Getting on the road practical test

Your driving licence and photo identity must be shown to the examiner prior to the test commencing. Make sure you check with your instructor that you have the correct documents before you leave for the test centre. The test will begin with an eyesight test which if you fail means the test is cancelled.

During the test you must show the examiner that you are a safe driver. In other words put the highway code into practice and complete the set of exercises.

The test will last around 40 minutes and will involve a variety of roads, including higher speed roads, besides general driving it will include special exercices.

Reversing around a corner

Turning into the road

Reverse parking

Every test includes two of the three manoeuvres The emergency stops/controlled stops are now carried out at random (1 in 3 tests)

Test Marking

A candidate who commits a dangerous or a serious driving fault, or habitually repeats a less serious fault indicating serious weakness will fail. A dangerous fault could involve the examiner taking physical action in the interest of public safety. A serious fault could have occurred but fortunately no other road user was involved.

Book Your Test

Book your test online www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest

You can also book a test by telephone using your credit or debit card, the person that books the test must be the cardholder. If booking by credit card you will be given the date and time of your test immediately.

Call 0300 200 11 22 any time between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. When you phone you should have your DVLA driving licence and credit card details available.

You will be given a booking number and sent an appointment letter that you should receive within 10 days.