The Practical Driving Test

The driving part of the test will last about 35 - 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass your test ( 16 or more results in a failure ). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

The practical driving test is straightforward and designed to see if you can drive safely, know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.

At the beginning of the test you will need read a number plate a certain distance away ( 66 feet ). After that question  you will be asked two safety check questions concerning the car itself. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take part in the test.

If you make a mistake during your test, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.