Is it Difficult to Get a Driving License in the UK? An Introduction to the UK Driving Test, Theory Test, and Application Fees

n Hong Kong, with its convenient public transportation network, there are many options for travel. Although the UK has buses, subways, and trains to various cities, the frequency is less compared to Hong Kong, with waiting times of half an hour to an hour if you miss a connection. Having a private car in the UK allows for freer travel without being constrained by public transport schedules. But is it easy to get a driving license in the UK? Here is an introduction to the theory and practical tests for driving in the UK.

You might not be sure which department handles driving test applications. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) both belong to the UK's Department for Transport (DfT), but they have different responsibilities. DVLA is responsible for vehicle registration and driving license applications, while DVSA conducts vehicle tests, vehicle inspections, and driving instructor training to ensure vehicles meet legal standards. Therefore, for the theory and practical driving tests in the UK, you need to apply through DVLA. Applicants can apply online via the DVLA website or by mailing a completed application form. However, note that the application fee differs between online (£34) and postal applications (£43).

Hong Kong, once a British colony, has many regulations based on British law. Both places drive on the left, but there are slight differences in the requirements and formats of the driving tests.

Source: Freepik

According to the Hong Kong Transport Department's guidelines, applicants must be at least 18 years old. According to UK government guidelines, applicants only need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old, able to read a number plate from 20 meters away, and have resided in the UK for at least 185 days to apply. [1]

The UK driving theory test assesses basic traffic knowledge. It is divided into two parts: the first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, with 43 correct answers required within 57 minutes. The second part, the hazard perception test, requires identifying potential hazards in 14 video clips, each containing at least one hazard, and one clip containing two. Each potential hazard can score up to 5 points, with a total of 75 points available and 44 points needed to pass.

The UK driving practical test consists of five parts: eyesight check, 'show me, tell me' car safety questions, basic driving ability, reversing, and driving skills. Before getting into the car, the examiner will ask the applicant to read a number plate from 20 meters away. Then, the 'show me, tell me' questions will assess the applicant's ability to ensure the vehicle can be driven safely and reduce the risk of accidents.

After passing these two sections, the actual driving test begins. The applicant must follow the examiner's instructions along a specified route, which is only revealed during the test. The examiner assesses basic driving skills, such as judging road conditions, reading road signs, and judging distances. Additionally, the examiner will ask the applicant to park the car using specific methods, such as parallel parking or 'S' parking. [2]

As for the fees, they are similar in both places. The Hong Kong driving test costs $510, covering both the road test and theory test, and an additional $548 for a temporary learner's license.

In the UK, the cost of the driving test varies depending on the date and time. The theory test costs £23, regardless of holidays or weekdays. The practical test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekday evenings (after 4:30 PM), weekends, and bank holidays. The cost for retaking the practical test is higher, £124 on weekdays and £150 on non-weekdays. [3]

Source: Freepik

Some students may think getting a UK driving license is easier than in Hong Kong. Data shows that from 2013 to 2023, the pass rate for the UK theory test was about 50%. [4] In contrast, according to the Hong Kong Transport Department's 2020 data, the theory test pass rate was as high as 90%. For practical tests, the pass rate varies by region in the UK; according to statistics from the UK driving school Pass Me Fast, the pass rate is also about 50%, with the highest in the Southwest at 51.3% and the lowest in London at about 41.5%. [5]

If students want to increase their chances of passing, it is advisable to practice using online UK driving theory tests to familiarize themselves with the question types. For practical tests, it's recommended to seek advice from instructors, watch videos on UK road driving to enhance driving awareness, and develop a good driving attitude.

While the UK driving test and theory test are more rigorous than in Hong Kong, helping drivers develop correct and safe driving concepts, car prices are high, and even second-hand cars require significant additional fees. Unless necessary, students don't need to own a car; just learning to drive and getting a UK license is sufficient preparation for emergencies. For more information on living and studying in the UK, stay tuned to Cyclopes!

Reference:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/what-happens-during-test

https://www.gov.uk/driving-test-cost

https://drivingtestsuccess.com/blog/theory-test-pass-marks-and-pass-rates/

https://www.passmefast.co.uk/resources/practical-test/driving-test-pass-rate