The driving test is a major exam in UK. It is equivalent to a medical exam and needs proper training.
It has 2 parts- the theory test and the practical test.
I passed my theory test recently and have yet to appear in my practical test.
If you've been driving abroad, it's best to get an international drivers license made from your home country and you will be allowed to drive in UK for a year - of course your insurance will be higher as you will be on an international drivers license if you purchase a car here when you come.
The best way to go about it is:
Get your international drivers license made from your home country
Take a one-off driving lesson so that you get to know the rules and regulations of driving in UK. DO NOT DRIVE IN UK UNTIL YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT YOU CAN MANAGE - READ THE HIGHWAY CODE BOOK BEFORE YOU DRIVE. If you think that a one off lesson is not enough, then take more lessons till you're absolutely sure you can drive without supervision.
Find a driving instructor in your area using this website: https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons.
One lesson costs about 20 pounds an hour.
Ask a relative/friend to get a car for you and make you as the primary driver and himself as the secondary driver.
Here's a review of the car my maternal uncle got for me: http://www.pakwheels.com/forums/members-member-rides/265735-my-first-car-uk-peugeot-206-a
Get it taxed
Get your provisional license ( https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence)
Drive it around for a year
Give your theory test ASAP
Then pass your practical test
Upgrade to a new car or an approved used car - your insurance will be cheaper
The theory test consists of MCQs and Hazard perception - as explained here: https://www.gov.uk/theory-test/book-test
I bought these 3 books from WHSMITH -
Know your traffic signs http://www.dsabooks.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=17
The official highway code http://www.dsabooks.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=279
The official DSA driving test for car drivers book http://www.dsabooks.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=299
Please bear in mind that these books are updated regularly and new editions come in the market almost annually. It is best to check http://www.dsabooks.co.uk/ to confirm the current editions.
This is the website I used to practice :
http://toptests.co.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test
You can ask your instructor to give you access to an online portal for hazard perception. If they do not have access, you can get a Hazard Perception DVD which is available at all book stores.
I studied the traffic signs and official highway code and then started practicing questions in the official theory test book. I took a driving lesson from a local instructor who gave me some tips as well.
I also started doing questions on the toptest website.
I practiced for a week or so and then booked the theory test - Please remember that you can book your theory test only if you have a provisional drivers license.
Sometimes there is a long waiting list so it is best to book the test at least 4 weeks in advance. It is difficult to get a suitable time especially if you're working that day and cannot manage to get the day off.
This is the website from where you can book the theory test- https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
It costs around 23 pounds to book it. You will receive an email confirming your booking, venue and time.
You need to take your provisional license and test booking confimation letter to the center.
The theory test venue has lockers so you can put all your bags, mobiles, wallets securely there.
The test is all computer based. It is very simple provided you've read the aforementioned books and practiced the online mock tests.
I was done in 45 min - They give your result as soon as you come out of the exam hall.
Book further lessons with your instructor as soon as you're done with your theory test so that you can give your practical test ASAP.
I will guide you about the practical test once I pass that.
Please book your practical test ASAP after passing the theory test. There is a long waiting list for practical tests. I was getting a date 4 months in advance when I applied.
Read this as well - https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/book-test
It is preferable if you take your instructors car ( has extra round mirrors ) and other features you may be more used to since you've been practicing in it. Your instructor will accompany you in the practical test - the examiner will be sitting in the front passenger seat and the instructor will be in the back seat.
You will get a date about 3-4 months in advance, book it and keep checking the website for cancellations and book the earliest date ONLY IF YOUR INSTRUCTOR IS HAPPY THAT YOU ARE READY TO GIVE IT.
When you are about to book the test, please confirm the date with your instructor as well - He/ she may not be available on that date.
I passed the practical part of my driving test in the 3rd attempt.
I've been driving in UK since almost year however I learnt that my driving skills are different than what would be expected from a British driver.
I had bad reflexes which took time to fix. I took about 10 lessons before my first driving test. I was a bit overconfident that I would pass as I had been driving in all sorts of traffic conditions since months. I had 2 majors and around 6 minors.
I took just 2 lessons before my second attempt and performed well. However my examiner was notorious for failing people and there had been a lot of complaints against her. I had one major ( which the examiner made up herself ) and 2 minors. I knew I would pass this one but was shocked when I failed. I wanted to challenge this decision but my instructor advised me that it won't be a good idea as the DVSA will get a senior examiner to request assess me and I will definitely fail.
Anyway I took just one lesson 1 hour before my third attempt and passed.
My tips are
Get your international drivers license from your home country. You're allowed to drive for a year on it.
Apply for your provisional license asap and get your theory test out of the way within the first 2 months of getting your BRP
Practice with your driving instructor as much as possible
Apply the driving skills your instructor teaches you when driving your own car
Never challenge an examiners decision.
Drove around the area yourself to familiarise yourself with the roads
It can be hard to get a slot for your tests so please book in advance. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a slot.
Don't be overconfident. I know people who passed in the first attempt who had sat behind the wheel of a car for the first time just 6 months ago and took regular lessons.
You will need your instructors car to appear in the practical test. Let him/her know in advance when you book it so that (s)he's available.
Relax and drive like you would do normally when with the examiner
Verbalizing can help too during the test so that the examiner is sure you're ticking all of the boxes.
