smartlogo.jpg

The Smartdrive Training Program

At Smartdrive, we believe in a structured training program designed to develop your driving skills faster. Each lesson will be clearly defined with a 'lesson objective' so that you know exactly which subject you will be covering throughout the lesson and what you are expected to achieve.
 
At the end of each lesson your progress and achievments will be recorded on your individual drivers record. This will allow us to record and continually monitor your progress throughout the training program and will enable your instructor to identify specific areas that require extra attention.

The Program Syllabus

Your training will be structured around you and will cater for your individual requirements. It will include all of the following subjects:
 
  1. The Cockpit Checks
  2. The Safety Checks
  3. Mirrors vision & use
  4. Controls & Instruments
  5. Moving Away & Stopping
  6. Hill starts
  7. Use of Gears
  8. Anticipation & Planning
  9. Use of signals
  10. Pedestrian Crossings
  11. Use of Speed
  12. Safe Road Positioning
  13. Turning Left
  14. Turning Right
  15. Emerging at T Junctions
  16. Roundabouts
  17. Straight Reversing
  18. The Left Reverse
  19. The Right Reverse (if required)
  20. Turning the vehicle around
  21. Parking in a bay
  22. Parallel parking
  23. The controlled stop
  24. Dual Carriagways
  25. Country Roads

How long will it take me?
 
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) recommend that it will take on average 35 to 45 hours of professional instruction from an Approved Driving Instructor, combined with 16 hours of private practice to stand a reasonable chance of passing the Practical Driving Test (Car B)
 
These statistics are based on average figures compiled from research and the amount of tuition required will depend largely on individual capabilities.
 
To help you attain test standard in the shortest possible time you should always have regular lessons (at least one a week) and longer lessons will allow you more valuable time to learn and practice your new skills. Although longer lessons will be more expensive initially, do not let this put you off as it can eventually save you both time and money!
 
Lots of driving schools insist that you have a minimum of 2 hour lessons! Smartdrive believe in offering our customers exactly what they require and although we may offer you our advice, the decision will always be yours!
 
A structured training program such as the Smartdrive Training Program will help individuals develop the necessary skills faster by offering constant feedback and analysis of your progress.
 
Your instructor will advise you when he thinks you are ready for your practical driving test and can help you to book your test if required.
 
Tell me about the Theory Test?
 
To apply for the theory test for cars you will need to be at least 17 years old and in possession of a provisional license (CAR B).
 
The Theory Test is made up of two parts, both of which are carried out on a PC at your local theory test centre.

The first element of the test is the Multiple Choice Questions. This part of the test consists of 35 questions and will display one question at a time. You will be offered a choice of potential answers. Some questions will contain more than one answer, however the system will alert you of this.

The questions are based on a variety of subjects including, road procedure, road signs and markings, legal requirements, safety procedures etc. You can move forward or back, or flag questions that you’re not sure of so that you can return to them later.

To pass this part of the test you must answer 30 questions correctly. There is a time limit of 40 minutes for this part of the test and it is important that you study hard as the test is very demanding and there is no substitute for good preparation.  Once you have completed this part of the test you will be offered an optional break for a couple of minutes to compose yourself for the second element of the test.

This is the Hazard Perception and Awareness Section, or HP for short.  This is completed on a PC and consists of 15 short video clips. Each clip contains a developing Hazard, however one clip will contain 2 Hazards. Your score will depend upon your reaction time.

To gain a High Score you should click the mouse as soon as you see the Hazard developing! Be careful not to click too quickly (rhythmic clicking) as the system may detect this and think you are trying to cheat! If this happens the system will alert you and you will not score any points for that clip! 

The highest possible score for each clip is 5 and the lowest is 1. To pass this part of the test you must achieve a minimum of 44 out of 75. The purpose of this element of the test is to encourage the trainee to identify potential hazards and plan how to anticipate and deal with them in plenty of time.

There is a time limit for this section of 15 minutes. Good anticipation is an essential skill and will help you to become a SAFE driver.

Tell me about the Practical Test?

Once you have passed the theory test you can then book a practical test whenever you are ready. It is recommended that you book the practical test as soon as your instructor tells you as there may be long waiting times. The other benefit of booking early is that you will be able to plan your lessons well in advance and ensure that you are fully prepared to take the test.
 
You should not attempt the test until your Instructor tells you that you are ready. The Practical Test is very demanding and will last for approximately 40 minutes. At the start of the test you will be asked to produce your driving licence &/or photo identity to the Examiner. He will then carry out an eyesight check by asking you to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5metres (66 feet). If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses it is essential that you wear them at all times when you are driving.
 
At the start of the test the examiner will ask you two questions related to safety checks on the car (show me – tell me). Your instructor will ensure you know these well before your test. 
 
During the practical test you must demonstrate to the examiner that you can drive safely, put The Highway Code into practice and complete a set of exercises. Apart from general driving, it will include two set exercises (maneouvres) such as reversing round a corner, turning in the road, reverse parking – possibly in a car park. Emergency Stops are carried out at random. Where possible the test may include driving on higher speed dual and single carriageway roads.
 
The marking system is very simple and is based on Minor Faults, Serious Faults and Dangerous Faults. You will only be allowed to commit a maximum of 15 Minor Faults. A Serious or Dangerous Fault will result in a test failure. For more detailed information regarding the Practical Test you should refer to The Official Driving Test book which is available on-line (see our links).
 
How much will it cost me?
 
(Test fees effective from the 1st April 2006)
 
Theory Test - £21.50
 
Practical Driving Test  (Weekdays)   - £48.50
 
Practical Driving Test (weekends & weekday evenings) - £58.00
 
 

Take an on-line theory test

Book a theory test online

Book a practical test online

emailfire.gif

Questions or comments? Click this link to e-mail us:

info@smartdrive.org.uk

coollogo_com_29561832.gif
Click to return to home page

car_spins_2.gif

Smartdrive...the future of driver training on 07974 721692