A practical guide to taking your driving test
Once you’ve passed your theory exam, the practical driving test is all that stands between you and the freedom of the open road.
Here’s our guide to what to expect.
Once you’ve passed your theory exam, the practical driving test is all that stands between you and the freedom of the open road.
Here’s our guide to what to expect.
60-second summaryHere’s the lowdown to taking your practical driving test:
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When will I be ready to take my practical driving test?
Your instructor will typically tell you when you’re ready for your practical, but there’s no set number of lessons to get someone ready because everyone learns at their own pace.
The more time you spend driving, the more knowledgeable you’ll be and the more confident at recognising road signs and spotting hazards – skills that help with both the theory and practical tests.
The government also has a handy checklist for you to assess your skills when it comes to your practical.
How do I book a driving test?
Once you have passed your theory and agreed you’re ready with your instructor, it’s time to book your practical test. You can book your practical at GOV.UK.
To book your practical driving test you need your:
- UK driving licence number
- Your theory test pass certificate
- Your driving instructor’s personal reference number, so you can check that they’ll be available on the day
- Credit/debit card details
Tips to help you pass your driving test
As well as getting plenty of practice in different driving and traffic conditions, you can increase your chances of success by putting some of the following into practice.
Before the test
- Get to know the way to your test centre: You’ll feel more relaxed making a familiar journey.
- Do a mock driving test: Follow one of the popular routes under test conditions so you have a better idea of what to expect.
- Warm up beforehand: A lesson with your driving instructor before your driving test will help you get in the zone.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get there: This might help avoid any last-minute stress.
- Have an early night: You need to be as alert as possible on the day.
- Avoid things that might make you feel jittery: Such as alcohol the night before or too much caffeine on the day of the test.
- Booking a morning test could help with nerves: You won’t have it hanging over you all day.
- Limit screen time before your test: This can minimise distractions and help keep you focused.
- Use your instructor’s car or your own: The sense of familiarity will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
During the test
- Exaggerate mirror checks: Your examiner may miss eye movements. Turning your head slightly will emphasise that you’re taking the necessary precautions.
- Ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you’re quite sure what they said.
- Take deep breaths to help you stay calm and steady.
What should I take with me to my driving test?
Your test will be cancelled without a refund if you don’t have the following with you:
- UK driving licence: If you’ve got a paper licence, don’t forget to bring a valid passport too. If your licence is from Northern Ireland, you’ll need both the photocard and paper counterpart.
- Theory test pass certificate: Your examiner will need to verify this before the test begins.
Other things to remember:
- If you wear glasses or contact lens for driving, remember to bring these with you, and ideally a spare pair.
- Decide on a car: Most people use their instructor’s car, but if you want to use your own you’ll need to check in good time that it meets the requirements.
How long does a driving test take?
Your driving test will usually last around 40 minutes.
However, if you’ve been banned from driving and told by the court that you need to take an extended driving test, you can expect it to take around 70 minutes.
What happens during a driving test?
Whether you’re driving a manual or automatic car, the practical driving test is made up of five key parts:
1. An eyesight check
You’ll need to read a number plate from 20 or 20.5 metres, depending on the style. Fail this and the test will end immediately, so be sure to bring your glasses if you need them.
2. 'Show me, tell me' safety questions
Your examiner will ask two vehicle safety questions, called ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
- ‘Show me’: You’ll be asked to demonstrate a safety check, like using the windscreen wipers.
- ‘Tell me’: You’ll be asked to explain a check, like how to test the brake lights.
Getting one or both wrong results in a minor fault.
Your questions will be selected from the range of ‘tell me’ and ‘show me’ questions that you can see on GOV.UK. Make sure you are as familiar with them all, as they are subject to change.
3. General driving ability
The examiner will guide you throughout the test and at some point, you’ll be asked to do specific manoeuvres like pulling away from behind a parked car, pulling over safely or doing a hill start. You’ll drive in various environments while on your test, but you won’t have to drive on a motorway.
4. Reversing your vehicle
During the test you’ll need to do either a bay park (reversing in or out), parallel park or pull up on the right, reverse a couple of car lengths and rejoin traffic.
5. Independent driving
This part tests your ability to follow directions via satnav, road signs, or both. If using a satnav, the examiner sets it up for you. They’ll stay quiet unless you need guidance, like if a sign is blocked.
