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. The test will include an eyesight check after which 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. 

During The Test

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. The test route 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 only be a minor driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for a safe and controlled drive. 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 test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.  We try to encourage students to take their instructors with them on test.  Any errors on the drive will be seen by the instructor and understood more fully. Any remedial work afterwards would then be much more focused on your specific needs.

After The 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, 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, you will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test and DVLA will send you your new full licence by post within four 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 should request that your instructor be present for this part even if they did not accompany you on the drive itself.  You can take another practical test 10 working days after your car test.