looking to see that you are a competent and safe driver, responding to situations sensibly and making sound judgments.

Apart from general driving, such as which direction to go, where and when to turn and stop; your examiner will ask you to carry out two exercises out of the following three plus a controlled stop:

• Turn in the Road (3 point turn)
• Left Corner Reverse
• Reverse Park

“Examiners are not your enemy!”
Remember the examiner will not say much in case it puts you off. Put any mistakes behind you and just concentrate on what is happening in front of you.

“One minor does not mean a fail!”
Remember there is no quota for unsuccessful driving tests. If you meet the required standard, you will pass your test. It may be worth knowing it actually takes 16 driving faults or one serious or dangerous fault to fail the test!

Theory and hazard perception test
You need to pass your theory and hazard perception test at the same time before you can apply for your practical test.

Getting a theory/hazard test date
You will need a valid provisional driving licence to take your theory test. Once you have that, you can book your theory and hazard perception tests online by visiting www.dsa.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 200 11 22.

How the theory test works
The theory test is a 50-question multiple-choice test. To pass you must answer 43 or more questions correctly within 57 minutes. Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 questions and you answer by touching the screen. During the test you have the option to skip questions and return to them later.

How the hazard perception test works
Immediately after your theory test, you will watch a series of 14 one-minute video clips, each showing potential hazards involving road conditions, pedestrians or road users.

There are 15 hazards to identify and you can score up to 5 points on each one, depending on how quickly you identify them. You need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.