Frequently asked questions - the driving test

At What age can I start to drive on a public road?
The minimum age in which you can drive on a public road is 17 years of age.

Do I need to have passed my theory test before I can take driving lessons?
To start driving lessons, all you need to be is 17 years of age and to have a provisional driving licence.

How do I get a provisional driving licence?
Available from most Post Offices, form D1 and form D750 photo card application are the forms needed. A provisional licence can be applied for via the DirectGov web site. A provisional licence costs £50.00 and will usually arrive in 2 weeks.

Where do I apply for a theory test?
You can book the theory test online by clicking here to visit the DirectGov web site or by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need your provisional licence number at hand and a credit / debit card to pay. The current cost of the theory test is £31.00. It is advised to use the official DirectGov web site to book your theory as other non-official web sites will charge you a booking fee. To find out where the theory test centre is, please see our Cambridge Theory Test Centre address and location map page.

When am I able to take the Practical Driving Test?
You will need your provisional driving licence and you will need to have passed the theory test. Once you have completed these, you are able to take the practical driving test. The easiest way to book the driving test is online via the DirectGov web site. The current cost of the driving test is £65.00 and £75.00 during weekends. As with the theory test, book online via the official DirectGov web site to avoid any booking fees.

Frequently asked questions - Ely School of Driving

What is the cost of your driving lessons?
Per hour, our driving lessons cost £22.00 per hour. Discounts are available however for pre-paid block bookings or intensive courses.

What is a Pass Plus course?
Pass Plus is a short course of around 6 hours that is aimed for individuals who have just passed the practical driving test. There is no test at the end and on completion of the course a certificate will be sent to you by the DSA. This certificate can be handed to your car insurance provider where you can receive up to 30% off your insurance premium.

What payment do you accept?
At the moment, we accept cash and cheque.

What types of car do you use?
Although we use a variety of cars, they are all small, easy to drive and great for doing the driving test manoeuvres such as the 3 point turn. cars are kept clean, well maintained and have dual-controls fitted.

Do you offer automatic driving lessons?
At the moment we only provide driving lessons using manual vehicles.

How may lessons am I permitted per week?
As many as you wish providing it fits with your driving instructors diary. Some learners have one single hour per week, some take several hours per week. The more you have the faster you will reach test standard.

Can my driving lesson end in a different place that which it started?
Yes. This can be discussed with your driving instructor. We don't mind taking you to an alternative location..

Which car will I take my practical driving test in?
Most learners prefer to take the driving test in their driving instructors car. This is the car they are used to driving and performing the driving test manoeuvres. You can however take the test in your own car. Your car must be in a road-worthy condition, be taxed, insured, have a valid MOT if applicable and to have L-plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.

What is the duration of your driving lessons?
Driving lessons consist of 60, 90, 120 minutes or more if required. Most learners tend to prefer 1.5 hour lessons as 1 hour isn't quite enough.

How many hours of driving lessons will it take me to reach test standard?
Each learner is different. The national average is 45 hours of professional driving tuition. At Ely School of Driving, our driving instructors professional teaching techniques combined with a confidence boosting attitude allow us to gain test standard in around 30 hours.

How long does the practical driving test last?
The practical driving test lasts approximately 35 to 40 minutes and will entail driving on different types of roads with various road conditions. In addition to this you will be asked to perform 1 reversing manoeuvre, 10 minutes is set aside for the independent part of the driving test and pa 1-in-3 chance of a emergency stop exercise.

What are the Show Me Tell Me questions?
Before your Driving Test starts, the Examiner will ask you 2 questions. 1 'Tell Me' question on car safety and maintenance which will require an explanation and 1 'Show Me' question that will require you physically check something.
Please see: Show Me Tell Me driving test questions & answers

Are there any Driving Test waiting times?
It varies through out the year. It can vary from 1 - 2 weeks, to over 2 months. For Cowley Road test centre, click here to see test availability and for Chesterton Road test availability, click here.