You must have the following documents with you on the day of your test:
- Photocard licence. Bring both the paper and photocard parts of the licence. If you only have a paper licence, you must bring a suitable form of photographic ID. Acceptable forms of ID are listed on the back of your appointment card.
- Theory test pass certificate.
- Appointment card.
Step 1
You'll probably have a driving lesson just before you sit your test. Your instructor will make sure you're at the test centre in plenty of time and that you've got a decent parking space. You've then just to wait in the waiting room until the examiner comes to meet you.
Step 2
The examiner asks you to sign an insurance form which says you're insured to drive the vehicle you're using in the test. He then checks your documents and once outside will do the eyesight test. So if you wear glasses or contacts remember to use them!
Step 3
Once the examiner has checked your vehicle is displaying red ‘L’ plates and has current road tax, you'll then start the car and head off on your test.
Step 4
The test lasts about 40 minutes and you will be taken along a series of roads, ranging from quiet roads to busier ones.
The required manoeuvres for the test are:
- Emergency stop (happens in only one in every three tests)
- Reverse around a corner
- Reverse parking
- Turning in the road
You'll only be required to perform two out the four manoeuvres as part of your test.
Step 5
Show me - tell me:
Candidates will be asked two questions; one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’. If you answer one or both questions incorrectly it will result in one driving fault being recorded. Examples of safety check questions for cars:
Open the bonnet and 'show me':
- Where you check the engine oil level and how you check the engine has enough oil.
- Where you check the engine coolant level and how you check the engine has the correct level.
- Where the windscreen washer reservoir is and how you check the windscreen washer level.
- Where the brake fluid reservoir is and how you check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
'Tell me' how you would check that the:
- Brake lights are working on this car.
- Brakes are working before starting a journey.
- Tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
- Power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
'Show me' how you would check:
- Headlights & tail-lights are working.
- Direction indicators are working.
- Horn is working (off road only).
- Handbrake for excessive wear.
The result
You can make 15 minor mistakes and pass the driving test. One serious or dangerous mistake will mean you've failed.
- Minor errors are not something that could cause danger or inconvenience to any other road users e.g. stalling the vehicle.
- A serious or dangerous error is something that places you or other road users in danger e.g. pulling out in front of another vehicle.
You'll be told your result at the end of the test and given a verbal report on your driving. If you've passed, it means that you've shown a basic skill level and should continue to improve with more driving experience; see the section on the Pass Plus course.
Don't give up
If you've failed, then it means that the mistakes you've made could have caused danger on the road. Listen carefully to the examiner’s comments and read the driving test report form listing your errors. Your instructor will also help you to correct your faults. Related Links:
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