Driving tests were allowed to resume on 4^th July. As we all adjust to the post lockdown world we are living in, there are a number of changes during the test itself as well.

Booking the test

First of all, anybody who did have a test booked in the four months during lockdown would’ve been sent an email which had assigned them a new date. However, these dates are invalid and you must go online to book your preferred test date. These new emails inviting you to book have started going out in batches from the 16^th July 2020 in the order the tests were booked in. At the moment if you did not have a test already booked then you can’t book one until the backlog has cleared to prioritise those affected by the lockdown.

Tests will be staggered in times during the day to minimise the number of people in the test centre at once.

When you book a test, you will need to declare if there is a good reason why you can’t wear a face covering such as a physical or mental illness or impairment – for instance asthma and breathing problems, or if it causes severe distress. However, wearing glasses does not count as a good reason and you will need to prepare before your test with wearing one whilst driving.

During the test

If your face covering becomes a problem your examiner will ask you to stop to adjust it and may end the test early if it becomes a safety issue. Therefore, it will be a good idea to ensure you understand how to stop the vehicle in a safe, legal and convenient place in case this occurs – your 4 Wheelz instructor will be aware of this and will make sure you have plenty of practice.

Furthermore, if you make a serious or dangerous fault, which will mean you have failed the test, the examiner will guide you back to the test centre where the test will end. This is in order to minimise your contact together within the vehicle.

Examiners will also wear face coverings and your driving instructor will not be allowed to accompany you on your driving test.

At the end of the test

Once the test has completed, the examiner will give you feedback from outside the vehicle and you may ask your instructor to come over the listen to it if it is safe to do so.

You must not come for your driving test if: you or someone in your household has coronavirus symptoms, you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace that you have been in contact with a person who has coronavirus or you have returned to the UK in the last 14 days, unless from certain countries or territories. In which case you must stay home and change your driving test appointment which you can do free of charge if you are self-isolating.

It is also recommended to postpone your test if you are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Another point of concern is for people who are coming close to the two-year deadline since they had taken their last theory test. Unfortunately, if the two years has elapsed then your theory test certificate will not be extended so you will need to take your theory test again. If you had booked a driving test, the DVSA will cancel your booking and refund you for this but you will have to book and pay for another theory test.

At 4 Wheelz, all of our franchised instructors are registered with the DVSA and we have many competitive packages for students learning to drive, including discounts on block booking your first lessons. Find out more here and if you would like to find out more, call us on 0800 44 88 288.

Driving is a rite of passage once you hit 17. However a growing number of you are opting to not drive, or to put it off. Meaning you’re missing out on a big part of growing up and the many benefits that learning to drive can bring, such as independence, better job opportunities and a sense of responsibility. But we’ve got your back, we’re going to discuss the benefits of learning to drive and cover the best time for you to learn.

In 2017 only 30% of 17-20 year olds held a driving licence and 67% of 21-29 years olds. Compared to 44% of 17-20 year olds and 74% of 21-29 year olds back in 1997. The cost of learning to drive was cited as one of the top reasons for not learning to drive. Whilst we agree that it is not a cheap skill to learn, it is an invaluable life skill which is worth the financial outlay.

Benefits of learning to drive

Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits that driving can bring into your life.

Not relying on public transport

Whilst the UK’s transport network has greatly improved in the past 20 years, using public transport to get anywhere quickly can be a nightmare. Especially if you don’t live in a busy city centre like London or Birmingham. It means relying on a train or bus running smoothly to arrive somewhere on time – something we can probably all agree rarely happens. When you can drive yourself to a destination your arrival time is in your own hands. It also means you can get where you need to be much quicker, without needing to catch three different busses and a train to get there.

Gives you a sense of independence

If you’re not relying on public transport to get from A to B, you’re probably relying on parents or your mates for lifts. There are two glaring issues we can think of when it comes to getting lifts from other people. First you’re racking up a lot of lifts which will need to be returned or owing a lot of petrol money. Secondly you’re having to fit your plans around other people’s schedules. Driving your own car means you can go wherever you want whenever you want. In fact you could be the one offering other people a lift and pocketing that petrol money.

