PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Here’s a clear breakdown of what it consists of:

 

🚗 1. Eyesight Check

Before you even start driving:

• You must read a number plate from 20 metres away

• If you fail this, the test ends immediately

 

❓ 2. “Show Me, Tell Me” Questions

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions:

• “Tell me” (before driving) – e.g. how to check tyre pressure

• “Show me” (while driving) – e.g. how to use windscreen wipers

👉 You can get 1 minor fault if you get one wrong.

 

🛣️ 3. General Driving Ability (Around 40 minutes)

This is the main part of the test. You’ll drive in different situations:

• Town roads

• Residential areas

• Possibly dual carriageways

The examiner looks at:

• Mirror use

• Signalling

• Positioning

• Speed control

• Awareness of hazards

 

🧭 4. Independent Driving (20 minutes)

You’ll drive independently by:

• Following a sat nav, OR

• Following road signs

This checks that you can:

• Make your own decisions

• Stay calm if you go the wrong way (you won’t fail for that!)

 

🔁 5. Manoeuvres (1 required)

You’ll be asked to do one of these:

Parallel parking

6

Bay parking (forward or reverse)

7

Pull up on the right and reverse

6

 

🛑 6. Emergency Stop (Sometimes)

You might be asked to do this:

• Stop the car quickly but safely when told

 

❌ Faults & Passing

There are 3 types of faults:

• Driving faults (minor) – up to 15 allowed

• Serious fault – instant fail

• Dangerous fault – instant fail

 

👉 To pass:

• No serious or dangerous faults

• No more than 15 minors

 

⏱️ How Long It Takes

• Around 40 minutes total

 

✅ What Examiners Want

They’re not looking for perfection. They want to see that you are:

• Safe

• In control

• Aware of other road users

• Able to make decisions independently

 

👉 Book your test today 

Book your driving test - GOV.UK