ABZ Driving

Frequently Asked Questions

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From 31 March 2026, the DVSA allows only two changes to any driving test booking (date, time, or centre). If you use both, you must cancel and rebook. Learners must now book via their official GOV.UK account as instructors are restricted from booking for you. Official Portal
Yes, but a swap counts as one of your two permitted changes. This measure was introduced in spring 2026 to stop commercial entities from hoarding and reselling test slots.
To receive a full refund of your £62 test fee, you must cancel at least 10 full working days before your appointment. Cancellations made inside this window result in a total loss of the fee.
Yes. While the DVSA doesn't publish "official" routes, your instructor is a local expert who will train you on the common roads, tricky junctions, and roundabouts used by examiners at your specific test centre. Familiarity with these routes significantly increases pass rates.
The DVSA is currently trialling a 6-month minimum learning period from the issuance of a provisional licence before a test can be attempted. Check the latest DVSA guidelines for current status.
The DVSA has upgraded security to block automated bots. Using these apps now carries a risk of your official booking being voided without notice or refund.
You are restricted to moving tests to centres nearby your original booking to prevent learners from taking slots in quiet areas with no intention of driving there.
The independent driving section remains at roughly 20 minutes, which is half of the total test time.
Digital licences via the GOV.UK Wallet app are being rolled out, but for your practical test, you must still provide your physical photocard.
Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged as it may interfere with the examiner's instructions. If the examiner deems it a distraction, they will ask you to turn it off.
The test now includes mandatory questions on CPR compression depth (5-6cm), compression rates (100-120bpm), and how to operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the scene of an accident.
Your theory pass is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical test within this time, you must retake the theory exam.
Vehicle safety questions. The 'Tell Me' is asked at the start of the test, and the 'Show Me' is asked while you are driving. Failing both counts as one minor fault.
You can make up to 15 driving faults (minors). Just one serious or dangerous fault results in an immediate fail.
You must wait at least 10 working days (roughly 2 weeks) before you can take another car driving test.
You must score 44 out of 75. This involves watch 14 video clips and clicking when you see a 'developing hazard'.
Yes. You must read a standard number plate from 20 metres. If you fail this at the start, your test is over and your licence is revoked.
Only 1 in 3 tests (currently trialling 1 in 7) includes the emergency stop, but your instructor will ensure you are prepared for it.
It assesses fuel-efficient driving, such as skipping gears and avoiding harsh acceleration. You cannot fail for this alone, but it is recorded.
80% of tests follow a Sat Nav provided and set up by the examiner. You cannot use your own.
National average rates currently range from £38 to £45 per hour. Regional variations occur based on demand.
Yes. Pre-paying for 10 or 20 hours usually offers a saving of £2 to £5 per hour compared to pay-as-you-go.
Yes. You typically book a 2.5-hour slot which covers a pre-test warm-up, the test itself, and the journey home.
All our students receive Free Access to official theory test software to help them pass first time.
We accept secure payments via Bank Transfer or our online student portal for consumer protection.
Yes, we provide special rates for off-peak sessions (9 AM - 3 PM) for students and key workers.
The standard DVSA fee is £62 for weekdays and £75 for evenings and weekends.
Pass Plus is a 6-hour advanced course. Prices vary but average around £240 - £280.
Yes, we provide digital gift vouchers for birthdays and special occasions, valid for 6 months.
There is no booking fee if you use the official GOV.UK site. Third-party sites often charge £20+ extra.
Generally yes. Eliminating the clutch and gears allows you to focus 100% on hazard perception.
No. Your licence will be restricted to automatics. To drive manual, you must take another practical test in a manual car.
Yes. EVs are automatic and offer the smoothest learning experience. It also future-proofs you for the petrol/diesel ban.
Automatic cars feature Hill Start Assist and no clutch-biting point, making steep inclines effortless.
Yes. If you struggle with manual gears, switching to automatic is common and often speeds up your pass date.
Modern automatics and EVs are incredibly fuel-efficient, often outperforming manual cars in urban environments.
Yes. Creeping allows slow movement in traffic or during manoeuvres, which we teach you to control with the brake pedal.
Yes, but they are not required. Most students stick to fully automatic mode to focus on the road.
A car with no clutch pedal but manual gear selection options. For licence purposes, this counts as an Automatic.
Manuals offer more mechanical control and are typically cheaper to buy used, making them a top choice for first-time car buyers.
You must notify the DVLA immediately. It is Free to do online, and failing to do so can result in a £1,000 fine.
The limit is the same as full licence holders, but any trace of alcohol can lead to a ban and revocation. We have a Zero Tolerance policy.
Yes. You should inform the DVLA, but most people with these conditions drive safely. Our instructors are trained to support neurodivergent learners.
Yes. You must have specific 'Learner Insurance'. Driving without it results in a ban before you even pass.
The supervisor must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid UK licence for at least 3 years.
Yes, you can drive vans up to 3,500kg (Category B) on a standard UK car licence.
You must apply for a replacement on GOV.UK. You cannot take your test or have a lesson until you have the physical replacement.
While not strictly mandatory for every short trip, we require you to bring it to every lesson for insurance compliance.
Extended tests are roughly 70 minutes long and are for drivers who were disqualified and must retake their test.
There is no limit to retakes, but you must wait at least 3 clear working days between attempts.