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UK Practical Driving Test (Cars)

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The Practical Test

 

The practical driving test is a test of ability to drive a car without assistance from an instructor or accompanying driver. It covers a range of situations and road conditions and involves demonstrating ability to manoeuvre the car safely in both forward and reverse gears.

This page aims to provide more information about the UK driving test including what is involved in the test, how to prepare for it, how to book a test, how to deal with driving test nerves, test faults explained and the top 10 reasons for driving test failure.

Please see the Table of Contents below for a list of the specific topics covered on this page.

The Driving Test Explained 

What does the driving test actually involve?

The test consists of 3 parts;

1) Eyesight Test
At the start of the test, you will be asked to read a numberplate from 67ft (20.5m) or 66ft (20m) in the case of it being a new-style plate. For more details please see DirectGov - Eyesight Requirements For The Practical Driving Test

2) Show Me-Tell Me
You will then be asked a couple of general vehicle maintenance check questions. These are very straightforward and your instructor will make certain that you know these well in time for your test. All the possible questions and answers can be found by clicking the following link; Show Me-Tell Me Questions and Answers

3) The Drive
You will be driving the car for around 35-40 minutes. The routes used for driving tests are all designed to be as uniform as possible - all of them take in a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

The examiner will assess your driving and test you on most of the topics you will have covered with your instructor.

You will be asked to carry out two of the three following manoeuvres;

* Reverse parking behind a parked car or into a bay.
* Reversing round a corner
* Turn in the road


You may also be asked to demonstrate a controlled (emergency) stop.

For more information about what happens during a driving test appointment, at the Test Centre and during the driving test, please see What Happens During The Practical Driving Test?

You are allowed to commit up to 15 driving (minor) faults during the test, but no serious or dangerous faults. Repeated instances of the same driving fault would be classed as an habitual problem and be declared a serious fault.
If you commit even one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
For more information about driving test faults, please see Driving Test Faults

Professional driving tuition is the most effective way to make sure that you are fully prepared to take your Practical Driving Test.

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Did You Know?

In 2006, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) conducted over 1.5 million car tests

How To Prepare For Your Practical Driving Test 

On the DirectGov website, it states;
"Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice.
Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test"


Professional driving tuition is the most effective way to make sure that you are fully prepared to take your Practical Driving Test.

An important part of the structured learning process is practising what you have learned during your lessons. If you are having private practice with a friend or family member, get together with your instructor and the person who will be helping you to practise and discuss what you need to practise.

In addition there is a wide selection of books, CD ROMs and DVDs which can help reinforce the skills you learn during your driving lessons.



The Official DSA Guide to Driving:
the essential skills:
The Essential Skills

The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills (book)

"Driving: The Essential Skills is the only official industry-standard driving manual from DSA, the Driving Standards Agency. There is no other comparable, comprehensive, official product available on the market. It is ideal for all drivers - whether learner, experienced or instructor - to help them learn and maintain safe driving skills and improve their driving technique."







The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack:
2008/09 Edition:
Valid for Tests Taken from 1 September 2008

The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack (Driving Skills) (book)

"Great value learner driver book pack, containing three titles: "The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers" (updated to include every theory test question you could be asked from 3 September 2007, valid 2007/08), "The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the Essential Skills" (a brand new edition for 2007), and "The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive". The pack provides everything you need to fully prepare for and pass the multiple choice theory and practical tests."







Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success (PC software)

"Driving Test Success has been the best selling Theory and Practical driving test software brand since 1997, helping over 1 million people to pass their tests. Driving Test Success will help you pass your test - or your money back!
* Revise over 60 video tutorials with the help of expert driving instructors.
* Revise essential manoeuvres that you may be asked to perform in your Practical Driving Test.
* View, search and print the latest digital version of The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* Contains the 13 OFFICIAL DSA Show-Me-Tell-Me questions plus 16 step-by-step video tutorials.
* Includes every possible Show-Me-Tell-Me question combination that your examiner may ask you in your exam.
* Watch a full length mock Practical Driving Test and find out what the examiner is looking for
THE HIGHWAY CODE * ROAD SIGNS TEST * PRACTICAL TEST * SHOW ME, TELL ME * MOCK DRIVING TEST"



Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD


Driving Test Success All Tests Interactive (DVDi - interactive DVD, no PC required - all you need is a TV and DVD player)

"* Revise over 60 video tutorials with the help of expert driving instructors.
* Safely revise the four reverse manoeuvres and emergency stop.
* Advice on all aspects of the Driving Test.
* Learn where all the main car controls are and how to operate them.
* Includes the 13 OFFICIAL DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions plus step-by-step video tutorials for the Practical Driving Test
* View the up-to-date Highway Code
DVD 1 - THEORY * DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION * DVD 3 - PRACTICAL"



Helping Learners to Practise:
The Official Guide
(Driving Skills)

Helping Learners to Practise: The Official Guide (Driving Skills) (book)

"The only official guide which shows how to help a learner practise the skills needed to pass the practical driving test. Essential advice and comprehensive guidance for anyone helping someone learn to drive.
Most people fail their driving test because they are not prepared. It has been shown that professional lessons combined with extra practice is the best preparation. This product will help the person sitting in the passenger seat understand what the learner needs to practice and the potential hazards they may encounter."


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How Much Does It Cost To Take A Practical Driving Test? 

Practical driving test fees

The fee for the test is currently £56.50 (£67.00 on weekends and weekday evenings).

Click the following link to see full details of all Driving Test Fees

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Where Can I Take My Practical Driving Test? 

Practical test centre locations

The test is conducted by the Driving Standards Agency at over 370 test centres throughout the Country.

You can choose to take your test at whichever test centre you like!

Click the following link to see the full list of UK Practical Test Centres and the waiting times for a test appointment at each individual test centre; Practical Test Centres

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Test Pass Rates For Driving Test Centres In The UK 

The Driving Standards Agency don't release this information very often, so there's currently no information available after 2003/2004.

This means that there's no info at all on test centres that opened after 2004.
Car Pass Rates Index for Test Centres in the UK
Practical Test Pass Rates.

The pass rates for every individual Driving Test centre in the U.K from 1996-7 until March 2001 and from 2003 until March 2004.

The figures give only the overall rate for each test centre.

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How To Book A Practical Driving Test 

Book your practical test online, by telephone or by post

The test is booked by contacting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

You will need;
1) A valid, signed UK provisional driving licence
2) Your Theory Test Pass Certificate number
3) A valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Online Booking - Link to Online Test Booking Service

Phone Booking - You can book a practical test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Welsh language booking line - 0300 200 1133
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1144
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1155


Booking By Post - To book a practical test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line - Download A Practical Test Application Form

Cancelling or rescheduling a test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online.

Providing you give the DSA three clear working days notice you can:
*move or change your appointment
*cancel your appointment
*have a full refund of your test fee


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What Happens During The Practical Driving Test? 

Proceedure at the test centre and during the drive

Make sure you are at the test centre in good time for your test - however, as most test centres are very busy and parking is extremely limited and reserved for test candidates only, do not park in the test centre car park until 5 minutes before the scheduled time of your test so as not to disrupt other test candidates.

Before you go to the test centre, you need to make sure that you have the following;

1) A suitable vehicle in which to take the test. Unfortunately, some people turn up at the test centre, assuming that they will be taking the test in a car provided by the driving examiner, despite the fact that the test appointment confirmation letter issued by the DSA clearly states that it is the responsibility of the test candidate to provide a suitable vehicle. The vehicle used must be appropriately insured and licensed and must be displaying L- Plates. If you have been having driving lessons with a professional driving instructor, then you will almost certainly be taking the test in the car in which you have learnt to drive. If you have not had professional driving lessons, then you must make sure that the vehicle you intend to use for your test complies with the requirements set out by the DSA - Minimum Test Vehicle Requirements. If you don't provide a vehicle or if the vehicle you provide does not meet the minimum requirements, your test will be cancelled and you will lose the test fee

2) Your Theory Test pass certificate

3) Both parts of your driving licence (photo card and paper counterpart). If you do not take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you will lose your fee


If you have mislaid your Theory Test pass certificate this should not by itself stop the test going ahead, but if you do not take both parts of your licence or if you fail to supply a suitable vehicle, your test will not take place and you will lose your fee..

