Practical Driving Test
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions. It also tests to see if you know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
Driving ability
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. The driving part of your test will last about 38 to 40 minutes during which you will be examined on your general driving and ability to reverse your vehicle safely.
One exercise will be chosen from:
- reversing around a corner
- turn in the road
- reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise..
Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently. Learn about independent driving.
Documents required for your test
On the day of your test you will need to remember to bring the following documentation.
- Theory test pass certificate
- Both parts of your driving licence - the photo-card and the paper counterpart.
- If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and you must also bring a valid Passport. (No other form of photographic identification will be accepted)
Before you start the driving test
You will be asked to do a eyesight check. Your driving examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle from a distance of:
- 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
- 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions: please see our show me tell me section
Your driving test result
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won't pass your test.
If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.
When the driving test has ended, you can call your instructor over if they didn't go with you on your test. This is so they can listen to the result and feedback with you. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed and will explain how you did during the test.
If you are unsuccessful you can take another practical test ten working days after your failed car test.