Better job opportunities

In today’s job market there are plenty of jobs out there which you won’t be eligible for because you don’t drive. Whilst there are some jobs out there where the ability to drive is a necessity, there are plenty more where driving is preferred – perhaps because they are based in a remote location. So when it comes down to you and another candidate who can drive who do you think looks more preferable? The ability to driving opens up your career path too, you could even train to become a driving instructor.

Use it for ID

Pretty much every pub, bar and club will only accept a driving licence or passport as a form of identification. A bank card sized driving licence is much easier to carry around than a passport. It also won’t cost you a fortune to replace should you misplace it after a few beers or G&Ts, unlike a passport.

Careoke

Are you even driving somewhere if you’re not singing along to your favourite tunes as loud as possible?

If you’re not familiar with this phenomenon, then you are seriously missing out. Ask your driving friends and they’ll agree, there’s no feeling like driving on the open road belting out your favourite song. Something which is not acceptable on the train or bus, but totally acceptable in the privacy of your own car.

Extra storage space

Ever clambered into the back of a mates car and wondered why there are three pairs of shoes, two jackets, a smelly gym bag and an umbrella sitting alongside you on the back seat? Convenience my friend.

When you get a car it basically becomes a mobile wardrobe and storage unit. Everything you could need for a spontaneous activity, or the unpredictable British weather, will travel around with you in your trusty steed.

When should you start learning to drive

You can start learning to drive when you are 17 in the UK, however a large number of you are opting to put that off until you are older due to the cost. We would always recommend learning to drive as early as you can. We know from experience the older you are the harder learning to drive becomes. This is because you have a lot less fear when you’re younger, which makes picking things up and learning from mistakes much easier when learning to drive.

Did you learn to drive young? What did it do for your life? Or have you decided to put it off for a few years? What are your reasons for this? Let us know in the comments box below!

In this guide we’ll talk you through what you should be doing after failing your driving test, with some advice from our top driving instructors.

How many people fail their driving test first time?

Although you may feel alone in your failure, trust us when we say it’s more common than you think. In fact, according to the latest figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 53.3% of all people who took their practical driving test between March 2017 – July 2018 failed the test first time.

With driving test nerves and other drivers to contend with, it’s no surprise that over half of us are failing the test the first time around. So don’t beat yourself up about it, it’s said that those who don’t pass their test first time are better drivers anyway.

“Pupil’s tend to find the `L` test a stressful experience and will normally stall during the test due to nerves.”
– H, Training Director at 4 Wheelz. ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers) DVSA Grade A registered

Why did I fail my driving test?

In order to improve you need to identify where you have gone wrong. Which is why it is so important to listen to the examiner’s feedback after they’ve uttered those earth-shattering words ‘you’ve failed’.

In the moments following the end of the test they will provide crucial feedback on where you went wrong – perfect pointers on where to improve in your following driving lessons. At this point it is usually a good idea for your driving instructor to come and join you, so they can take in any information you may miss or forget – which can often happen after hearing bad news.

Minor and major faults and what they mean

Any fault could be a driving fault, serious fault or dangerous fault. The situation in which the fault occurs in, would dictate whether the fault is classed as a minor or major fault.

There are three types of faults:

• A dangerous fault includes anything which causes danger to you, the examiner, the public or property and is the most serious of all the faults. This is known as a major fault. So, for example, a pupil fails to check his exterior right door mirror before moving right around a parked car. But there is a motorbike close behind and the motorbike rider has to brake. This has caused another road user to take avoiding action and this would be assessed as a dangerous fault, or a major fault.
• A serious fault includes anything which could be potentially dangerous to you, the examiner, the public or property. A serious fault is also known as a major fault. In this example a pupil fails to check his exterior right door mirror before moving right around the same parked car, however this time there is a motorbike well behind. As the motorbike rider could be affected this would be assessed as a serious fault, or a major fault.
• A driving fault includes faults which are not potentially dangerous. These are known as minor faults in your test. If you repeatedly make the same fault it can become a serious fault. For this example, a pupil fails to check his exterior right door mirror before moving right around a parked car. But there is no other road user about that can be affected, so this is assessed as a driving fault, or a minor fault.

On the driving test a pupil can have 15 driving faults (minor faults) and still pass. However any serious or dangerous faults (major faults) would fail a pupil. An accumulation of driving faults (minor faults) in one area, i.e. checking mirrors before change of direction, would show there is a pattern developing in this area and sooner or later this will lead to the fault being serious or dangerous. Therefore this would be assessed as serious fault and lead to a fail.

