Practical Driving Test
The driving part of your test will last about 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 the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
DSA Practical Driving Test
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.
Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centre’s. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.
What will the Practical Driving Test Include?
The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away. For more information about the eyesight check please use the ‘Driving eyesight requirements’ link below.
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
- Reversing around a corner
- Turning in the road
- Reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
You can find source material in the DSA publication ‘Driving the essential skills’ and ‘ The official DSA driving test’. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer’s handbook.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one ’show me’ and one ‘tell me’. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded. Click Here to see our Show Me Tell Me page
What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the Driving Test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
After the practical test
When the Driving Test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass
If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
If you fail
If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your test.
Driving Test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
The DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the you and the examiner. You should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead if you think this could be the case
Booking your Driving Test
The quickest and easiest way to book your car or motorcycle driving test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service. You can:
- choose your test centre
- choose the time and date of your test
- check your test appointment details
- change or cancel your test if your circumstances change
To book a test online you will need:
- a valid UK Provisional Driving Licence
- a Theory Test certificate number
- a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
How much is a Practical Driving Test
Weekday price – £62.00
Weekday evening and weekend price – £75.00
Rescheduling and cancelling a test
You can reschedule or cancel a practical test either online or by phone up to three clear working days before the test, without loss of fee. The online service is available from 6.00 am to midnight, seven days a week. If you prefer to phone, the DSA’s Call Centre Agents are available to take your call from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays). Dial 0300 200 1122 and follow the prompts.
If you cancel or reschedule the test inside the three working days you will lose your test fee.
Pass Plus
The DSA recommends that new car drivers who have just passed their practical test consider taking Pass Plus. Pass Plus is a course of six extra modules taken with a driving instructor after passing your test.
For more information about Pass Plus please click here