Taking a wrong turn won’t necessarily affect your result, so stay calm and they’ll help you get back on track.
What are the most common reasons for failing a driving test?
According to GOV.UK, these are the top 10 reasons for failing the driving test:
- Not making effective observations at junctions
- Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
- Not moving off safely
- Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions
- Not responding appropriately to traffic lights
- Not having proper control of the steering
- Not responding correctly to traffic signs Not responding
- correctly to road markings
- Poor positioning on the road during normal driving
- Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed
Will making a mistake mean I fail my driving test?
To pass your test you must avoid any serious or dangerous faults (majors) and score 15 or fewer driving faults (minors). If you think you’ve made a mistake, try not to get flustered as it might not be as bad as you think, and dwelling on an error could knock your concentration.
These are the three different types of faults you can make:
- Dangerous faults (major): These involve danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.
- Serious faults (major): These are things that have the potential to be dangerous.
- Driving faults (minor): These are not considered dangerous as a one-off, but if you keep making the same mistake, it will be counted as a serious fault.
How will I know if I’ve passed my driving test?
Your examiner will tell you if you’ve passed or failed once the test is complete and give you immediate feedback.
If you’ve passed, you’ll get a pass certificate and can have your full licence sent to you automatically. Or you can apply for one within two years of passing.
If you’ve not passed, worry not. While we’d all like to pass first time, less than 50% of learners pass on their first attempt. So, don’t let the disappointment deter you from listening to the feedback and what they’ve got to say if you have failed. They’ll give you practical driving test tips and advice to help you improve for next time.
I’ve passed my driving test – what happens now?
Passing your test is just the start – the more you drive, the more you’ll learn.
If you want to build up your confidence and skills further, you might want to consider an advanced driving course. It could even help reduce your car insurance.
You also might want to put P plates on your car. Even though these aren’t compulsory, they’re useful for letting other drivers know you’re new to the road.
What about car insurance?
As a new driver, you’re likely to be paying higher car insurance premiums until you’ve built up your no claims discount. This is based on the number of years you’ve been driving without having to make a claim.
A great way to find good value cover is to compare car insurance quotes from a wide range of different insurance providers.
That’s where we can help. All you need to do is tell us a bit about you, your car and what you need, and we’ll show you policies based on price, policy cover level, add-ons or annual or monthly payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my driving test in my own car?
There’s no reason why you can’t – as long as it meets the requirements.
For more details, read our guide to taking your driving test in your own car.
How much does a driving test cost?
A theory test for cars costs £23 and the driving test costs £62 (or £75 at weekends, evenings and bank holidays).
And remember, if you’re using your driving instructor’s car for your test, you’ll also have to pay them for their time too.
If you’re a disqualified driver taking an extended driving test, the theory test is still £23 but prices increase to £124 for the practical (or £150 at weekends, evenings and bank holidays).
What if I’m not free for the test date I’ve been sent?
Once you’ve been allocated a test slot, you can easily change it to a day and time that’s more convenient.
Visit gov.uk to change your driving test appointment. If you give less than three working days’ notice, you’ll need to pay again.
You might find that the next suitable date is many weeks ahead. It’s better to book it so you know you’ve got a test confirmed, but keep an eye on the cancellations. If a gap opens up, you can jump in.
What happens if my driving test is cancelled?
If it’s not possible for your test to take place, for example if the examiner is ill or the weather conditions are dangerous, the DVSA will automatically book you in for the next available date. You’ll be sent details within seven working days.
You can claim for out-of-pocket expenses if the DVSA cancels your test at short notice, unless the cancellation is due to bad weather.
What if I need to cancel my driving test?
If you’re ill on the day of your test or the car you’ll be using breaks down, you’ll have to rebook and pay for another test.
Can my instructor come on my driving test?
Your instructor or a friend or relative is normally allowed to sit in the back of the car during your test, as long as they’re over 16.
Your examiner will also ask if you want someone to be with you when you find out your result and get feedback.
You will have to take your test in English or Welsh, so you can’t bring along anyone to act as an interpreter.
Do I need car insurance as a learner driver?
If you’re learning to drive with an instructor in their car, they’ll typically take care of the insurance and the cost will be included in the price of your lessons.
But if you’re learning in your own or a parent’s car you’ll need to sort out learner driver insurance.
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Julie Daniels - Motor insurance expert
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News and Capital FM, about car and home insurance, as well as our rewards scheme.
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