What should I do next?

Following failing your driving test the worst thing you can do is put off getting back into the car. Leave it no more than a few days before you have another driving lesson. Leaving it any longer can cause anxiety and nerves around driving to build up, making it harder to get back into that driving seat. Dust yourself up and get back to it.

Remember, your driving instructor would not have recommended that you book your driving test if they did not believe that you were ready to take it – they had the faith in you, you just need to find it in yourself.

“Loss of confidence can be a major problem upon failing a driving test. This can be largely overcome by ‘getting back on the horse’ as soon as possible. If you don’t your driving standard is likely to fall and you could end up having to pay for many more lessons to bring you back up to standard.”
– H, Training Director at 4 Wheelz. ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers) DVSA Grade A registered

When can I rebook my driving test?

Don’t put off rebooking your driving test retake, try and book it as soon as possible. It will need to be a minimum of 10 days away, which is the perfect amount of time to make improvements on the points you struggled with in your previous attempt.

Some test centres, especially the larger, busier ones, will have a longer waiting list, which may mean you’re not able to take the test again for another four weeks. If there is a waiting list book the earliest test slot available to suit you. You can then use the DVSA’s ‘Change your driving test appointment’ service, where you can find an earlier driving test than the one you’ve already booked – these are known as cancellation appointments.

“Your driving instructor should rebuild your confidence by showing how you’re able to carry out driving tasks safely and under control. They will help you to interpret the driving test report and focus on what areas need addressing. The instructor can also review the specific areas of the route where you failed.”
– H, Training Director at 4 Wheelz. ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers) DVSA Grade A registered

Reasons people fail their driving test

There are a number of reasons people fail their driving tests, and in our 23 years as a driving school we have seen some frankly bizarre reasons. However there are some we see time and time again, take a look at the below – you may have experienced one of these yourself.

1. Observations at junctions: Pulling out of junctions before observing other drivers around you, causing other road users to slow down
2. Use of mirrors: Seeing something in your mirrors, but failing to act on it, probably due to nerves – from approaching cyclists to changing lanes as a car enters a dual carriageway from a slip road
3. Driving too slow: Trying to do everything correctly, which as a result causes you to drive too slowly for the situations and conditions around you
4. Hesitation at junctions: As a result of the above point you may also end up not taking advantage of safe and suitable gaps to move off
5. Awareness and planning: Approaching hazards too fast as you have not forward planned, as a result you spot the hazard too late
6. Moving off safely: Moving away from the side of the road when not safe, i.e. not checking your mirrors or your blind spot
7. Reverse park: Unable to reverse into a parking space accurately
8. Response to traffic lights: Approaching green lights too quickly or not moving off when the lights change to green
9. Steering: Clipping the kerb or not following the kerb line
10. Control when moving off: Repeatedly stalling when moving off. If this is something you’re struggling with don’t miss our guide on how to stop stalling.

It really is a case of ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’. The driving test isn’t meant to be easy, so if you struggle to pass it don’t be disheartened. Keep pushing on as it’ll make you a stronger, better and safer driver in the long run.

Everything You Need to Know About Different Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian crossings are among the many road rules you need to learn when you’re first learning to drive. In the UK we have a total of five different types of crossings:

• Zebra
• Pelican
• Puffin
• Toucan
• Pegasus

There are also some additional ones thrown in for good measure. When you come across these on the road you need to be able to navigate your way through them confidently and without becoming overwhelmed.

In this guide you’ll learn about the different pedestrian crossings and what you need to know as a driver.

Types of Crossings

Let’s jump straight in with the top five types of pedestrian crossings you will find on UK roads, all named after animals.

Zebra Crossing

A zebra crossing is easy to spot because of its black and white stripes that form a path across a road and the flashing yellow Belisha beacons at either side of the road. You might have fond memories of attempting to jump from one white stripe to another as a child, whilst your mum desperately tried to drag you across the road and out of harm’s way.

