Driving test ready

Unlike most driving schools, we will offer help with the theory test via our online theory training or in car laminated question sheets, testing you with sample questions.  Alternatively, when you first enquire or book your course of lessons, we will be more than happy to recommend the ideal books, CD-ROMS & DVD's.  Some of these can be viewed or purchased fom our e-shop. 

Putting theory into practice

Studying for the Theory Test at the same time that you take driving lessons is the best way to put the theory into practice.  Applying your knowledge of the theory and hazard perception skills on the road will improve your chances of passing the Theory and Practical tests first time.  Studying this way with, Karen's School of Motoring you'll get all the support you need from your driving instructor, who can show you how theory applies in reality during your driving lessons.  It's a good idea to book and start preparing for your theory test from your first few driving lessons.  The best ways to make a booking are:

Book online with DSA

To cancel or postpone a booking, notify the DSA booking office at least three days before the test, otherwise you will lose your fee. 

What to take to the Theory test:

• Your signed provisional driving licence and photographic identification (e.g.  passport/student union card), or
• Your signed photo-card licence and paper counterpart.

How will you know you are ready for the driving test?

You'll be ready for both the theory and practical tests when you show that you have reached the approprite level.  Your instructor has the knowledge and experience to tell you when you are ready.  You'll be ready when you can drive consistently well, with confidence and without assistance from the instructor.  If you can't do this all the time, your not ready to take the test. 

Remember at this stage it's natural to feel nervous about a driving test but these nerves can be overcome by following simple steps. 

It's my driving test and I can do what I want to...Well although you can take the test in your own car, our instructors will only accompany you on test with their car if the instructors feel that you are ready. 

Mock Driving Test

We see the mock test as a perfect conclusion to your driver training.  The benefits to you include, better preparation, greater awareness of the standard required, and the opportunity of valuable feedback given by our specially trained mock test examiners.  Your instructor will arrange the mock test nearer to booking the real test.  It will be conducted in a very similar way to the DSA practical test, with regards to assessment, conduct and importantly with someone independant of your normal lessons. 

Guaranteed driving test pass

Beware of driving schools offering a guaranteed driving test pass
We have found one driving school on Google's 1st page which claim to offer a guaranteed pass driving course, however, in our opinion this can not be possible. 

Lots of websites seem to advertise "guaranteed pass" courses of some description, but the simple fact is nobody can guarantee that you'll pass!

Top 10 reasons people fail a driving test

The current pass rate is typically only 43%, although this varies regionally for each individual test centre. 
For first time candidates, it's even lower.  To help you avoid the most common errors, here is a list of the top ten reasons why people fail... 

• Observation at junctions
  Ineffective observation and judgement
• Use of mirrors
  Not checking or not acting on the information
• Reverse parking
  Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Reversing around a corner
  Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
• Incorrect use of signals
  Not cancelling or giving misleading signals
• Moving away safely
  Ineffective observation
• Incorrect positioning on the road
  At roundabouts or on bends
• Lack of steering control
  Steering too early or leaving it too late
• Incorrect positioning to turn right
  At junctions and in one way streets
• Inappropriate speed
  Travelling too slowly or being hesitant

The finishing line

There are driving test centres throughout Essex.  Your instructor will let you know which one is most suitable for you.  Take your instructor's advice about booking to make sure they're available on the day.  This will usually require a 2-hour booking to allow time for a warm-up driving lesson, the test itself and the journey home.  The cost of the Practical Test for car drivers is £62.00 during weekdays or £75.00 for Saturday and weekday evening tests. 

You can book your driving test online with the DSA. 


You'll need to provide a contact email address when you book or change your practical test online to receive your booking confirmation.  If you need to cancel your test for any reason, you'll have to give three working days notice to keep your fee. 

Booking confirmations for tests will no longer be posted out to you although you will receive notification through an email. 

When you book your test you'll need:

• Your provisional driving licence
• Your Theory Test certificate number
• A debit or credit card for payment
• Details of your preferred test dates and times
• Details of any special requirements

You must take your provisional driving licence and your Theory Test pass certificate with you when you arrive to do the Practical Driving test.  If you have a photo-licence you must take the counterpart with you as well.  If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted. 

Post-test support

Many driving schools offer the option of having a motorway lesson after you've passed your test.  Some are registered to teach the Pass Plus course.  Karen's School of Motoring offers post-test support to all its clients.