Driving tests and learning to drive or ride

Learning to drive step by step

To get your full driving licence to drive a vehicle or ride a moped or motorcycle you need to:

check what age you can drive
get a provisional licence
pass your driving theory test
if you want to ride a motorcycle or moped, complete the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
practice and take driving lessons
pass your practical driving test

You might also need a specific licence to tow a trailer with a car or lorry.

What age you can drive

The minimum age to drive or ride depends on the type of vehicle.

Type of vehicle
Car or light goods vehicle (van less than 3,500kg)
Moped or agricultural tractor
Light motorcycle
Heavy motorcycle
Medium goods vehicle or minibus
Large goods vehicle, such as a lorry
Large passenger carrying vehicle, such as a bus or coach

Type of vehicle	Licence category	Minimum age
Car or light goods vehicle (van less than 3,500kg)	B	17
Moped or agricultural tractor	p or f	16
Light motorcycle	A1	17
Heavy motorcycle	A	18
Medium goods vehicle or minibus	C1 or D1	18
Large goods vehicle, such as a lorry	C	21
Large passenger carrying vehicle, such as a bus or coach	D	21

Getting a provisional licence

You must have a provisional driving licence to learn to drive or ride.

This licence is only valid in Jersey.

A provisional licence costs £30 and is valid for 6 months.

Parishes issue driving licences. You can apply for a Jersey provisional driving licence on My Parish Online.

You should carry your provisional driving licence with you when driving or riding and ensure that you are insured and display a valid insurance disc (WID).

To get your full driving licence you’ll need to pass your theory and practical driving tests. If you want to ride a moped or motorcycle you'll also need to pass the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

If your licence expires your parish may not renew it if you have not tried to pass your tests within 6 months.

Car or tractor

To drive a car or a tractor on the road as a learner, you must:

have a provisional driving licence (category B for car or F for agricultural tractor)
be supervised by a person aged 21 years or more, who has a full car licence for at least 3 years (only if fitted with 2 or more seats)
display a Learner 'L' plate on the front and back

Moped or light motorcycle

To ride a moped or light motorcycle on the road as a learner, you must:

have a valid provisional driving licence for category p or A1
have completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
have a Learner 'L' plate integrated into the vehicle's number plate
if applicable, have a valid PTI certificate

Motorcycles and mopeds inspections (PTI)

You should also carry your:

CBT certificate
if applicable, PTI certificate

You cannot carry passengers when you’re a learner rider.

Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)

The CBT is a basic course on motorcycling. You must complete it before you can ride a moped or motorcycle on Jersey roads.

The course is delivered by the Jersey School of Motorcycling who are the only approved provider of CBT in Jersey. We only accept CBT certificates they issue.

You should pass your theory test before doing your CBT course. If you don't, you’ll need to pass 10 theory questions during your CBT. If you fail these questions you will not be able to do the course and you’ll have to pay again.

If you received a full moped licence before the CBT was introduced, you’ll need to complete the course before you can take a practical driving test for a light motorcycle category A1.

You can book your CBT on Jersey School of Motorcycling or collect an application form from parish halls or most motorcycle retailers.

Compulsory Basic Training on Jersey School of Motorcycling

Heavy motorcycle

You must first have a full light motorcycle licence for 12 months to apply for a provisional heavy motorcycle licence to ride as a learner.

You won't need to retake the theory test unless you’ve been disqualified or received your A1 licence before the need to pass a theory test was introduced.

You cannot carry passengers when you’re a learner rider.

Lorry, bus or coach

You must be aged 21 or more to apply for a provisional licence to learn to drive either a lorry or bus/coach. The category of provisional that will need is:

Category C – lorry
Category D – bus or coach

Getting your full driving licence

Before sitting your practical driving test, you must have passed the relevant theory test.

Further details of the theory test and how to book it, can be found below.

Other driving licences

You can get other driving licences such as:

tracked vehicles, category h
pedestrian controlled vehicles, category k

These have specific requirements and driving tests. For more information email dvsinfo@gov.je.

Driving theory test

The theory test is an exam to test your knowledge of the Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules. It has 2 parts, multiple-choice questions and hazard perception videos.

There are 4 theory tests depending on the licence you want.

Type of vehicles and theory test
Cars and light vans
Motorcycles and mopeds
Large goods, such as lorries and medium goods vans
Large passenger, such as buses, minibuses and coaches

Type of vehicles and theory test	Licence categories
Cars and light vans	B1, B, B+E and f, k or h
Motorcycles and mopeds	p, A1 or A
Large goods, such as lorries and medium goods vans	C1, C1+E, C or C+E
Large passenger, such as buses, minibuses and coaches	D1, D1+E, D or D+E

You’ll use a computer and mouse during the test.

