The practical driving test in the UK is a key milestone in becoming a fully licensed driver. It assesses your ability to drive safely and competently under various road and traffic conditions. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect during the test to help you prepare and approach it with confidence.
Pre-Test Preparation
Arrival:
- Arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. This gives you a chance to relax and complete any necessary pre-test formalities.
Documentation:
- Bring your provisional driving license, theory test pass certificate, and confirmation of your practical test booking.
Vehicle Check:
- Ensure your car is roadworthy and meets all requirements, such as displaying L plates and having insurance that covers you for the test.
Meeting the Examiner
- The examiner will introduce themselves and ask to see your documents.
- They will explain the format of the test and ask if you have any questions.
Eyesight Check
- Before you get into the car, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters. If you fail this, the test will not proceed.
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
- The test begins with two vehicle safety questions. One ‘tell me’ question before you start driving, where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task (e.g., “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey”).
- During the drive, the examiner will ask one ‘show me’ question where you need to demonstrate a safety task (e.g., “Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen”).
The Driving Test
General Driving:
- The test typically lasts around 40 minutes. You’ll be assessed on your general driving ability, including:
- Moving off safely
- Normal stops
- Hill starts
- Angle starts
Manoeuvres:
- You’ll be asked to perform one of the following manoeuvres:
- Parallel park at the side of the road
- Park in a bay (either driving in and reversing out or reversing in and driving out)
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths, and rejoin traffic
Independent Driving:
- You’ll drive independently for about 20 minutes, following either:
- Traffic signs
- A series of verbal directions from the examiner
- Directions from a sat nav provided by the examiner
Emergency Stop:
- In one out of three tests, you’ll be asked to perform an emergency stop.
Driving Environment
- The test will cover various road conditions and types, such as:
- Urban roads
- Rural roads
- Dual carriageways
- Roundabouts
- Traffic lights
- Junctions
Assessment Criteria
- Throughout the test, the examiner will be assessing you on:
- Control of the vehicle
- Observation and awareness
- Following road signs and signals
- Interaction with other road users
- Overall safety and competency
- Faults are categorized as:
- Minor Faults: Small mistakes that do not pose a danger (e.g., stalling the car but recovering safely).
- Major Faults: Serious mistakes that pose a danger or show a lack of control (e.g., not checking mirrors before changing lanes).
- Dangerous Faults: Mistakes that cause immediate danger to you, the examiner, or other road users (e.g., failing to stop at a red light).
End of the Test
- Upon returning to the test centre, the examiner will ask you to turn off the engine and they will give you feedback.
- They will inform you if you have passed or failed. You need to have 15 or fewer minor faults and no major or dangerous faults to pass.
Pass: You’ll receive a pass certificate and can apply for your full driving license. Fail: The examiner will explain why you didn’t pass and provide feedback to help you improve before retaking the test.
Post-Test Tips
- Regardless of the outcome, listen carefully to the feedback.
- If you pass, ensure to send off for your full license as soon as possible.
- If you fail, use the feedback to practice and focus on the areas needing improvement before booking another test.
By understanding what happens during the practical driving test and preparing thoroughly, you can approach the test with confidence and increase your chances of passing. Good luck!