Advice for learner drivers
Unlike other crossings pedestrians have priority at Zebra crossings. There are no traffic lights, only the Belisha beacons. So as a driver approaching a Zebra crossing you must be on the lookout for pedestrians who are potentially about to use the crossing. Equally pedestrians must be sure that the approaching driver has spotted them before they attempt to cross. If there is a pedestrian waiting to cross you need to apply the mirror signal manoeuvre routine and must stop or slow down in order to allow them to cross. When stopping ensure you do so before the dotted white line. On the approach to the Zebra crossing you’ll see white zigzag lines. You should not park your vehicle here under any circumstances and not overtake within the zigzag area. This is a very common road crossing that you will quickly become acquainted with.

Pelican Crossing

Pelican crossings use buttons, lights and sounds to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. Pelican is short for Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing. These crossings do exactly what they say on the tin – the pedestrian presses a button, traffic is brought to a stop by traffic lights and the pedestrians are signalled to cross by a signal on the opposite side of the road. These types of crossings are usually found in busier, heavily populated areas.

Advice for learner drivers
On approaching a Pelican crossing you’ll see white zigzag lines to indicate a crossing, you’ll also notice metal railings along the side of the road. These are designed to discourage pedestrians from crossing outside of the designated Pelican crossing. Drivers should look to see whether there are pedestrians waiting at either side of the road. Apply the mirror signal manoeuvre routine then be prepared to stop as the traffic lights may turn red shortly.
As a driver you’ll see a combination of traffic light sequences at these crossings. To help we’ve popped below what each means:

• Red traffic light: You must stop behind the solid white line if the traffic light is red. Crossing over the line ever so slightly could result in failing your driving test or three penalty points and a fine thanks to traffic light cameras.
• Amber traffic light: If the amber light is continuously illuminated (not flashing), be prepared to stop. Driving through an amber light is only acceptable if you have already crossed over the stop line as it changes or if stopping is dangerous, for example bad weather or higher chance of an accident.
• Flashing amber traffic light: Before you get the green light you’ll see a flashing amber light. This means you, as a driver, need to give way to any pedestrians who may still be using the crossing. However if the crossing is completely clear then you may proceed.
• Green traffic light: Green means go! Always look before proceeding though to make sure that there are no pedestrians or other cars in the way.

Puffin Crossing

The puffin crossing is the smarter, younger sister to the Pelican crossing. Puffin is short for Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent crossing. They operate in a very similar way to the Pelican crossing, however they are fitted with smart sensors. These can tell when the crossing is clear to release the traffic with a green light, or when a pedestrian may be taking longer to cross the road and so can hold the traffic at a red light a little longer. The other difference is the signal to tell pedestrians when it is safe to cross is actually beside them, rather than the opposite side of the road to them.

Advice for drivers
As with the Pelican crossing, ensure you look out for pedestrians waiting to cross. Apply the mirror signal manoeuvre routine and be prepared to stop if the button has been pressed and there are pedestrians waiting around at the crossing. Although similar to a Pelican crossing, Puffin crossing lights do not utilise the flashing amber traffic light. They operate just like a normal traffic light. It’s possible that a pedestrian will cross at a strange angle and not trigger the sensor so always be on the lookout for pedestrians at a Puffin crossing.

Toucan Crossing

Toucan crossings are designed so both pedestrians and cyclists can safely cross a road side-by-side – two can cross, geddit? Apart from the addition of a cyclist crossing they are almost identical to Puffin crossings. They are slightly wider in order to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists together. Toucan crossings are generally only found close to parks or where cycle lanes are present.

Advice for drivers
As you would with a Pelican or Puffin crossing keep an eye out for any pedestrians or cyclists who are waiting to cross the road, apply the mirror signal manoeuvre routine and be prepared to stop should the lights change. The amber flashing light feature is not used at Toucan crossings and traffic lights operate like normal. Be aware of any cyclists who may make a dash across the road as the lights change.

Pegasus Crossing

Also known as an Equestrian Crossings, Pegasus crossings are designed for pedestrians and horses to cross the road safely together – yes, really. Similar to the Toucan crossing, however these are the least common type of pedestrian crossing you’ll see in the UK. Pegasus crossings tend to be located near race courses or horse training areas, and even feature an additional button raised two metres above the standard button for riders to reach easily.

Advice for drivers
At a Pegasus crossing you’re going to encounter horses, so avoid revving your engine and sudden movements which may startle the horse and cause an accident. Make sure you leave plenty of room between your car and the crossing for the horses to cross the road safely and peacefully. At a Pegasus crossing there is no flashing amber light and the traffic lights will operate like normal. Ensure the horse and rider have completely cleared the crossing before moving off, and when you do so move slowly so not to startle the horse.

