Practical Test
The Practical Driving Test
The Practical Driving Test
This test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and your knowledge of the Highway Code, which should be demonstrated through your driving. It will last for roughly forty minutes and includes two questions on basic car maintenance and an eyesight test (you must be able to read a new style number plate from a minimum of twenty metres).
Before the test you will sign a declaration to say that your vehicle is insured for the purpose of a driving test and that your licence displays your current address. You will be asked if you wish to be accompanied on test by your instructor who can only observe the test silently. This may aid you with further progress after your test, pass or fail, as your instructor will then be able to offer professional guidance to correct any mistakes that you make.
Whilst on the driving section of this test you will be required to complete a reversing manoeuvre and you may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
There is also a section of the test of up to 10 minutes where you will be required to drive independently. This could be following road signs to a particular destination or being given a series of junctions to follow without further guidance. This section of the test is designed to assess your ability to plan ahead and not to test your memory, so should you forget where you are supposed to drive, it is fine to ask for a repeat of the directions without penalty. Should you accidentally go off route by taking a wrong turn, you will be guided back on track by your examiner without penalty.
Control of your vehicle, effective observation and planning must be consistent throughout in order to be successful. Candidates are not required to give a perfect drive, but must receive fewer than 16 minor faults and are not allowed to make any serious or dangerous faults.
A serious fault is an error that in different circumstances may cause an accident.
A dangerous fault is an error that would have caused an accident if another person (the examiner or another road user) had not taken some action.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, the person must be over the age of 16 and may not take any part in the test.
After the practical driving test your examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed, you may then request feedback regarding your test.
If you pass and have a photocard licence issued after 1st March 2004 you may use an automatic service to have your full licence issued. For licences issued prior to 1st March 2004 a postal service to the DVLA is available to upgrade your licence, this method may also be used by photocard holders who do not wish to use the automatic service.
If you fail the test you should request feedback from your examiner to help you prepare for your next test, your instructor may also listen to this feedback with your permission. The driving test report will also show any mistakes you made. You can take another practical driving test 10 working days after your car or motorcycle test.
If you require any additional information on the practical driving test please feel free to contact us with your queries!
