The day of your practical driving test is a big step towards getting your full driving licence. You’ll arrive at the test centre, meet your examiner, and spend about 40 minutes demonstrating your driving skills on real roads. Your test will include an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, various driving manoeuvres, and independent driving, with the examiner assessing whether you can drive safely and confidently.
Feeling nervous is normal, but knowing what will happen can help you stay calm. The test follows a clear structure that starts before you even get in the car and continues through different types of roads and driving situations.
This guide walks you through each part of the test day. You’ll learn what documents to bring, what the examiner will ask you to do, and how to show that you’re ready to drive on your own.
Essential Preparations Before Your Practical Driving Test
Getting ready for your practical test means bringing the right documents, arriving on time, and making sure your car meets DVSA standards. These steps help your test run smoothly from start to finish.
Required Documents and What to Bring
You must bring your provisional driving licence to your test. The examiner will check this before you start, and without it, your test cannot go ahead.
Your UK provisional driving licence needs to be the photocard version. Paper licences are no longer accepted for practical tests. If you’ve lost your licence or it’s damaged, you’ll need to order a replacement before your test date.
You also need your theory test pass certificate number. The certificate itself isn’t required, but the examiner will verify your pass using the reference number. Your theory test pass is valid for two years from the date you passed.
Make sure you have both parts of your photocard licence with you. Check that all details are correct and up to date. If your address has changed, you should update your licence before test day.
Arriving at the Test Centre
Plan to arrive at the test centre 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to find parking, use the toilet if needed, and settle your nerves before the examiner comes to meet you.
Being late can result in losing your test slot entirely. You won’t get a refund, and you’ll need to book and pay for another test. Check your confirmation email for the exact address and allow extra time for traffic or delays.
When you arrive, wait in the designated area. The examiner will call your name at your appointment time. Stay close to the test centre entrance so you don’t miss them.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Test
You can take your test in any car that meets DVSA requirements. The car must be roadworthy, insured, and display L-plates on the front and back.
Manual and automatic cars have different test requirements. If you take your test in an automatic car, you’ll only be qualified to drive automatics. Taking your test in a manual car allows you to drive both types.
Your car must have an extra interior mirror for the examiner to use. It needs working seatbelts, headrests, and no warning lights showing on the dashboard. All tyres must meet legal requirements.
Most learners use their driving instructor’s car for the test. If you’ve taken an intensive driving course, the course provider typically includes a test car. Using a familiar car helps you feel more comfortable during the test.
Initial Checks and Vehicle Safety Questions
Before you start driving, your examiner will test your eyesight and ask you two vehicle safety questions to make sure you understand basic car maintenance and can operate your vehicle safely.
Eyesight Check Procedures
The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a specific distance. You’ll need to read a new-style number plate from 20 metres away or an old-style plate from 20.5 metres away.
The examiner will point out a parked car and ask you to read its registration number. You can wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving. If you can’t read the plate correctly, the test won’t continue and you’ll fail.
This check happens before you get in the car. It only takes a moment, but it’s essential because the DVSA requires all drivers to meet minimum eyesight standards for road safety.
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
You’ll answer two vehicle safety questions during your test. The examiner will ask you one “tell me” question before you start driving and one “show me” question whilst you’re driving.
Tell me questions require you to explain how you’d carry out a safety task. For example, you might need to describe how to check the engine oil level or explain how you’d know if your brakes weren’t working properly.
Show me questions require you to demonstrate something whilst driving. The examiner might ask you to show them how to wash the windscreen or demist the rear window.
You’ll get one minor fault if you answer both questions incorrectly. Getting one wrong won’t affect your test result.
Basic Car Maintenance Knowledge
You need to understand basic car checks that keep your vehicle safe. The DVSA expects you to know how to check fluid levels, tyre condition, and essential controls.
Key areas you should know include:
- Tyres – checking tread depth and pressure
- Fluids – engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer
- Lights – ensuring all indicators, brake lights, and headlights work
- Brakes – recognising warning signs of brake problems
You don’t need to be a mechanic, but you should understand basic maintenance tasks. Your driving instructor will cover these topics during your lessons. Practice checking these items on your own car so you feel confident explaining them.
Structure of the Practical Driving Test
The UK practical driving test follows a set structure that takes 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll complete several components including vehicle safety questions, general driving, at least one reversing manoeuvre, and independent driving.
Driving Test Format and Duration
Your practical driving test lasts 40 minutes in total. During this time, you’ll drive on a variety of roads that may include residential streets, dual carriageways, and busy junctions.
The test includes several key parts you must complete. You’ll answer two vehicle safety questions called “show me, tell me” questions. One question happens before you start driving, and you’ll answer the other whilst driving.