Additional Pedestrian Crossings

As well as the above five crossings here are some others you may come across during your day-to-day driving.

School Crossing

This is a very important pedestrian sign to know. When approaching a children crossing sign, or school crossing, always stop when a school crossing patrol officer steps into the road. You might notice a flashing amber signal when approaching a school crossing. Always drive slowly until you have passed the crossing and use extreme caution as children can be unpredictable.

Pedestrian Refuge

This is a crossing where pedestrians have a refuge to stop in the middle of the road and are protected by the refuge. A pedestrian refuge crossing enables pedestrians to cross the road in two halves. It is recognised by a white Belisha beacon.

Advice for drivers
At a Pedestrian refuge assess for pedestrians who may be waiting on the side of the road and within the refuge area. Apply the mirror signal manoeuvre routine and be prepared to stop.

When it comes to learning all the different pedestrian crossings, just remember that these crossings are designed to be a safe place for pedestrians to cross. Always approach a pedestrian crossing with safety in mind. Avoid waving on a pedestrian as you cannot guarantee that other drivers will also stop for them – even at Zebra crossings. Simply follow the rules of the road and be considerate to those attempting to cross a road in the safe, designated crossing points.

Car insurance for young drivers, and those who have recently passed their driving test, is notorious for being extremely expensive. However a black box insurance policy teamed with a Pass Plus course can save you 30% on the cost of covering your car.

Why is my car insurance so high?

A recent study by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed that the cost of car insurance takes up around 10% of the average young drivers, aged 18-21, salary. Young drivers pay £973 on average for their car insurance, around five times more than other driver’s pay.

The reason behind these high premiums for young drivers is the perceived risk they are based on. As a new driver you do not have the experience behind you compared to someone who has been driving for five years, meaning you are more likely to be involved in an accident. But there are ways to get around your lack of experience to save you money.

What is black box car insurance?

Black box car insurance might once have been regarded as a slightly spooky-sounding fad of the auto cover industry. But today, more and more drivers – especially those who have recently passed their test – are opting for the insurance type.

Why? Because those who sign up can enjoy insurance discounts of up to 20%, with very safe drivers enjoying further reductions.

Black box car cover involves having a device fitted to your car which monitors your driving style, and determines how much of a risk you are. Also known as ‘telematics insurance’, black box cover can also help older drivers to save money on their car insurance.

Are there any downsides to black box cover?

It’s important to be aware that such policies can come with certain restrictions, which vary from driver to driver. For example, under certain policies you may not be allowed to drive at night, or not exceed a certain speed. But so long as you are a careful driver and stick to the restrictions there’s nothing to worry about – except what you’re going to do with that money you’ve saved.

The Pass Plus course

When black box insurance is combined with a Pass Plus course, the insurance savings can rise to up to 30%. Most insurers offer a discount of around 10% to drivers who have successfully completed a Pass Plus course.

Pass Plus is an additional driving course comprised of six modules, each lasting one hour, which includes:

• Town driving
• All-weather driving
• Driving out of town
• Night driving
• Driving on dual carriageways
• Driving on motorways

As well as helping you save money on your car insurance, Pass Plus makes you a safer, more competent driver. Here at 4 Wheelz we offer the Pass Plus course, alongside courses for those who haven’t passed yet – such as our intensive driving courses.

Other ways to save money as a new driver

Becoming a new driver comes with a host of ongoing costs, but cutting your insurance by nearly a third means more money in your pocket.

Other ways to save include choosing an affordable car breakdown provider. You can make significant savings by opting for a company like startrescue.co.uk, while also receiving a high standard of cover.

You might also cut your premium by:

• Shopping around for the best deal
• Adding a second responsible driver, such as a parent
• Not modifying your car – but if you do, tell your insurer
• Choose a higher excess – opting for £1000 excess could mean big savings with some insurers
• Use the most professional sounding job title – e.g. an illustrator will pay less than an artist. Obviously this ‘tweaking’ should be entirely legitimate.

Have you found your car insurance is sky-high? Let us know below if you have tried any of the above ways to bring the cost of your car insurance down.

