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On the Day: Practical Test

Driving practical test
Practical Test On The Day

Practical driving test day what to expect!

The big day is finally here. All that practice and revision has been gearing up to this moment. But what should you expect on the day of the practical driving test?

Here’s an overview of what happens in a driving test and what you’ll need to remember on the day.

Before the test – calming the nerves

Take a lesson immediately before your practical driving test

Immediately before a driving test, most people would have a final lesson with their instructor to get comfortable with the car and practice a few final sticking points. We strongly recommend doing so, as it can help you relax and put you in the right frame of mind for what’s to come.

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Arriving at the driving test centre

Driving Test Centre

The five parts of the practical driving test

YouTube video
Eyesight check
Check Eyesight Driving Test

Eyesight check

Before you do anything, the examiner will ask you to read the number plate of a car parked 20 metres away, to check your eyesight.

Make sure; if you need to, you are wearing your glasses or contact lenses for the test!

If you fail this part of the driving test, it will end immediately. Otherwise, you’ll head to the car.

Show me, Tell me, vehicle safety questions

Show me, Tell me, vehicle safety questions

You have to answer two questions during your driving test – one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me. These questions will test your knowledge of vehicle safety.

Show me questions

The ‘Show me’ question could be at any time during the driving part of the test (including the independent driving part). You will have to demonstrate how you’d carry out a specific safety task. For example, how you wash and clean the rear windscreen or how you’d demist the front windscreen. (You can find a list of possible questions, here).

In the test, your examiner will ask you one of the questions from the following video.

YouTube video

Tell me questions

The ‘Tell me’ question will happen before you start driving. You will need to explain how you’d carry out a specific safety task, such as checking the brakes are working or checking the condition of the tyres. (You can find a list of possible questions, here).

During the driving test, the examiner will ask you one of the questions from the following video.

YouTube video
General driving ability
Driving Ability

General driving ability

The first driving part of the test will require you to follow instructions from the examiner. The focus here is to show the examiner you have control of the vehicle and drive safely and skillfully. They will give you instructions with plenty of notice, and you’ll then need to carry out the manoeuvres.

Make sure you stay calm as you start the car and don’t feel like you need to rush. Remember, your instructor would not have put your forward for the driving test if they didn’t think you were ready – so be confident!

Pulling over at the side of the road

At some point, you will be asked to pull over and then pull away again to show you can do so safely. This could include:

  • Routine stops at the side of the road
  • Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
  • A hill start

You may also have to carry out an emergency stop.

Reversing
Reversing Manoeuvre

Reversing

Often many people’s least favourite part of the test, you will be asked to perform one reversing manoeuvre.

This could include:

  • Parallel parking
  • Bay parking (either by driving in and reversing out or vice versa – the examiner will tell you)
  • Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for around two car lengths and then rejoining the traffic
Independent driving
Driving Independently Test

Independent driving

This is your time to shine!

You’ll have 20 minutes to show the examiner that you’re able to drive and make safe decisions without prompting.

You’ll need to either follow the road signs or use a sat nav provided by the test centre.

If you are using road signs, the examiner will help you and give directions if there are no signs in view.

Don’t worry if you take a wrong turn! This is a test of your driving safety, not your navigational skills. You won’t get a fault for merely going the wrong way. If you do go off-route, the examiner will help you get back on track.

Don’t give up!

Even if you think you made a mistake, keep ongoing. You never know, you still may not have failed.

What happens if I pass the practical driving test?

Passed Driving Test
Car Ownership In The Uk

What happens if I fail the driving test?

Can I retake my theory test before it expires?

If there are dangerous weather conditions, such as fog, flooding, high winds or icy roads, you will not be able to take your driving test. Instead, the test centre will notify you by email and arrange a new date at no additional cost. If in doubt, give the test centre a call to confirm your test is going ahead.

However, do be prepared for different weather conditions on your test. Heavy rain, for example, is not going to result in a cancellation, so make sure you’re comfortable with it

What if I know I made a mistake during my driving test?

Don’t worry if you think you made a mistake – just crack on. You never know, you might be mistaken. Also, you’ve paid for the examiner’s time, so you may as well get the most out of it. The examiner will only stop the driving test if they think you are potentially a danger to other road users.

Can I appeal my practical driving test result?

You can appeal your practical driving test result if you think your driving examiner did not follow the regulations when they carried out your test. You won’t be able to overturn the decision, but you may get to retake your test for free if your appeal is successful.