The test will include an eyesight check which requires you to read a
number plate at a certain distance away, dependant on type of number
plate. After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety
check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and
on one reversing exercises.
The reversing exercise will be chosen from:
- Reversing around a corner;
- Turning in the road;
- Reverse parking - You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Vehicle Safety Questions: These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
During The Test: The examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out one exercise.
Your practical driving test will also include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way you have been taught. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
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. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
After The Test: The examiner will give you a de-brief, if you pass you will be given a pass certificate. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
If you fail the test the examiner will give some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes.
