Getting Started
with
BJM School of Motoring
Before driving on a public road or taking your theory test, you need a valid Provisional Driving Licence. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) application form (Form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office but you can also apply online from the official ‘Gov UK website.You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th Birthday but it will not be valid until you actually turn 17 so you will not be able to take lessons on a public road, or take your theory test until then.
You can apply for your first British provisional driving licence online if you:
- Are a resident of Great Britain.
- Meet the minimum age requirement.
- Can meet the minimum eyesight requirement.
- Are currently not prevented from driving for any reason.
- Can pay by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card.
- Have a valid UK passport or another form of identity.
- Can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years.
Online Application
Apply for your first provisional driving licence
Get your first provisional driving licence for a moped, motorbike and car from DVLA online. To apply you must:
- be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
********* Never, never use anything other than the DVSA website or the post office to apply for your licence or book tests etc ********
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You’ll need your Government Gateway ID. If you don’t have one or need to re-register, you’ll get an ID as part of your application.
If you already have a provisional licence, you don’t need to apply again to drive a car.
Start now on driving licensing online
Before you start
It costs £34 to apply online. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card.
You’ll need to provide:
- an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
- addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
- your National Insurance number if you know it
You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied.
Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
When you can drive with a provisional licence
There are different rules depending on your age and the type of vehicle. Check what vehicles you can drive and when before you start to learn.
Other ways to apply
You can apply by post. Fill in form D1 available from the DVLA form ordering service and certain Post Office branches.
It costs £43 to apply by post. Make your cheque or postal order payable to DVLA (don’t send cash).
You’ll also need to include:
- an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
- a colour passport-style photograph
You must send original documents – you can’t use the Post Office document certification service.
Send your application and payment to:
- DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD – if all your documents are from the UK
- DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF – if any of your documents are from outside the UK
Your provisional licence should arrive within 3 weeks. Contact DVLA if it hasn’t arrived by then.
Post Office
Apply Online
Since 8 June 2015 the counterpart to the photocard driving licence is not valid and will no longer be issued. Please visit www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecounterpart for more information.
You can apply online, ensure you use the official GOV.UK website at: www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence.
Applying directly by post
Since 8 June 2015 the counterpart to the photocard driving licence is not valid and will no longer be issued. Please visit www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecounterpart for more information.
Pop in to any of our car tax issuing branches and pick up a UK driving licence application form (D1). Once you’ve filled it in, send your completed form to DVLA, Swansea, using the appropriate postcode shown on the form.
Make sure you include these items with your application:
- A form of ID that features a passport-size photo – a current UK passport or proof that you’re entitled to a state retirement pension will be ideal
- A passport-size photo
- Your application fee
Please note, the DVLA reserves the right to see original identity documents.
Is your current UK driving licence photocard soon to expire?
We can help with renewing your driving licence too. Check out our Photocard Driving Licence Renewal Service
Find out more about driving licences at dvla.gov.uk
Theory Test
Although you may already be taking lessons or even be ready to take your practical test, you can not apply for your practical test until you have passed the Theory Test.
Getting a theory test date
You will need a valid provisional driving license to take your theory test. once you’ve got that you can book your theory and hazard perception tests online. Click here to book your theory test: https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test or by phone on 0300 2001 122.
How the theory test works:
The theory test is a 50 question multiple choice test. To pass you must answer 43 questions correctly within 57 minutes. Questions are chosen at random from a bank of 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. Once you have passed your theory test, it will last you 2 years. By then you should have passed your practical test. If not you will have to resift and pass your theory test.
For more information on both the theory and practical tests including the pass marks:
Click https://www.gov.uk/theory-test/revision-and-practice
The theory test is made up of two parts; a multiple choice questionnaire and a hazard perception video test. You will need to pass both parts to get your certificate.
Show Me Tell Me Questions
About the questions
The examiner will ask you one:
- ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
Practical Test
Your driving skills will have reached the highest level possible and providing you have passed your theory test in the last 2 years, you can then look to get your practical test booked. How far in advance this needs to be done may vary and you should discuss this with your BJM instructor.
Independent driving
The independent drive part of the test lasts about 20 minutes. The candidate will be asked to do ONE of the following
a) Driving with a Sat nav following its instructions for 20 minutes or….
b) Verbal Independent drive for 20 minutes following the examiners instructions.