The change in the law is a complete turnaround from the previous rules, which prevented learner drivers entering the motorway until they had successfully passed their driving test. Now learner drivers can take their driving lessons onto the motorway, but what are the restrictions and rules around this new law?

To ensure the safety of all road users learner drivers must be accompanied by a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), in a vehicle which features dual controls and is displaying ‘L’ plates. This means those learning to drive with parents or family friends will not be able to enter the motorway in a standard vehicle. Those training to be a driving instructor will not be allowed to take learner drivers onto the motorway.

Although this change to the law has been introduced, it is not a compulsory part of learning to drive and is not going to become part of the driving test. The change has been introduced to allow learner drivers to experience motorway driving under the safe guidance of a qualified professional. Where previously this had not been the case some new drivers avoided motorway driving in favour of rural roads. However in 2015 80% of young driver deaths happened on rural roads. By allowing learner drivers to experience a motorway environment before they take their driving test it is hoped they’ll gain a broader driving experience. With valuable experience under their belt of driving at high speeds, overtaking and using lanes correctly, learner drivers should build their confidence for future scenarios.

Advice for ADIs

However the decision to practice on the motorway will be down to their ADI, not the learner driver themselves. It is solely down to the instructor to determine whether or not they believe their pupil is ready. Which is where we at 4 Wheelz feel the risk lies in this introduction. Whilst we believe the above reasons are positive for learner drivers, driving instructor’s must show due diligence for the safety of themselves, the pupil and all other road users. We have informed all of our driving instructors to only take trained pupils who display confident, competent and safe driving during normal driving lessons before taking them onto any motorway.

For driving instructors we recommend completing basic ground work on fast, national speed limit dual carriageways where the learner driver can practise entering and leaving, overtaking and changing lanes. Ensure their confidence is there on these types of roads first, before even considering lessons on the motorway.

So long as ADI’s demonstrate due diligence when it comes to taking their pupils on the motorway we believe this to be a positive step forward. It is a crucial skill all learner drivers should be able to practice in a safe environment, instead of experiencing a motorway for the first time by themselves, or even worse with a car full of friends. When done right the outcome should be a more confident, safe driver which should hopefully further impacting the falling rate of road accidents involving young people.

But the theory test hasn’t always been in place. In 1996 it was during practical driving tests that you answered questions about the Highway Code. Much less formal than the process today. This somewhat formal process can put some learners off. As a driving school we are often asked a lot of questions about the theory test. It can strike fear into the most confident learner drivers.

To help you prepare we have put this theory test guide together. It covers everything you need to know before taking the theory test.

How Does The Theory Test Work?

The theory test will take place at your nearest driving theory test centre. You can find your nearest test centre here, or ask your 4 Wheelz driving instructor where yours is. The test is in two parts – multiple choice questions and the hazard perception test. Both of the tests get marked separately. You will need to pass both parts of the theory test to pass.

For the first part of your theory test you will sit the multiple choice question part of the test. This will take place at a computer, partitioned off from neighbouring screens. You don’t have to worry about being thrown in at the deep end as before the tests begins you will get a 15-minute practice. You’ll get some practice questions to answer so you can get use to the format before the real test begins.

Credit: motoring.co.uk

When the practice session is over there’ll be 50 multiple-choice questions for you to answer. Each will test your knowledge of the Highway Code. You will have 57 minutes to answer all the questions in the multiple-choice section. Take your time and ensure that you read and understand each question thoroughly.

To pass this section of the theory test you will need to answer 43 of the 50 questions asked correctly.

When you’ve answered all 50 multiple choice questions you’ll get a few minutes break. The hazard perception part of the test will begin automatically. Before diving into the hazard perception test you’ll watch a short video about how it works, which you can watch below.

During the test you will see 14 clips, which you won’t be able to review or revisit once the clip has played out. Each clip features one developing hazard, but one will feature two developing hazards. For each developing hazard you spot you need to click the mouse. The quicker you spot the developing hazard the higher number of points you’ll receive. You can score a maximum of 5 points per hazard.

As soon as you see a hazard developing you can click. You won’t lose marks for clicking when there is no hazard, but you will if you are constantly clicking. To pass this part of your theory test you will need to score 44 points out of a possible 75. To pass this part of your theory test you will need to score 44 points out of a possible 75.

