Practical test

Booking your practical test

The easiest way to book your practical driving test is by visiting the official website www.direct.gov.uk, completing the onscreen instructions. You will need to have your theory test certificate available in order to successfully book your practical test. You can pay online. You should receive your test date within seven days, in the post.

If you prefer, you can book your practical test by ringing the DVLA on 0300 200 1122.

What to expect

When you arrive at the test centre you will sign a form before going out into the car park. Here you’ll be asked to read a number plate from a set distance. The purpose of this is to check that your eyesight is up to scratch, so if you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you wear them! Indeed, if you are short-sighted, it is extremely important that you wear the correct eyewear throughout your driving career. If you can’t see where you’re going, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel!  Next you’ll be asked some specific vehicle safety questions, the purpose of which will be to check that you know how to keep the car in working order and how to look after it.

The driving test overall looks to ascertain that you are responsible, confident, aware, considerate, and skilled in operating the car.

It will last for about forty minutes, and will mostly involve driving round with the local traffic, negotiating roundabouts, junctions, and other everyday driving tasks. You will also be asked to perform two manoeuvres. A manoeuvre simply is the kind of thing performed in reverse parking, turns-in-the-road, etc.

When you’ve parked the car and turned off the engine, that’s the end of the test! You are allowed 16 minor faults and 0 major faults. If you drove within this margin, then you’ll have passed!

Remember, if you fail, don’t be discouraged. Also, the driving examiner will explain exactly where you went wrong, so you’ll be able to learn from your mistakes.

If you have any queries about the practical test, please feel free to voice them when you register your details with us. Alternatively, please have a browse at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring/learnerandnewdrivers/practicaltest/dg_4022540