Let's get this journey started!

There is so much information about learning to drive and so many different places to find it, it can be really confusing. Learning to drive in Sidmouth or Ottery St Mary is no different. I've tried to include everything you will need to know before you start your learning journey and your very first driving lesson

Order your provisional license

At least 15 years and 9 months old.
Read a number plate at 20m.
It takes 7-31 days

£34

Book your theory test

Your driving license number
Your email address
A credit or debit card.

£23

Book your driving test

Theory test pass.
Your driving license number.
A credit or debit card.

£62

Exeter Test
Centre
45.1%
Pass Rate

How Many Driving Lessons Will You Need? Well, That's A Good Question

The DVSA estimates learner drivers need around 44 hours, plus around 20 hours of private practice
Regular driving lessons and safe private practice can reduce the total number of hours needed
Taking longer than average is normal and often beneficial
Driving lesson prices vary massively in the UK but in Exeter and East Devon the average cost for a driving lesson is between £40 to £55 per hour. Driving lessons are usually 2 hours
The national average driving test pass rate is 48.7%. At Exeter driving test centre the pass rate is 45.1%. Don't take your driving test before you're ready!

Private Practice Is Very Beneficial For Learning To Drive But You Need To Know The Rules!

The Supervising Driver: Must be at least 21 years old and have held a full UK (or EU/EEA) driving licence for the same transmission type (manual or automatic) for a minimum of three years.
L-Plates: Must be clearly visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, and ideally removed when the learner is not driving.
Motorway Ban: Learners are strictly prohibited from driving on motorways unless accompanied by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in a car fitted with dual controls.
Road Safety Laws: The supervising driver is legally in charge of the vehicle. This means all rules of the road apply to them too - they cannot use a mobile phone, exceed the alcohol limit, or sit in the back seat.
Vehicle Condition: The car must be fully road legal, with valid tax, MOT (if applicable), and adequate insurance.
The driver is responsible for any speeding or parking fines and penalty points can be added to your provisional license. Your licence will be cancelled (revoked) if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test.

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone while driving

Skills You Need To Pass Your Driving Test

There are 27 key skills for driving which form the comprehensive syllabus for all learner drivers in the UK. These were established by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure test readiness and lifelong road safety.

It’s unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.

They’re specially trained to help you learn the 27 skills.

Learn More

Booking Your Theory Is Easy But, What Do You Need To Know?

You must pass both parts to pass the test.
Multiple-choice questions, you need to score 43/50
Hazard perception, you need to score 44/75
You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test.
If you pass you’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You need this when you book your driving test.
Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass your driving test in that time, otherwise you’ll have to pass the theory test again.
You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time.
You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.

What To Expect On Your Driving Test

A practical driving test at Exeter test centre lasts about 35–40 minutes and tests your overall safety, awareness, and control. It involves general driving on various roads and traffic conditions but not motorways.

The practical driving test is broken down into five main sections

The eyesight check (read a number plate from 20 metres)
2 Vehicle safety questions (show me, tell me)
General driving (the examiner will give you directions) & independent driving (at least 20 mins of Sat Nav driving, following traffic signs or a mix of both)
1 Reversing manoeuvre (bay parking, parallel parking and right reverse. You may also be asked to do an emergency stop)
The result and feedback