Before you can take a UK practical driving test, you must have a valid Provisional Driving Licence and Theory Test certificate. Tests may be booked online, by phone and by post.

Before you can take your theory test you must have a valid provisional driving licence, which you can apply for using an application form (form D1) from your local Post Office. Once you have a valid provisional driving licence, you can book your theory test online, over the phone or by post.

The driving theory test is taken using a computer located at your local Driving Standards Agency Theory Test Centre. On arrival, you should register at the reception desk, at which point you'll be allocated a booth containing a computer loaded with your personal Theory Test.

Before your start your practical driving test, your examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle. This number plate will be at a distance of 20 metres if it is a new style plate (those beginning with two letters i.e. AA51 FGH), or at 20.5 metres if it is an old style of plate.

In 2002, the Driving Standards Agency introduced a new element to the theory test to assess candidates' reactions to developing hazards. After you have completed the multiple choice theory part of the test, you'll be allowed a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception section begins.

Once you have completed the eye test and vehicle safety questions, the examiner will walk around your car, taking details of the make and model and checking that the vehicle is roadworthy. Before the test, make sure that your car has no broken lights, the windscreen is clean, the windscreen wipers are in place, the tyres comply with the legal requirements and these other helpful hints.

On the day of your driving test it is usually recommend that you have a lesson with your instructor the hour before your test. Your instructor will aim to get you to the test centre about 15 minutes early.

Once you have completed all the exercises, you will be asked to return to the driving test centre. At this point, your examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed.

The vehicle safety questions are a fairly recent addition to the practical driving test. They are designed to make sure that you know the basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.