Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will
then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall
safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and
still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the
test.
The practical driving test
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
- can drive safely
- know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
What will the test include?
The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight
test requires you to read a number plate that is 20 metres away.
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined
on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
- reversing around a corner
- turning in the road
- reverse parking (bay park or parallel park)
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although
some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not
be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems,
which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate
to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
You can find source material in the DSA publication 'The official guide to Driving - the essential
skills' and 'The official DSA guide to learning to drive'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety
checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered
incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as
uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask
you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about
it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe
standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one
serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road
users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in
the test.
After the practical test
When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your
test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass...
If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full
driving licence issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically
to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test.
DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within four weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you
will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next.
This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new
full licence.
If you fail...
If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving
report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test after 10 working days.
Pass Plus
The DSA recommends that new car drivers who have just passed their practical test consider taking Pass Plus. Pass
Plus is a course of six extra modules taken with a driving instructor after passing your test.
