THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
Preparing for your driving test
Your test will last about 40 minutes and you can take your instructor with you if you want. Before going out on the road you'll do an eyesight check and be asked one safety question ('tell me'). You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions and drive independently for about 20 minutes. You'll need to follow directions either from the examiner's sat-nav or a series of traffic signs. It doesn't matter if you go the wrong way or need to check where you're going. Driving safely is what counts.
Your examiner will ask you another safety question ('show me") while you're driving, such as showing how you'd wash the windscreen or turn on the heated rear window. You'll have to do one reversing manoeuvre. This could be parking in a bay. The examiner will ask you to either drive in and reverse out or reverse in and drive out. Or you could be asked to do parallel parking at the side of the road. Or you might be asked to pull up on the right-hand side of the road.
You'll need to reverse for about two car lengths and then rejoin the traffic. You'll also do controlled stops to check that you can stop and move away safely. You might also be asked to do an emergency stop. At the end of the test your examiner will tell you if you've passed and give you feedback. You'll only fail if you make 16 or more driving faults or any serious or dangerous faults.
Video credit: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
Booking your practical driving test.
To book online, go to book practical driving test and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need:
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Your provisional licence number
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A debit or credit card to make the driving test fee payment of £62 for weekdays or £75 for evenings and weekends.
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Email address to recieve your confirmation