We can provide headsets to help you concentrate or listen to an English language voice which reads the questions and possible answers. For more information email dvsinfo@gov.je.

Preparing for your theory test

You can test your knowledge using the Jersey Theory Test App. The app costs £14.99 and is available for Apple and Android. A Windows USB version is available from Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS).

Theory Test Pro is free and available online to practice the UK's driving theory test for all categories of vehicle. Find more details on Theory Test Pro at Jersey Library.

DVSA books can prepare you to pass the multiple choice part of your theory test:

Jersey Highway Code

The UK Highway Code on GOV.UK

Book your theory test

Book your test using the online form below.

You’ll need:

your provisional licence number for the category you want to book
a debit or credit card

Book your test online

Change or cancel your theory booking

You can change or cancel your theory test using the online booking form.

If you do this at least 3 full working days in advance the change will be free or your cancellation will be refunded.

How much does a theory test cost

Theory tests cost:

£40.40 for cars, motorcycles, mopeds and light vans
£49.70 for large goods or passenger vehicles

After your theory test

You'll receive a certificate if you pass your test. Your certificate is valid for life unless you’re disqualified from driving.

If you fail you need to retake the test and pay again. You also receive details of your results by topic to help you study.

To get your full driving licence you should practice and take lessons and pass your practical driving test.

On the day of your theory test

Your test will be at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS).

You should arrive 15 minutes early. If you arrive after your booking time you won't be allowed to take the test. You’ll need to re-book and pay again.

You must bring your provisional licence for the category you’re taking the test for. Make sure your licence is valid and in date.

If you do not have your provisional licence with you, we may be able to check our records but you’ll need a form of identification which includes a photo.

What you’ll be tested on

There are 2 parts to the theory test:

multiple choice questions based on the highway code. They can be about driving in Jersey, driving in general or operating the vehicle
hazard perception videos. A developing hazard is something that would cause the driver to take action, like changing speed or direction. You’ll need to watch a number of videos and identify developing hazards. There will be 1 video with 2 hazards. You'll get a maximum of 5 points per hazard depending on how quickly you identify them

Pass marks

You must pass both parts on the same test to receive your theory certificate.

Type of vehicle
Cars, light vans, mopeds and motorcycles
Large goods or passenger such as lorries, medium goods vans, buses, minibuses and coaches

Type of vehicle	Pass marks for multiple choice questions	Pass marks for hazard perception videos
Cars, light vans, mopeds and motorcycles	43 correct answers out of 50 questions	44 points out of 75 points from 14 videos
Large goods or passenger such as lorries, medium goods vans, buses, minibuses and coaches	85 correct answers out of 100 questions	67 points out of 100 points from 19 videos

Practice and driving lessons

You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons and practice driving or riding on the road.

You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive. This means the person must be with you in the vehicle (except motorcycles and vehicles with only 1 seat).

If you're learning to ride a motorcyle or moped you can take lessons with Jersey School of Motorcycling. You can also ask someone to follow you and give you feedback. However, you can't carry them on your motorcycle.

You can take lessons and practice with an approved driving instructor (ADI) or someone who meets the requirements such as family or friends.

There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practice driving.

The vehicle you use must display Learner 'L' plates.

You can drive at any time, day and night.

Practising with family or friends

You can be supervised by family or friends when practising. They must:

be aged 21 or over, and
have held a full Jersey driving licence for 3 years for the type of vehicle you’re learning to drive

You can use the form below to record practice you do without a driving instructor.

Record of private driving practice

Insurance

You must be insured to drive or ride any vehicle you practice with on the road.

A valid windscreen insurance disc (WID) must be displayed on the vehicle.

If you’re practicing in someone else’s car make sure you’re covered to drive that vehicle under your own insurance policy or check you're insured under the owner's policy.

Some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old.

Learning resources

The official DVSA guides can help you learn and maintain your skills:

Skills you need to pass your driving test on GOV.UK

Practical driving test

A practical driving test includes:

an eyesight check
safety questions
about 40 minutes of driving for a car, moped and motorcycle and 70 minutes for a lorry, bus or coach

You can take your test in a vehicle with a manual or automatic transmission. DVS doesn't provide the vehicle for the test.

If you take your test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you’ll only be allowed to drive automatic vehicles. You’ll need to pass another practical test to drive vehicles with manual transmissions.

Book your practical test

You must pass your theory test before you can book your practical driving test.

Book your practical test using the online form.

You’ll need:

your provisional driving licence number
your theory certificate number
if booking a motorcycle test, your CBT certificate number
a debit or credit card

Book your test online

Change or cancel your practical test booking

You can change or cancel your practical test using the online booking form.

If you do this at least 3 full working days in advance the change will be free or your cancellation will be refunded.