How Much Does The Theory Test Cost?

The standard driving theory test costs £23 to take. This price covers both the multiple choice questions and the hazard perception test.

How To Book My Theory Test?

When you feel ready to book your theory test you can book easily online through the gov.uk website. Simply visit their online theory test booking service. Make sure you have your provisional driving licence, email address and a credit or debit card to hand. You won’t be able to book your test immediately, there is usually a short waiting time before there is availability. So don’t leave it until the last minute.

When Can I Take My Theory Test?

You can take your theory test whenever you like, from the age of 17, as long as you have a provisional licence. We recommend starting with some driving lessons before you dive straight into your theory test. This will give you a better understanding of the roads and how they work. When you join 4 Wheelz you will also have the opportunity to receive a theory test pack designed to help you understand the Highway Code and pass your theory test.

What Should I Take To My Theory Test?

When taking your theory test you will need to take your photo provisional driving licence with you. Without it you won’t be able to take the test and you will not receive a refund, so don’t leave home without it. You are not allowed to take personal items into the test room. But the test centre will have a number of lockers where you will be able to store items like your bag and phone if needed.

Want help preparing for your theory test? Get in touch with our team today and book your first driving lesson with 4 Wheelz Driving School.

You’ve just passed your driving test and you’re cruising around town, feeling pretty damn proud of your achievement, when your biggest driving fear happens. Sitting idle at a junction the lights turn green, you go to pull away and … you’ve stalled. Without your driving instructor there to guide you through the situation, panic rises as you struggle to restart your car and deal with impatient drivers behind you.

Sound familiar? We’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know about how to stop stalling your car, from why it happens to what to do when it next happens to you.

Why does a car stall?

Stalling a car is most common in manual cars, although automatic cars can stall if there is an underlying mechanical problem, this is due to the nature of how a manual car works. When the clutch is engaged, i.e. you are in gear and your foot is off of the clutch, two discs connect the engine with the transmission. Once the engine and transmission are connected they must have the same RPM (revolutions per minute), which is determined by what gear you are in. If your car begins to slow but you do not change down to a lower gear the engine will begin to struggle, which is when you experience the ‘bucking’ sensation experienced as the engine begins to stall. The same scenario applies when pulling away in your car from sitting idle. As you begin to engage the clutch there needs to be enough speed and acceleration in the car to ensure that the RPM of the engine and transmission is matched.

How to stop stalling your car

As you now know from the point discussed above, there are two scenarios in which you may find you stall your car, each with a different approach to stop your car from stalling:
When coming to a standstill:

1. Gently press the brake pedal to begin slowing your car, then depress the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch (unless you are in first gear, in which case depress the clutch followed by the brake)
2. Once the car has come to a standstill depress the clutch once again and put the car into first gear before pulling away again

When pulling away:

1. Depress the clutch pedal with your left foot
2. Select first gear
3. Gently put pressure on the accelerator until revs reach around 1500
4. Slowly lift pressure from the clutch pedal until you find the biting point
5. When you are ready release the handbrake, continue slowly lifting the clutch pedal and putting pressure on the accelerator
6. As the car starts moving slowly lift pressure completely from the clutch, keeping your right foot steady on the accelerator

What to do if you stall your car?

First things first, if you do stall your car try not to panic. Every driver does it, even those with years of experience can stall their car. It’s important that you keep your cool and get moving as quickly as possible. Think of a stall as a reset and follow the procedure below:

• Apply your handbrake
• Put your car into neutral and restart the engine
• Put your foot back on the clutch and put your car into first gear
• Check your mirrors and pull away again once it is safe to do so

Is stalling your car during your driving test a fault?

If you stall your car during your driving test it may not necessarily register as a fault, it depends entirely on how you deal with it and the impact on other road users. If you repeatedly stall the car it is likely to be marked as a fault, so it’s important you calmly restart the car as per the above procedure. If you stall on a busy road and are unable to restart the car quickly and safely, resulting in other road users being held up, it may be marked as a fault.

Whilst you’re learning to drive you are bound to stall your car several times as you learn more about how a car works. It’s during your lessons you should build your experience and learn how to deal with a stall quickly and safely. If your test is upcoming, it might be worth asking your instructor to help you deal with stall procedures if you haven’t yet experienced what happens and what you need to do.