During the Independent drive the candidate must still drive correctly as per the rest of the driving test including using correct observations, using mirrors correctly, obeying speed limits, road markings and signs etc etc, but completely independently, unaided and unprompted. If the Pupil has gone the wrong way DONT PANIC…you will not fail your test or be faulted providing your driving has been correct & safe.
Pass Plus
After passing your DSA practical test, you now have the chance to implement the safe driving technics you have learned with your instructor. To aid with your constant education and accelerate this Pass Plus was developed by the Driving Standards Agency. Pass Plus not only accelerates your skills it can save you cash as some insurers offer discounts for completing this training see our links page for a more info.
For more info
visit www.direct.gov.uk
Become a more confident driver with Pass Plus
It helps new drivers become confident with experiences and in real Yorkshire fashion saves you money. You’ll save money on your car insurance but most importantly it can save your life.
What can Pass Plus do for you?
Pass Plus is a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely.
It can be taken at any time although it should be most useful to new drivers in the year after passing their test.
BJM School of Motoring of Bradford will supply all the relevant details and documentation on request. Pass Plus is a training scheme for new drivers. It’s much more than a few extra lessons. This is a course specially designed by the Drivers Standards Agency (DVSA), with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry. It helps you gain valuable driving experience and safety. You will be taught how to deal with a wide range of road and traffic situations, many of which you won’t have faced before.
Local councils offering discounts
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have merged to form the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Some local councils can offer discounts off the full Pass Plus training costs
Contact your borough, town, city or county council if they are listed to see if they can help you with the cost of your training.
East Midlands
Derby City Council
roadsafety@derby.gov.uk
01332 641 778
Lincolnshire County Council
stayingalive@lincolnshire.gov.uk
01522 805 800
Rutland County Council
enquiries@rutland.gov.uk
01572 722 577
North West
Cheshire West and Chester Council
roadsafety@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Cumbria
www.crsp.co.uk
chris.broadbent@cumbria.gov.uk
01228 221751
South East
Hampshire County Council
road.safety@hants.gov.uk
www.hants.gov.uk/roadsafety
01962 846 100
Kent County Council
pass.plus@kent.gov.uk
South West
Wiltshire County Council
roadsafetydriving@wiltshire.gov.uk
West Midlands
Staffordshire County Council
roadsafety@staffordshire.gov.uk
0300 111 8012
Scotland
Argyll and Bute Council
june.graham@argyll-bute.gov.uk
01546 604 182
Fife Council
fife.roadsafety@btconnect.com
01383 318 604
Highland Council
road.safety@highland.gov.uk
01463 702 690
South Lanarkshire Council
eleanor.gibson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
01698 453 617
West Dunbartonshire Community Safety
communitysafety@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
01389 732049
Overview
Pass Plus training takes at least 6 hours. It has 6 modules, covering driving:
- in town
- in all weathers
- on rural roads
- at night
- on dual carriageways
- on motorways
All modules should be practical sessions, although local conditions may mean some are theory based. You’ll normally spend at least 5.5 hours driving.
You won’t take a test but you’ll be assessed throughout the course. To pass you’ll have to reach the required standard in all modules.
You’ll be sent a Pass Plus certificate after you’ve successfully finished your training. You’ll need this when applying for a car insurance discount.
For more information on the Pass Plus course, and the fantastic discounts available, visit www.passplus.org.uk.
Contact DVSA Pass Plus team for more information.
DVSA Pass Plus team
passplus@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
0115 936 6504
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Overview Pass Plus training takes at least 6 hours. It has 6 modules, covering driving: in town in all weathers on rural roads at night on dual carriageways on motorways All modules should be practical sessions, although local conditions may mean some are theory based. You’ll normally spend at least 5.5 hours driving. You won’t take a test but you’ll be assessed throughout the course. To pass you’ll have to reach the required standard in all modules. You’ll be sent a Pass Plus certificate after you’ve successfully finished your training. You’ll need this when applying for a car insurance discount. For more information on the Pass Plus course, and the fantastic discounts available, visit www.passplus.org.uk. Contact DVSA Pass Plus team for more information. DVSA Pass Plus team passplus@dsa.gsi.gov.uk 0115 936 6504 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
New laws for learner drivers on motorways from 4 June 2018
- Accompanied by a BJM ADI (approved driving instructor)
- Driving the wonderful BJM car fitted with dual controls for your safety.
- Please note: Any motorways lessons will be voluntary and will not be part of your practical test. It will be up to the BJM driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.
For more information see: www.gov.uk
