The Driving Test

The Driving Test

When attending your driving test you will need to take the card part of your driving licence, theory pass certificate and a suitable vehicle.

Eyesight Check

At the start of your practical driving test you have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. Glasses or contact lenses must be worn if required.

Click: Show Me / Tell Me Questions

You will be asked to answer two vehicle safety check questions.

You will be asked a tell me question, which requires you to point and briefly explain.

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how you would check the oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

You will be asked a show me question, which requires you to show and briefly explain.

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Apply indicators or hazard warning lights and check all indicators.

These are basic safety checks that you should carry out to ensure the your car is safe drive.

On the Driving Test

The Examiner will explain how your test will be conducted and how directions will be given.

You will be tested on general driving, reversing exercises and the independent driving exercise. Link You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Providing you drive in safe manner, displaying good awareness and anticipation of other road users and do not accumulate more than 15 minor driving faults and no major faults you will pass.

The driving test normally lasts about 40 minutes. During the test the examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving. Your test maybe terminated if at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users.

The examiner will ask you if you would like you’re driving instructor to accompany you on the test, this is your choice and should only choose to do so if you feel it would help with your concentration. Anyone over 16 years old can sit in on your test, but cannot take part.

You will be told the result at the end of your test. The Examiner will briefly explain any driving faults that you may have accumulated and what your next course of action is depending on the result.

When you pass the examiner will take your licence, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will be given a pass certificate to confirm your successful result. Your new full driving licence will normally arrive by post within four weeks of passing.

Should you fail the examiner will briefly explain why and give you an understanding how you could prepare yourself for the next test. Your driving report will also highlight where you made the mistakes. You can immediately book another test, but you must wait at least 10 working days before you can attend the test.