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The practical driving test: what to expect
The practical test lasts around 40 minutes. You must have passed your theory test and hold a provisional licence. Book through GOV.UK only.
What happens
- Eyesight check: you read a number plate from a set distance
- Vehicle safety questions: one "tell me" question before you drive and one "show me" question while driving
- General driving: roads of different types, junctions, roundabouts and normal stops
- Independent driving: about 20 minutes following directions from a sat nav or road signs
- A manoeuvre: for example parallel parking, bay parking or pulling up on the right
How the test is marked
The examiner records faults as driving faults, serious faults or dangerous faults. You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, but any serious or dangerous fault means you fail.
Tips for test day
- Have a lesson beforehand so you are warmed up
- Check your mirrors and look properly at junctions, because many faults come from observation
- Do not rush. Take your time, and follow the speed limits and road signs
- If you make a mistake, carry on. One mistake does not mean you have failed
- Bring your licence and, if you took your theory test, your theory certificate details
If you do not pass
You can book another test, and you will have to wait at least ten working days. Your examiner will explain your faults, and your instructor can help you work on them before you resit. If you need to cancel or move your test, you must give at least ten working days' notice or you could lose your fee.
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