You’ll perform at least one reversing manoeuvre during your test. This could be parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right side of the road. The examiner will also ask you to complete 20 minutes of independent driving, where you follow directions from a sat nav or road signs.
Role of the Driving Examiner
The driving examiner assesses your ability to drive safely and confidently. They sit quietly in the passenger seat and give you clear directions throughout the test.
Your examiner watches how you handle the car, follow traffic rules, and respond to different road situations. They mark any errors you make as either minor or serious faults. You can pass with up to 15 minor faults, but one serious or dangerous fault means you’ll fail.
The examiner won’t try to trick you or make you nervous. They remain neutral and professional throughout the test. They only speak to give directions, ask the vehicle safety questions, or provide feedback at the end.
Test Routes and Directions
Test routes aren’t published in advance, but your examiner will take you through different types of roads near your test centre. You won’t know the exact driving test route beforehand, which tests your ability to drive safely in unfamiliar areas.
The examiner gives you directions in plenty of time. They’ll tell you where to turn at the next junction or roundabout. If you miss a direction or take a wrong turn, don’t worry. The examiner will simply redirect you, and it won’t count as a fault unless you drive unsafely.
Your test route will include a range of road conditions and traffic situations. This helps the examiner see how you handle different challenges like roundabouts, busy high streets, and faster roads.
On-Road Assessment and Key Manoeuvres
During your practical test, the examiner will assess your ability to drive safely in different situations and perform specific tasks that show you can control your vehicle properly. You’ll need to demonstrate general driving skills throughout the route and complete at least one manoeuvre when asked.
General Driving Ability
The examiner watches how you drive throughout the entire test. They check if you follow road signs correctly and maintain proper control of your vehicle. You need to show good observation skills by checking mirrors regularly and looking ahead for potential hazards.
Your ability to judge speed and distance matters when changing lanes or joining traffic. The examiner expects you to position your car correctly on the road and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. You must respond appropriately to traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and road markings.
Key areas the examiner assesses include:
- Use of mirrors and blind spot checks
- Speed appropriate for conditions
- Response to road signs and signals
- Awareness of other road users
- Smooth steering and vehicle control
You should avoid creating danger to other road users through poor positioning or sudden movements. The examiner marks both minor faults (things you could improve) and serious faults (actions that pose a risk to road safety).
Pull Over and Pull Away Tasks
You’ll be asked to pull over at the side of the road in a safe place. The examiner wants to see that you can choose an appropriate spot and position your car close to the kerb without mounting it. You must check for road signs that might prevent you from stopping in that location.
When pulling away, you need to check all mirrors and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. You should signal if other road users would benefit from knowing your intentions. Your timing matters when pulling away so you don’t cause other vehicles to slow down or change direction.
The pull over and pull away test might happen more than once during your test. Each time, you must demonstrate proper observation and safe judgement.
Hill Start and Rejoining Traffic
If your test route includes hills, you’ll need to show you can stop and start safely on an incline. You must prevent the car from rolling backwards by using the handbrake and finding the biting point correctly. This demonstrates your clutch control and ability to manage the vehicle in challenging situations.
When rejoining traffic from a parked position or after completing another manoeuvre, you must check thoroughly for approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. You need to judge the speed and distance of other road users accurately. Moving off when it’s unsafe creates danger to other road users and will result in a serious fault.
Your observations must be thorough enough that the examiner can see you actively checking for hazards. A quick glance isn’t sufficient—you need to demonstrate clear awareness of your surroundings before you rejoin traffic.
Reversing and Parking Skills
During your practical test, you’ll perform one reversing manoeuvre chosen by your examiner. The three possible exercises test your ability to control the car at slow speeds, judge distances accurately, and check your surroundings safely.
Parallel Parking
You’ll need to reverse your car into a space behind a parked vehicle at the side of the road. The examiner will ask you to pull up alongside a parked car, then reverse into the space behind it.
Your car should end up reasonably close to the kerb and within two car lengths of the vehicle in front. You can take as much time as you need to complete the manoeuvre.
Key points to remember:
- Check all mirrors and blind spots before you start
- Use reference points to judge when to turn the steering wheel
- Keep your speed slow and controlled throughout
- Make sure you don’t mount the kerb or get too far from it
You can adjust your position during the manoeuvre if needed. The examiner looks for safe observation and good control rather than perfection.
Bay Parking
Bay parking involves either reversing into a parking bay and driving out, or driving in and reversing out. The examiner will tell you which method to use before you start.
You need to park your car neatly within the white lines of the bay. Take your time and use your mirrors to check your position. You can make corrections if you’re not straight or if you’re too close to one side.
