What Happens During The Practical Test

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The test centre

Arrive at the centre in plenty of time for your test, including a loo stop if you need it. Wait in the centre with your instructor until your appointed examiner calls your name.

A check of your paperwork will follow, during which you will be required to sign an insurance declaration on the DL 25 test report form. You must check beforehand that the car you are using is insured. Then lead the way out to your car, and don't forget the keys.

Step 3: Sight test

Before you get in the vehicle you'll be asked to read a license plate from a minimum distance of 20.5 metres. This proves eye sight is legally adequate to drive, if you are unable to do this, the test stop and you will have failed.

Step 4: Show Me/ Tell Me

Next the examiner will ask two 'Show Me/ Tell Me' car safety questions. Be prepared to lift the bonnet to point out where some key parts are. Have a look at our car maintenance films to prepare yourself for this section.

Step 5: Driving assessment

The driving part of your test lasts about forty minutes. The examiner directs you on a route over a range of typical road and traffic conditions. You must demonstrate your competent control of the car and achieve an overall safe standard of driving.

You will be asked to show two out of a possible three set manoeuvres, these being; reverse round a corner, make a turn in the road, or park your car - either parallel parking or reversing into a bay. You may also be required to show an emergency stop. Aim to get no faults at all. You should drive as you have been doing with your instructor, making confident, but safe progress. Examiners do not have pass or fail quotas; as long as you demonstrate the standard required, you will pass your test.

Top Tips

You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel nervous! Keep your focus on the road and the traffic conditions. Take a deep breath if you feel anxious. If you feel that you've made a mistake, put it behind you and concentrate on what's happening next.

Step 6: After the practical test

When the test is over, the examiner tells you whether you have passed or failed. They will automatically offer you feedback in either case. This is particularly helpful if you have failed the test, as it will give you pointers on how to prepare for a retake. If you pass, the examiner will take your provisional license off you, ready for the shredder, as you can expect to receive you full license within 21 days.