Practical Driving Test
Practical Driving Test
Your instructor will tell you exactly what the examiner will be looking out for – and what your strengths and weaknesses are.
Passing your test is not about performing a couple of tricks. The manoeuvres are important, but what really matters is observing and understanding the situations you find yourself in, and reacting competently and appropriately.
BOOKING YOUR PRACTICAL TEST
So you feel you’re ready for your practical test – how exciting! Just like your theory test, you can book your practical driving test online via GOV.UK/book-practical-driving-test.
- A valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
- Credit or debit card details to pay for the test
- Your theory test pass date and certificate number
- Your driving instructor’s personal reference number – to make sure they are available.
Mock Practical Test
Taking a mock test is not compulsory but it is something Lavinia recommends. They enable you to experience driving independently under observation and can be useful to help fight the nerves before taking your driving test!
An extended mock test allows for all the driving manoeuvres and emergency stop to be practiced, even if this will not happen in the real practical driving test.
THE DAY OF THE PRACTICAL TEST
Your instructor will pick you up at the agreed time, usually around an hour before the test. This gives you the chance to ‘warm up’ and get any last minute queries answered. You have the option of your instructor sitting in the back of the vehicle for the duration of the test but this is optional.
Ensure you take both your provisional licence along with a copy of your theory test pass certificate. We would also recommend taking the booking details of the test.
- An eyesight check
- The ‘show me, tell me’ test. You don’t have to be a right petrolhead but you’ve got to be able to answer some basic questions about what goes on under the hood
- Manoeuvres / emergency stop
- The actual driving, which lasts about 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes of independent driving
At the end of the test, the examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the driving test. The examiner will produce a test report and describe any errors you made and if applicable, why you failed your test.
If you have passed, you will receive a test pass certificate that will entitle you to drive immediately. However, your instructor will usually drive you back home afterwards.
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