Taking the Practical Driving test

The purpose of the Practical driving test is to show a driving test examiner that you have the skills needed to drive unaccompanied on your own..

The test itself is not difficult, contrary to popular belief, provided that you have the confidence and have had lots practice. Most people fail, because they haven't had enough training. The DSA recommend that you should have at least 45 hours with a driving school, plus additional private practice.

Applying for your test

You can only apply for your practical test, once you've passed the theory test. You should not apply until you feel confident in passing the test. To book your test, you can apply to the DSA on line here, you can call them on 0870 010 372 or you can get an application form from your local driving test centre. The current fee for the Practical driving test is £62.00p.

The day of your test

Before you set out, make sure you have both parts of your driving licence; your appointment letter and your Theory Test Pass Certificate with you. If you forget your licence, then the test won't take place.

Try not to get to the test centre too early. Aim to get there around 10 minutes before your appointment, so you don't inconvenience others who may already be coming back on their test. This will allow you time to park your car. At some centres you may have to park in the road nearby, while others have a car park.

Before you meet the Driving Examiner

Its normal for people to get nervous before a driving test, so plan to have a few minutes parked up somewhere safe near to the test centre, prior to the the test, to relax.

Onced parked turn the engine off, close your eyes, and take a few very deep breaths of air so it fills your lungs, and then slowly breathe out. Keeping your eyes closed, just imagine that you're already on your test, and how well you're impressing the Examiner on your driving skills. Finally, with your eyes still closed, Just think about what it will mean to you once you've passed for example; what you can do now you've passed that you couldnt do before.

Think positive!

Before you take your test, you should be in a positive frame of mind - after all, you're not taking the test to fail? Having any amount of negativity, will lower your chances of passing. Along with a positive attitude, is confidence. If your a confident driver, then you'll increase your chances of passing.

The Driving Test

Having parked your car, you should go into the centre and wait until an driving examiner (DE) joins you. The DE will then ask to see your documents, while they 'e looking at them, they will ask you to sign a declaration to say that the car is insured for the purpose of the test.

Once the formalities with the documents have been done, the DE will then follow you out of the centre towards your car. The DE will then stop you and ask you to read a car registration plate. The distance is 20.5 metres, with or without glasses worn. - If you've used glasses for the purpose of reading the number plate, you must continue to wear them while driving.

The driving examiner will ask you two questions relating to car safety. Its called the 'show me tell me' questions. Click here for more info on the SMTM questions. Don't worry If you get either of both questions wrong, the examiner will mark a minor driving fault.

Before you take your test, you should be able to perform the following tasks completely independently from your trainer:

• Move off safely
• Operate the controls smoothly and controlled
• Be totally aware of the movement of any other road users around you
• Perform two of the following manoeuvres: Turn in the road; corner reverse; reverse park; bay pay park (where available); 1 in 3 people will be asked to perform a Controlled stop (formerly and emergency stop).
• At all times, drive safely.
• Follow the rules of the Highway Code.
• Drive at an appropriate speed, depending on the traffic conditions.
• Use any of the minor controls (such as the windscreen wipers) where necessary.

You will finish the driving test back at the centre after around 40 minutes. At the end of the test, your Driving Examiner will then tell you the result. If you have passed he will congratulate you; If you have failed, he will give you a debreif on where you went wrong.

Click here for info on the examiners marking system