From 4th October 2010 the practical test will change to include an element of “independent driving”, You can learn more about this here: Independent Driving
To make time for this new part of the test you will only be asked to perform one of the set reversing manoeuvres, instead of two.
The Practical Driving Test lasts approximately 40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
When attending your test you will need to take 3 documents with you: -
- your signed Provisional photo card driving licence (both parts)
- your theory test pass certificate
- your appointment letter
(If you do not take any of the above, your test will not go ahead and you will lose your fee. If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted)
The car you use for the driving test must be taxed, MOT tested (if over three years old), and insured for you to drive it (if it is your own car you should take your certificate of insurance with you in case it is asked for). The vehicle must be in a legally roadworthy condition, displaying L Plates and be fitted with an extra interior rear-view mirror for the use of the examiner.
When you attend your driving test you will be required to sign your test form, after which you will walk outside with the driving examiner and be given an eye sight test (by reading a number plate). You will then walk to the car where you will be asked two of the “show me tell me” questions. You may have to open the bonnet for one of these questions, in which case the examiner may ask you to do this before entering the car. Otherwise, you may be asked to get into the driver’s seat straight away and the “show me tell me” questions will be asked once you are in the car
The examiner will then ask you to drive around one of several pre-set test routes and will give you directions which you should follow. Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't let this stress you out, it will probably be a minor fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
During the test, the examiner will ask you to undertake two of the set reversing manoeuvres (from 4th Oct 2010 only one reversing manoeuvre) and, optionally, the emergency stop. At the end of the test, you will have returned to the test centre and the examiner will finish marking your test sheet and will give you your result.
The interactive “Driving Test Complete” DVD on the Study Materials page will help you with all aspects of learning to drive and passing your driving test.
More information can be found at this page