Tips
The provisional licence
You must apply for your provisional licence at your local parish hall. You will need to complete an application form (available at parish halls). You will require one passport sized photograph and photographic identification ie. current passport together with the licence fee currently at £15.00.
The Theory Test
Driver Theory Test to be taken at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department situated at La Collette, St Helier at a cost of £27.30. |
To drive legally and unaccompanied in Jersey you must pass the Driving Test. Until you have passed the driving test you must hold a valid, signed Provisional Driving Licence for the category of car being driven. You must display "L" Plates and be accompanied by a supervisor who is at least 21 years old and who presently holds now, and has held a full licence for the vehicle being driven for at least three years.
To drive a motor car you must be 17 years old.
To become a qualified full licence holder you must pass both the Theory Test and the Practical Driving Test. These test are both conducted by Driver & Vehicle Standards (DVS) which is a Department of the States of Jersey. Driving lessons can commence before either test is attempted but the Theory Test must be passed before you are allowed to book a Practical Test.
The Practical Driving Test
When you have passed the Theory test you can apply for a driving test appointment. The Driving Test lasts for about 40 minutes during which you must demonstrate to the examiner that you have, at all times, full control of the car, are aware of the actions of all other road users and are able to deal with them, even in unusual or unexpected circumstances. You will be asked to perform three reversing manoeuvres, a hill start and an emergency stop. You will be expected to drive on busy roads and dual carriageways.
The most asked question by candidates is always "How many lessons will I Need?" There is no specific answer to this question as there is a tremendous variation between different people in their ability to learn the co-ordination and observational skills required to drive safely. Factors affecting this include physical dexterity and age of the candidate. The DSA have recently released figures and stated that on average it is not unreasonable to have a combination of 33 professional lessons together with 23 private lessons, a total of 56 hours. Remember this is an average and some clients will need less and some more.
You must present, at the time of test, your Provisional Licence and your Theory Test Pass Certificate. Failure to do so will result in the test being cancelled with the loss of your test fee.
The examiner will mark your driving according to three criteria:
Dangerous faults – Faults which cause actual danger to other road users.
Serious faults – Faults which could potentially cause danger to other road users.
Driving faults – Faults which do not constitute a danger to other road users.
Committing one dangerous or serious fault, or more than fifteen driving faults will result in failure. This reflects the skills required to drive on modern roads in modern traffic conditions, without being a danger to yourself or any other road user.
You will be given the result at the end of the test together with an explanation of any problems that the examiner feels need highlighting.
Booking the Practical Test
| Cars And Medium Goods Vehicles | is currently £42.30 |
Bookings can be made at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department. You will be required to produce:
- Your valid Jersey provisional licence
- Your theory test certificate.
Internet booking
Driving test bookings can also be made online. Book Your Driving Test Online
Cancelling your test
To cancel your test booking and obtain a refund, or alter a test booking, you will have to give three clear working days notice (excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays), and produce your receipt.
The practical test
Please arrive early for your test - lateness will result in the loss of your test and fee.
You will need to present your valid Jersey provisional licence, a valid certificate of insurance or a cover note and a valid theory test certificate. (A schedule, a policy, an insurance disc or photocopies are not acceptable as proof of insurance cover).
Your vehicle will need to be in a roadworthy condition, display a valid insurance disc, display an L Plate for learner on the front and rear (if you have any doubt about this requirement, please ask for the appropriate leaflet) and comply with the category on your licence:
- Passenger vehicle and small goods vehicle (Category B)
- Maximum weight 3,500kg, up to eight seats plus driver