Warning!! When booking your driving tests online beware of scamming websites who are there to rip you off - you could end up paying up to £20 extra - only use the official DSA booking facility. These are the official links:
direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest
direct.gov.uk/changetheorytest
direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest
direct.gov.ukchangepracticaltest
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 with you: -
- your signed Provisional photo card driving licence (both parts)
- your theory test pass certificate
(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)
Normally, you will be using your driving instructor’s vehicle for the test. If you use your own car it 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 questions about the vehicle. 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 these “show me tell me” questions will be asked once you are in the car
The examiner will then ask you to drive away from the Test Centre and will give you directions to 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 may well not be as serious as you think - keep calm and carry on! The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
During the test, the examiner will ask you to undertake one of the set reversing manoeuvres, a period of “independent driving” 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 Books & DVD’s page will help you with all aspects of learning to drive and passing your driving test.
More information can be found at the Direct.gov website