Claiming a driving test pass 

Right you have passed tour driving test now please give feedback on your driving instructor and let others see what you think of them ! It can only help. Thanks

Once you have passed your driving test (both theory and practical are needed ), you'll need to notify the Driver and Vehice Licensing Agency ( DVLA ) to exchange your test pass certificate and provisional driving licence for a new full driving licence as soon as possible. The same applies for if you are the holder of a full licence and have passed a test for another vehicle such as a lorry or a bus. You'll need to return your test pass certificate with your driving licence to have the new driving entitlement added to your licence.

Beware of the time limit!

If you don't claim your test pass within two years of the date of your test, the driving entitlement, in which you gained the test pass, will be lost. You'll have to take and pass both parts of the driving test again for that category of vehicle  if you wish to have it included on your driving licence.

Photocard Driving Licence

To notify DVLA of your driving test pass you'll need to complete the declaration on your test oass certificate and send it, together with your photocard driving licence, the D740 paper counterpart to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BJ.

If your name has changed since your last licence you'll also need to complete a D1 application form that is available from DVLA's form ordering service or Postoffice branches. You'll also need to provide original documentation confirming your new name. The same applies if you have a full driving licence and have passed another test for a different vehicle.

Renewing of your Driving Licence

OK it will be a long way off needing to do this if you have just passed your test but it is crucial you remenmber this.

In most circumstances, you'll need to renew the photo on your driving licence before it expires, as the photo's only valid for 10 years. If you're a short period licence holder (over 70 or medical short period) you'll only need to renew your photo when your driving entitlement expires.

If you move location, change name or change your apperance dramatically your will also need to renew the card.

The cost to renew your licence is £20 and is very easy if you fail to do this you could be fined.

You can apply to renew the photo on your driving licence using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service.

Points to Remember after Passing Test

9 Deaths every day is now the national statistic in 2008 so its getting worse so please dont shrug it off or ignore the fact that it could be you!!!!Referring to the National statistics from the department of transport for 2005 there were 3201 people killed as a result of a car accident and 28 954 people seriously injured and total casualties in 2005 were 271,017  Click here for more info 

Key points on contributory factors to road accidents are:

• Failed to look properly was the most frequently reported contributory factor and was involved in 32 per cent of all accidents. Five of the six most frequently reported contributory factors were some kind of driver or rider error or reaction. For fatal accidents the most frequently reported contributory factor was loss of control, which was involved in 35 per cent of fatal accidents.
• Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for conditions were reported as a contributory factor in 15 per cent of all accidents. However, the factor became more significant with the severity of the accident; it was reported as contributory factor in 26 per cent of fatal accidents and these accidents accounted for 28 per cent of all fatalities (793 deaths).
• Drink Driving nearly one in seven deaths on the road invole drivers who are over the legal limit.

Points on Drink Driving.

After drinking a half pint of ordinary strength beer.

10 Minutes -50% of the alcohol consumed will have been absorbed into the blood stream

1 Hour – all the alcohol will have been absorbed

Absorption is accelerated still further when drinking on an empty stomach. Long drinks made with mixers have a faster effect as they enter the bloodstream quicker.

Alcohol in the system

Midnight – after an evenings drinking there may be 200mg/100ml of alcohol in the blood.

7.30am – when you get up there is still 90mg/100ml which means you are still over the legal limit.

Midday – elimination has continued to around 20mg/100ml, your driving may still be impaired

Points to avoid gaining points.

Passing the test is a great feeling but it’s only the first step in learning to drive.

Please remember, it is a fact that new drivers are at a greater risk of having an accident than experienced motorists. They account for 10% of all drivers, yet are involved in 29% of all accidents, national statistics revealed that in 2005-2006 3201 people were killed as a result of a car accident and 29000 people were seriously injured and total casualties were 271,017. It’s simple you are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing the test than at any other time.

It is important to remember that safe driving is not just about passing the test but is about safety your own as a driver and the safety of other road users. You need to know how to drive safely, how to stay alive and how to avoid killing or injuring others. We make no apology for stating this. As a driver you cannot delegate your responsibilities. You are responsible for making decisions that can affect other people’s lives as well as your own.

The 2 main contributory factors to road accidents are:

• Failed to look properly was the most frequently reported contributory factor and was involved in 32 per cent of all accidents. Five of the six most frequently reported contributory factors were some kind of driver or rider error or reaction. For fatal accidents the most frequently reported contributory factor was loss of control, which was involved in 35 per cent of fatal accidents.
• Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for conditions were reported as a contributory factor in 15 per cent of all accidents. However, the factor became more significant with the severity of the accident; it was reported as contributory factor in 26 per cent of fatal accidents and these accidents accounted for 28 per cent of all fatalities (793 deaths).

Beware

Once you have passed your test you are on probation for two years. If you obtain six or more penalty points during this time you will lose your licence. You will have to re-apply for a

provisional licence and have to take the tests again. Since the New Driver’s Act was introduced in 1997, over 33,000 drivers have lost their licences.

Think

Drink

The effects of drinking and driving are well known. The simple answer is DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

Drugs

Driving whilst under the influence of illegal drugs is an offence. The effects are unpredictable. but can be even more serious than alcohol and remain with you longer.

Medicines may also affect your ability to drive. Check the labels and if in doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tiredness

Tiredness can also impair your concentration and reaction times. Take regular breaks to avoid the onset of tiredness when driving.

Improve your driving

Pass Plus

This scheme comprises six modules covering driving in and out of town, all weather driving, at night and on dual carriageways and motorways. At the end you will receive a DSA certificate entitling you to a motor insurance discount from some companies.

Advanced Driving

There are various advanced driving courses to improve your driving and road safety awareness and completing one of these may lead to cheaper insurance. Information on these and further road safety advice can be obtained from the Road Safety Officer at your local council.

Driving Offences