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 Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests
outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This
provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended
working day.
Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test
centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources
being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate
tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm
Monday to Friday.
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 a certain distance away. For more information
click here.
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
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.
For a free copy of all
the DSA vehicle safety questions
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 photo card 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 10 working days after your car or motorcycle
test.
Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same
standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you
demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather
conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will
arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is
not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on
the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.
If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you
or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own
cost.
Changes to the
Practical Driving Test from October 2010 - Independent Driving
