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In this section, you'll find some of the most commonly encountered questions raised on matters related to cars and driving. If you can't find the answers to your questions here, be sure to look through our extensive guide for all the information and advice you should need.
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 Can I put a rearward-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if it has an active airbag?
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No, not only is it unsafe to do this, it is also illegal. If the airbag was deployed in a crash, it would strike the back of the baby seat with great force, causing serious injury to your child.
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Is it safe for my child to travel in the front seat?
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Although it is legal for children to sit in the front seat of a car if they use an appropriate child restraint (unless they are in a rearward facing car seat, when it is illegal), it is much safer for your child to travel in the rear seat. This is because the majority of crashes are front impact, which means your child will be more protected from damage if they sit in the back. If your car has a 3-point diagonal belt in the middle rear seat, this is the safest place for your child to sit.
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What's the difference between a 3-point lap and diagonal seat belt and a lap-only belt in terms of safety?
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A 3-point lap and diagonal seat belt provides far greater protection in a crash than a lap belt. If you child is using a lap belt with a booster cushion (most other child restraints can only be fitted with a three-point lap and diagonal seat belt), you must ensure that the belt fits across the top of their thighs and around their hips. Do not place the belt across their stomach as this could cause damage to internal organs in the event of a crash.
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My baby is 10 months old, but only weighs 8 kg; should I move them into a Stage 2 forward facing seat now that they are old enough to do so?
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No. Child restraints are tested and approved for the child's weight not age. As long as the top of your child's head does not extend above the back of the seat, they should remain in the Stage 1 rearward-facing seat until they are over 9 kg and can comfortably sit up for a reasonable length of time; approximately 30 minutes or more. Never rush to move your baby into a forward-facing seat, a rearward-facing is much safer and will offer improved protection for their head, neck and spine in a crash.
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What can happen if I break the law and use my mobile phone whilst driving?
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At present, you can be fined a maximum of £1,000 if the matter is taken to court. The Government plans to legislate to make the offence endorsable, which will mean that in the future you will also receive points on your licence.
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Can I use a Bluetooth enabled phone whilst I am driving?
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This all depends on whether you need to hold the phone or not. If you use a headset which incorporates buttons to enable you to use the phone hands-free, then you would not be breaching the law if you made or received a call.
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Although I don't intend to use my phone whilst driving, I do want to keep it in the car. Do I have to keep it switched off?
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No. You can keep your phone on whilst you are driving; however, it is a good idea to keep it in the glove compartment so that you're not tempted to answer it if it rings.
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I've parked to make a call. Do I have to switch my engine off?
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Yes. Whilst your engine is on, you are still technically driving the vehicle. Find a safe (and legal) place to park, turn the engine off and apply the handbrake before making your call.
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When I'm sitting the multiple choice part of my test, can I change one of my answers if I need to?
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Yes. You can do this by simply touching the screen again. It is recommended that you practice this before starting the test.
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Can I miss a multiple-choice question that I'm not sure about, and then go back to it later?
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Yes. The system allows you to flag these questions so that you can go back to them quickly. You will also be prompted to return to any question that you have not answered fully.
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How do I respond to the hazard perception element clips?
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As you watch the clip, you should click the computer mouse when you see a hazard developing. The highest mark you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points; the sooner you respond, the higher your score will be. You can use the right or left button on the mouse.
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Can I review the hazard perception clips again, and change my answers?
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No. As on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the hazard.
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How long does it take to find out if I've passed?
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You will normally receive your results more or less straight away; certainly within 30 minutes of finishing the test.
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If I fail one section, can I just re-sit that one part?
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No. You must sit both the multiple choice and the hazard perception parts of the test again.
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How long is my theory test Pass certificate valid for?
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The Theory Test Pass certificate is valid for two years. If you don't pass your practical test within two years you will have to retake the theory test.
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How much notice do I have to give to cancel my practical test, so I don't lose my fee?
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If you need to cancel or reschedule a practical test, must do this at least three clear working days before the test to avoid losing your fee.
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Can anyone accompany me on the test?
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Yes, you may request that your instructor, a friend or chaperone be present, as long as they are over the age of 16. However they must not speak during the test or interfere in any way. If necessary, you may bring an interpreter with you; they may not be a driving instructor. The interpreter must only repeat the instructions given by the examiner.
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What exactly is the examiner looking for on a practical driving test?
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The examiner will be checking to see if you are a safe driver, and that you are fully aware of what's happening around you. They will also want to make sure that you can respond sensibly to situations with consideration and courtesy.
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How should I drive during the test?
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You should drive calmly, carefully, but confidently, in the way that your instructor has taught you. Keep yourself focussed on the road in front and around you; try not to let your get distracted by the examiner and what they might be noting down.
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How many mistakes are allowed on a practical driving test?
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Although you should obviously aim to make no mistakes at all, you will be permitted to make up to 15 minor driving faults - errors considered not to have involved potential danger - before you will be recorded as having a fail. However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail immediately and the test will be stopped.
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How can I stay calm after I've made a mistake on my practical driving test?
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Remember that you don't have to be completely perfect to pass; if you make a mistake, don't worry, it could well be minor and may not affect your result. Put it behind you and concentrate on the rest of your test.
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Do examiners have pass/fail quotas?
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No. If you demonstrate the standard required, you will pass your test.
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