What happens after my Practical Driving Test

  - If you Fail

If you fail, first of all don't feel disheartened. Nationwide, half do. 

The good news is you can rebook your practical driving test immediately, although at some test centres there can be a waiting list as much as several months – which will give you plenty of time to practice. 

You do NOT have to retake the theory test when you rebook your practical driving test.

There is currently no limit on the number of times you can re-book your driving test.  

  - If you Pass

In short, that's it, you're done! Congratulations.

Change your provisional licence for a full driving licence

After you pass your driving test, your examiner will give you a driving test pass certificate.

You will also be asked if you want your full driving licence sent to you automatically, and if you do, you'll have to surrender your provisional driving licence to the examiner who will send it to the DVSA, who in turn will post to your home address your new full licence. If you choose not to, you can apply for a full driving licence by post yourself.

Can I drive straight away after passing my test? 

Yes - While it can take a few weeks for you to receive your full driving licence photo card in the post, you don't need to wait for it to arrive before you can drive by yourself. As long as your car is taxed and insured, you're good to go. Although you can keep a copy of your pass certificate as evidence that you have passed, their is no legal requirement to carry it with you.

After passing your driving test, change your car insurance

Any learner driver insurance you had will not cover you once you pass your driving test. As a qualified full licensed driver, you will need to call your car insurer and either cancel your policy or change it (if you want to stay with them). You now need to apply for a new car insurance policy for your car.

If you took your test in your own car, your learner insurance may cover your accompanying driver (for example, your driving instructor or your parent) for the ride home; it's best to check with your insurer first.

Will Black Box Car Insurance save me money

After passing your driving test, you will discover, unfortunately, that young drivers by virtue of their age will incur higher car insurance costs. However, you can save hundreds of ££££ by taking out black box car insurance (or ‘Telematics’ insurance) and the insurer will send you the FREE Black Box, which can be easily fixed by yourself.

Discover how Black Box Car Insurance will give you a huge discount in car insurance costs.

Pass Plus - Advanced Driving Course

Within the first year of passing your driving test consider the 6 hour Pass Plus advanced driving course, which will not only enhance your driving skills but it could also help you qualify for further discounted car insurance. It's true that very car insurers will actually offer you a reduction but here's a list of those insurers that do offer a significant discounts in car. For full details, read Advanced Driving Course. 

Other things to consider 

Do consider P-plates. You may think they're beyond lame but they warn other road users that you're loose on the roads with no dual-controlling driving instructor next to you. Other road users will think twice about pulling up too close behind you on a hill.

Don't be tempted to pick up a bunch of rowdy mates. Nothing good can come of that. You need to be super alert in the weeks and months that follow with no distractions.

Upgrading automatic to a manual UK driving licence

If you passed your driving test in a manual, you can also drive an automatic car as well.

However, if you passed your driving test in an automatic, you can NOT drive a manual car.

If you now decide that you want to drive a manual, you will have to re-sit your driving test in a manual car. This is because an automatic-transmission vehicle licence allows the holder to drive automatic cars only. If you're upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence, you do not, however, need to pass another theory test.

AA Fully Magnetic P Plates for Recently Qualified Drivers

Once you've passed your driving test this pack of two (2) magnetic P plates will hopefully keep you safe when you're driving by yourself. They can be fitted onto the front and rear of your vehicle and are ideally suited to recently qualified drivers. They warn other road users to remain vigilant and keep their distance from you, helping to keep you and your passengers safe.

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