What Happens During a Driving Test?
Taking your practical driving test can be a very daunting experience. That said, if you know what to bring and what to watch out for, you can be better prepared. Here is our guide on what happens during a driving test.
What To Bring To Your Driving Test
When attending your driving test, you will need to have the following items on you:
- Your certificate confirming that you have passed your Theory Test, or an appropriate exemption.
- A provisional photocard licence. If you have an old paper license, you will need to ensure it is signed and bring a valid passport for photographic identification.
- A fully insured and licensed vehicle that can be used for the test. Otherwise, you can use your instructor’s car.
Try to set aside enough time to ensure you have everything you need before arriving for your test. If possible, aim to arrive between 10 and 20 minutes early, so you have enough time to prepare yourself.
What Happens During the Test?
The test lasts between 40 and 70 minutes, and there are five parts to complete during your driving test:
- You will need to complete an eyesight check that involves reading a number plate from a certain distance. This will be 20 metres away for newer plates or 20.5 metres for older plates.
- One “show me” and one “tell me” question. The “tell me” question will come at the start of the test and require you to explain the answer to the instructor. The “show me” question will come while driving and require you to demonstrate the answer clearly to the instructor.
- A test of your general driving ability, including how to follow directions, how to drive in various traffic conditions, and how to safely pull over.
- How to reverse your vehicle safely, including parallel parking and entering and exiting a parking bay.
- 20 minutes of independent driving following either directions from a sat nav or traffic signs.
What Manoeuvres Could I Be Asked to Perform?
You may be asked to perform any one of the following manoeuvres during your test:
- Parallel parking.
- Reversing.
- Bay parking.
- Any manoeuvre that is part of an answer to a “show me” question.
This will be in addition to the general driving and independent driving portions of your test, in which you will need to demonstrate that you can drive both under and without instructions.
What Happens After the Test?
You are allowed up to 15 minor faults during your test. So long as you do not accrue an amount over this limit, or any major faults, you will pass your test. Once you arrive back at the test centre, your instructor will discuss your driving test report. They will go through any minor faults you made during the test, so it is a good idea to take notes for future reference. Now that you have passed, you can get your new certificate.
NxtGen Driving Academy
Get in touch with our instructors at NxtGen Driving Academy in East Anglia to book your first driving lesson today.