If you’re reversing in, check behind you constantly and watch for pedestrians or other vehicles. When driving out of a bay, make thorough checks before you move. The key is to stay in full control and show awareness of what’s around you.
Pull Up on the Right and Reversing Manoeuvres
This exercise involves pulling up on the right side of the road, reversing for about two car lengths, then rejoining traffic by moving forward. You’ll need to check carefully for approaching vehicles and pedestrians throughout.
When pulling up on the right, treat it like you’re parking on the opposite side of the road. Once stopped, you’ll reverse backwards in a straight line for roughly two car lengths. Watch your mirrors and look behind you regularly whilst reversing.
The most important part is rejoining the traffic safely. Check your mirrors and blind spot thoroughly before pulling away. You may need to cross to the left side of the road, so wait for a safe gap in traffic from both directions.
Independent and Emergency Driving Tasks
During your practical test, you’ll spend about 20 minutes driving independently using either a sat nav or road signs, and you may be asked to perform an emergency stop to show you can react quickly under pressure.
Independent Driving and Following Directions
You’ll complete roughly 20 minutes of independent driving during your test. The examiner will ask you to follow directions from either a sat nav (which they’ll provide and set up) or by following road signs to a specific location.
If you’re using the sat nav, don’t worry if you take a wrong turn. The examiner will help you get back on track, and it won’t count as a fault unless you make a driving error whilst doing so.
When following road signs, you’ll need to look ahead and spot the relevant signs in good time. The examiner wants to see that you can plan your route, get into the correct lane, and follow directions without losing focus on your driving.
Key points for independent driving:
- You can ask the examiner to repeat directions if needed
- Taking a wrong turn isn’t a fault on its own
- Continue driving safely even if you’re unsure of the route
- The examiner will step in if you go seriously off course
Emergency Stop Procedure
One in three tests includes an emergency stop. The examiner will tell you they might ask you to stop quickly, as if something ran into the road. They’ll give you a signal to stop by tapping the dashboard or raising their hand.
When you see the signal, you need to react quickly. Press the brake and clutch pedals firmly and stop the car as fast as you can whilst keeping control. Your wheels might skid briefly, which is normal.
After stopping, secure the car with the handbrake and put it in neutral. Wait for the examiner to tell you when it’s safe to move off again. They’re checking that you can stop safely without losing control or causing danger to other road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many drivers have similar concerns about test day procedures, required documents, and what examiners look for during the 40-minute assessment.
How should I prepare for my practical driving test on the morning of the exam?
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a proper breakfast on test day. Your body and mind need fuel to stay focused during the 40-minute test.
Arrive at the test centre at least 10 minutes early. This gives you time to settle your nerves and ensures you won’t be rushed.
Bring your provisional driving licence and any other required documents. Check that you have everything the night before to avoid last-minute stress.
What documents am I required to bring to my practical driving test?
You must bring your valid provisional driving licence to the test centre. The examiner will not let you take the test without it.
If you have an old-style paper licence, you must also bring a valid passport. The examiner needs a photo to confirm your identity.
Your driving instructor will usually bring the car’s insurance and MOT documents. Make sure these are in the vehicle before your test starts.
What manoeuvres can I expect to perform during my practical driving test?
You will complete one reversing manoeuvre during your test. The examiner will ask you to do either parallel park, park in a bay, or pull up on the right side of the road.
All three manoeuvres test your ability to control the car at low speeds. You need to show good observations and accuracy whilst completing the task.
The examiner chooses which manoeuvre you’ll do on test day. Your instructor should have practised all three options with you during your lessons.
How will the examiner assess my driving ability throughout the test?
The examiner watches how you handle different road types and traffic situations. They mark driving faults, serious faults, and dangerous faults on a marking sheet.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass your test. One serious or dangerous fault means an automatic fail.
The examiner looks at your observations, positioning, speed control, and how you respond to other road users. They want to see that you can drive safely without help or prompts.
Can you explain the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ part of the practical driving test?
The ‘Tell Me’ question happens before you start driving. The examiner asks you to explain how you’d carry out a safety task, such as checking tyre pressure or testing brakes.
The ‘Show Me’ question occurs whilst you’re driving. You might be asked to demonstrate how to wash the windscreen or use the rear heated screen.
Getting one or both questions wrong counts as one driving fault. This won’t fail you on its own, but it adds to your total fault count.
What happens if I commit a mistake during the practical driving test?
Making a small mistake doesn’t mean you’ve failed your test. The examiner marks minor errors as driving faults, and you’re allowed up to 15 of these.
If you make a serious mistake that affects your safety or others, the examiner will mark it as a serious fault. One serious fault results in a test fail.
Try to stay calm and focus on the rest of your driving even after a mistake. Many learners pass their test despite making a few driving faults along the way.
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