How much does a practical test cost

Practical tests cost:

£59.90 for cars and heavy motorcycles
£51.70 for mopeds or light motorcycles
£112.70 for large goods or passenger vehicles

After your practical test

You can drive for 7 days without supervision after you pass your driving test. You'll receive a pass certificate which you should keep with you when driving.

Within 7 days you'll need to apply for your full driving licence to continue to drive. You have up to 5 years to apply for your full driving test without having to repass your driving test.

A full licence costs £70 and is valid for 10 years.

Parishes issue driving licences. Contact them for more details and to apply.

Find your parish on Comité des Connétables.

You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive on your own.

If you fail your driving test you can do the test again in 7 days. You'll be able to drive whilst being supervised using your provisional licence.

On the day of your practical test

Your test will start and finish at Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS).

You should:

arrive 15 minutes early. If you arrive after your booking time you will not be allowed to take the test. You’ll need to re-book and pay again
have a suitable vehicle for the test
show us your theory certificate
show us your provisional driving licence for the relevant category
have your glasses or contact lenses if you require them to drive
sign a declaration that you are insured to drive the vehicle before taking your test
if doing a motorcycle test, have your CBT certificate

You'll have to sign a declaration that you're insured to drive or ride the test vehicle.

You may need to display a different Windshield Insurance Disc (WID) if you’re using someone else’s vehicle.

What you’ll be tested on

To pass the test you must show that you:

can drive safely and competently in different road and traffic conditions
can drive defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users
assume the correct road position when driving and at junctions
can use your observation when appropriate
know The Highway Code by the way you drive

Depending on the category of vehicle there are additional requirements you’ll be tested on.

Cars

During a car driving test you’ll also need to show you can:

move off correctly on a hill
complete 2 reversing manoeuvres
park the car in a left or right parallel parking space
complete an emergency stop and move off correctly

Motorcycles or mopeds

You’ll get a radio receiver and earpiece so the examiner can follow you in a car and give you instructions.

You’ll need to show you can:

ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other road users
use rear observation when appropriate
assume the correct road position when riding and at junctions

Heavy motorcycles

The practical test for heavy motorcycles has 2 parts on and off the road.

The off road exercises include:

3 figures-of-eight around cones
slalom around cones
u-turn in an enclosed area
controlled stop in a specific area
emergency stop
ride alongside the examiner at a varying walking pace

Vehicles you can use for your practical test

You must provide the vehicle to be used for the test.

All vehicles used for a practical driving test must:

be roadworthy
not display any warning lights
display a valid windscreen insurance disc (WID)
for a moped or motorcycle, display integrated L learner plate on the rear number plate
for all other vehicles, display L learner plates on the front and rear

Each vehicle must also fit with the following requirements:

Type of vehicle and category
Car (B)
Moped (p)
Light motorcycle (A1)
Heavy motorcycle (A)
Medium goods (C1)
Medium passenger (D1)
Large goods (C)
Large passenger (D)

Type of vehicle and category	Requirements
Car (B)	Any B category vehicle with good all round vision front seats fitted with head restricts front seats fitted with seat belts
Moped (p)	Any category p moped
Light motorcycle (A1)	Category A1 motorcycle minimum engine capacity of 75cc
Heavy motorcycle (A)	Category A motorcycle minimum engine capacity of 240cc
Medium goods (C1)	Category C1 goods vehicle minimum authorized mass of 4,000kg capable of 50mph (80kph)
Medium passenger (D1)	Category D1 passenger vehicle capable of 50mph (80kph)
Large goods (C)	Category C goods vehicle minimum authorized mass of 10,000kg minimum length of 7 metres capable of 50mph (80kph)
Large passenger (D)	Category D passenger vehicle minimum length of 9 metres capable of 50mph (80kph)

Vehicles not suitable for the test

You cannot take your practical test with:

left-hand drive vehicles
panel vans
Fiat 500 convertible
Ford KA convertible
BMW Mini convertible
VW Beetle convertible
Toyota IQ

These vehicles do not give the all-around vision needed by the examiner.

The examiner can refuse to test you if the vehicle does not meet the visibility requirements. Check with us if you’re not sure the car you want to use is suitable for the test.

Using driving assistance systems

You can use the following driving aids during your practical test:

electronic parking brake
hill start assist
reversing assistance cameras or sensors. However, you’ll be assessed on your ability to use mirrors and do blind spot checks

You can take your test in a vehicle that has a self-parking feature but it will need to be switched off.

Carrying passengers

You usually cannot carry any passenger during your driving test other than the examiner. If you want to bring someone you first need to get approval from the Inspector of Motor Traffic.

Sometimes an observer from DVS will come with the examiner.

Recording your test

You cannot record your driving test.

You’ll have to switch off any device fitted to the vehicle that can do audio or visual recordings. If you cannot switch it off, the test will end and you won't get a refund.