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:

1. check what age you can drive
   
2. get a provisional licence
3. pass your driving theory test
   
4. if you want to ride a motorcycle or moped, complete the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)​​
   
5. practice and take driving lessons
   
6. 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.

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 J​ersey 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.

​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 you​r 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:

• DVSA book for car drivers
• DVSA book for motorcyclists
• DVSA book for drivers of LGV or PCV

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:

• £39.50 for cars, motorcycles, mopeds and light vans
• £48.50 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.

​

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 insur​ed 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:

• Guide to Driving
  
• Guide to Riding
• Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles LGV and HGV

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

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:

• £58.50 for cars and heavy motorcycles
• £50.50 for mopeds or light motorcycles
• £110 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 Veh​icle 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:

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 hav​e 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.​​​