New Drivers Guide

Have you passed both your theory and practical driving test? Are you wondering what you need to do now? Well, first of all you need to make sure that you inform the DVLA and exchange your test pass certificate for a driving licence within two years, otherwise you will lose the driving entitlement from the pass you gained, and you will have to take both the theory and practical exams again.

Informing the DVLA

There are two ways you can inform the DVLA that you have passed your test, electronically at the test centre, or you can apply for your full driving licence by post.

At the Test Centre

If you have a photocard driving licence that was issued after 1 March 2004 then you can apply for your full licence at the test centre electronically. Just give your examiner your provisional licence and he will scan the details and send them electronically to the DVLA. The examiner will give you a pass certificate and the DVLA will send you your full licence (pink photocard and paper counterpart) within four weeks.

By Post

If you want to apply for your full driving licence by post then you will need to complete the declaration on the test pass certificate given to you by your examiner, and then send that together with both parts of your driving licence to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ

You should expect your driving licence 3 weeks after the DVLA receive it. It may take longer if they have to check your personal or health details. If your name has changed since your last licence, you will also need to complete an application for a driving licence (D1 form) and provide original documentation confirming your new name.

I’ve passed my test, can I now legally drive?

If you have just passed your test you are allowed to drive, but you must make sure that you fulfill your duties as a driver, these include:

• Have a valid licence,
• Meet the driver minimum age limits,
• Meet the legal eyesight standards,
• Make sure the vehicle is registered with the DVLA,
• Make sure the vehicle has valid tax disc,
• Make sure you have at lease third party insurance on the vehicle you wish to drive.

If you are a new driver it can be a scary experience driving alone for the first time. Pass Plus is an advance driving scheme designed to help new drivers become better drivers in all conditions and will build on your driving knowledge and skills. If you complete the Pass Plus scheme you may be able to lower your insurance premium as well. Find out more information about the Pass Plus.

The New Drivers Act

Although you have just passed your first driving test, the New Drivers Act means that you are on probation and you could lose your licence if you reach six penalty points within the first two years. If this happens you will have to apply for, and pay for a new provisional licence and retake your test again, you will be a learner driver again.

The New Drivers Act applies to you if you are a new driver and you passed your first driving test in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar and the European Community and European Economic Area. If you then want to apply for a different licence, for example a lorry licence and you have held your full licence for two years, this probation period will not apply again.

Getting penalty points

You can get penalty points on your provisional licence before you pass your test as well as on your full driving licence. You can receive points for many different driving related offences such as dangerous driving, speeding, driving without insurance, however, each of the offences carry a different number of points and sometimes fines, disqualification and imprisonment.

If you receive points on your provisional licence these will stay there for three years and they are part of the New Drivers Act. If you get to six points before you have taken your test, you’re licence won’t be taken away, but if you receive anymore points within two years of passing your test you will automatically lose your licence.

Visit our guide on conviction codes to find out all of the driving offences and amount of penalty points they incur.

Losing your licence under the New Drivers Act

You must make sure that you tell your insurance company you have had your licence revoked immediately as without a valid licence your insurance will no longer be valid either.

If you lose your licence under the act, you will now have to re apply for a provisional licence. You will then only be able to drive with a qualified driver who is over 21 and has held a licence for at least three years and you will have to display L plates.

If you want to get your full licence back again you will need to pass your theory and practical driving tests again and exchange your provisional licence for a full one when you have passed your test.

If you have to take a re-test then the the New Drivers Act wont apply to you again, you wont lose your licence for reaching 6 points, but if you exceed 12 points in three years then you will usually lose your licence for a minimum of six months.

Appealing against having your licence revoked

You cannot appeal against having your licence taken away under the act, but you can appeal the conviction which led to you reaching the six points which meant your licence was taken away. However, once you have accepted the fixed penalty you cannot appeal against it.

If you do appeal against your conviction then you won’t have your licence taken away until the court has reached a decision. You need to contact the convicting court for information on whether you can appeal.

Learner Safety

Learning to drive can be a daunting and intimidating experience as you are in control of a potentially dangerous vehicle. If you concentrate and listen to your instructor, you will become a natural driver in no time and comfortable behind the wheel.

To become a confident driver you need to put the hours in and while you are learning you should make sure you are extra safe on the road. Here are a few tips which will help you relax and be a safe learner driver:

• Before driving on the road for the first time sit in a car and familiarise yourself with all of the controls. Put your feet on the pedals and see how hard they are to use and where you need to position your feet. Make sure you understand exactly how to start the car, slow down and break.
• You should also read the Highway Code before venturing onto a road so you know what basic signs mean and how to react to them.
• Remove all distractions from the car; turn off your phone, turn off the music and only drive with your instructor, no other passengers. This way you can fully concentrate on the road.
• Make sure you are properly insured to drive the vehicle you are using to learn how to drive. To find out more about young driver and learner insurance policies.
• As soon as you sit in the car get in the habit of changing the mirrors to suit you. As you are learning someone else has probably been in the car before you and changed their position which may not be suitable for you.
• Keep both hands on the wheel while you drive and do not multi task. Do not eat, drink or smoke while you are driving.
• As you drive look down the road and anticipate any potential dangers.
• Travel at a speed comfortable to you but make sure it is safe. Driving too slow may cause a collision as someone may not break in time, but driving too fast may also cause in a collision. If you are unsure about the speed limit on a particular road ask your instructor or look out for speed signs.
• Drive during the day and evening so you can get used to driving in the light and in the dark.
• If you make a mistake do not get flustered. Take a long breath and calm yourself before moving off. The more anxious you get the more likely you are to make a mistake. If you get upset ask your instructor if you can have a 5 minute break to calm down. Emotional driving is never safe.
• Do not show off in front of other drivers by trying to make a quick start off lights or speeding. You do not want any fines before you have passed your test.
• If you do not know what a sign means ask your instructor.
• Never feel pressured to move away from a junction or roundabout by other drivers. If you do not think it is safe to move off just wait, regardless of how many people are waiting for you.
• If you stall, do not panic. Every driver has stalled at some point. Just calmly switch your engine back on and move away gently.

Everyone on the road was a learner at one point, they know how scary it can be to be on the road as a learner driver. Other drivers should offer you a wide berth and be patient during your maneuvers. Concentration is the key to staying safe on the road so try to avoid distractions and listen to your instructor for tips and advice.