The Driving Test
What you need to understand about the Driving Test
UK Practical Test
The car practical driving test
Documents you must bring
You must bring:
-your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you are not exempt
-both parts of your photo card licence
If you don't:
-your test may not go ahead
-you may lose your fee
You must bring the following documents with you. Read this information carefully. If you do not bring the right documents, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.
The driving test for a car is designed for you to show you understand and can demonstrate your knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.
The driving ability part of your driving test
If you make a mistake
Don't worry if you make a mistake - it might be a less serious driving fault and might not affect your result
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.
Your general driving ability
During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions. You should drive in the way your instructor has trained you.
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Your ability to reverse your vehicle safely
You'll be asked to complete an exercise to show how well you can reverse your vehicle. The examiner will choose one exercise from:
-reversing around a corner
-turning in the road
-reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road
Independent driving section of the driving test
Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.
Practical test for cars explained
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
-can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
-know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:
-an eyesight check - if you fail this, your test will not continue
-your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks
You'll be asked one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
Independent driving explained
Your practical driving test will include approximately 10 minutes of independent driving.
During your test you'll have to drive independently by either following:
-traffic signs
-a series of directions
-a combination of both
To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.
It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going.
The independent driving route
If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.
If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.
If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.
Driving tests now include "Show Me Tell Me" at the start of your driving test
You'll do this before your drive. You'll answer two basic car maintenance questions
Ready?
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-"Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil"
-Open the bonnet identify dipstick /oil level indicator, describe oil level check against the minimum/maximum markers
-"Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level"
-Open the bonnet, identify reservoir and explain how to check level
-"Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level"
-Open the bonnet identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. Radiators are only opened with a cold engine
-"Open the bonnet, show me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
-Open the bonnet, identify brake fluid reservoir and explain how to check level"
-"Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear"
-Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures the car and is not at the end of its working travel. Keep your foot on the footbrake
-"Show me how you would check that the horn is working"
-(off road only) Sound horn by using the appropriate device (turn on ignition if necessary)
-"Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers"
-Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary)
-"Show me /explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey"
-If steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. After starting the engine two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Or, turn the steering wheel as you move off, you will get an immediate indication that the power assistance is working
-"Show me how you would check that the direction indicators / hazard warning lights are working"
-Apply the indicators / hazard warning switch and check all indicators
-"Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car"
-Use reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to check (turn on ignition)
-"Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working correctly before starting a journey"
-Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side when you brake
-"Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working"
-(stay in car and turn on ignition if necessary) Explain: Operate switch and then walk around vehicle. (You do not need to leave the car to check the lights)
-"Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked"
-Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps
-"Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road"
-No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Remember your spare tyre
-"Show me how you would switch from dipped headlight to main beam. Explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside you car"
-Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) check for the main beam warning light
-"Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear both front and rear windscreens effectively
-Set relevant controls which include: fan, temperature, air direction and source, plus heated screen controls. (Do not start engine)
-"Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash"
-The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. The restraint should be as close to the back of the head as is comfortably possible (Not all head restraints are adjustable)
-"Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them"
-(stay in the car) Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary and select dipped beam) Check fog warning light is on. Explain use
-"Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system"
-The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
Top 10 Reasons for Failing Your
Practical Car Driving Test
Please note that any information shown on this site is subject to alteration and is subject to review on a periodic
basis. The top 10 takes into consideration serious and dangerous faults.
1. Junctions Observation
2. Left Reverse - Control & Observation
3. Steering
4. Mirror Changing direction
5. Reverse Parking - Control & Observation
6. Gears
7. Moving Away Safely
8. Left Reverse - Observation
9. Move Away Under Control
10. Normal Driving