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test if you wish. Anyone over 16 years old is allowed to accompany you, BUT they cannot take any part in the test - they are not allowed to speak or distract either you or the examiner in any way. They must sit silently and still in the back of the car. You must tell the examiner that you would like someone to accompany you before the test commences.

Most people are understandably nervous before their driving test, but trying to keep as calm as possible and retaining a sense of perspective will help with the "ordeal". Driving examiners understand that test candidates are often very nervous and will do their best to put you at your ease. If pre-test nerves are concerning you, it might help to read the section on Driving Test Nerves.

When it is nearly time for your test, go into the test centre waiting room and wait for the driving examiner who will be conducting your test to call your name. The examiner will then ask to see your driving licence and Theory Test certificate and ask you to read and sign a declaration.

The examiner will then ask you to lead the way to your vehicle and on the way there, they will perform the eyesight test. If you fail the eyesight test, the rest of the test will be abandoned.

You will the be asked two vehicle maintenance questions ("Show-Me-Tell-Me").One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving (minor) fault being recorded.

You will then be asked to get into your vehicle and the driving part of the test will commence.

During the test, the examiner will tell you what they would like you to do and give you directions. If you accidentally go the wrong way, don't panic! It's not the end of the world and it doesn't mean you've failed. Remember, the examiner is testing your ability to drive, not your ability to follow directions! Keep calm and concentrate on driving correctly and let the examiner worry about correcting the route.

If you are not sure what the examiner wants you to do, don't be afraid to say so. The examiner will understand that you are nervous and will be happy to repeat or clarify any instructions given.

You will be asked to stop on the left several times - don't worry, this doesn't mean you have done anything wrong - the examiner is just testing your ability to stop in a convenient place and move away again safely under a variety of conditions.

You will also be asked to carry out two reversing manoeuvres and possibly an emergency stop.

As the test progresses, the examnier will fill in relevant details on a report sheet (DL25).

The drive will last for around 40 minutes and will end back at the test centre car park.

The examiner will then total up any faults recorded on the DL25 and inform you of the result of your test.

You are allowed to commit up to 15 driving (minor) faults but no serious or dangerous faults. Repeated instances of the same driving fault would be classed as an habitual problem and be declared a serious fault. If you commit even one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. For more information about driving test faults, please see Driving Test Faults

For more information about the Practical Driving Test please see - DirectGov - Practical Test For Cars Explained

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Did You Know?

Driving Tests are conducted under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988

Learner Driver Shop 

Buy learning to drive theory and practical test training materials online...

Driving Test Nerves 

Test day nerves and how to deal with them

When the day of your test finally comes, you'll undoubtedly be nervous no matter how well prepared you are.

Here are some tips to help you cope on the Big Day;


* Make sure you are well rested the night before and that you have eaten a light meal before your test so that you are in good physical shape before you start.

* It may seem obvious, but use the toilet before you start the test as getting "caught short" during the test could prove embarrassing.

* Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and most important of all, wear sensible shoes.

* Make sure you have everything you need to take with you readily to hand - both parts of your provisional driving licence, your test appointment letter and your Theory Test pass certificate- don't leave finding your license to the last minute. If you can't produce your license you won't be able to take your test.

* If you find that the thought of the test is making you extremely nervous, it might be worth paying your GP a visit and discussing how you feel.

* It may be easier said than done, but try to relax. Driving examiners are ordinary human beings not ogres and they realise that you will be nervous and will make allowances for your nerves.

* Concentrate on what the examiner asks you to do. It is vital to keep your level of concentration up for the whole of your test period.

* The examiner is looking for a safe, accurate drive. No more and no less. If you concentrate and remember to follow all of the procedures as they have been taught to you, then you should be fine.

* If you think you've made a mistake don't dwell on it and don't let it affect your concentration.

* Getting through the whole nerve wracking test without making any mistakes is extremely rare and whatever you've done may not be as bad a mistake as you think...

* If you fail, it really isn't the end of the world. Lots of other people have failed before you and often failure is more the result of nerves than a lack of skill...so pick yourself up, dust yourself down and get back in the driving seat for another go!


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Your Test Result 

Pass or fail? The moment of truth...

At the end of the test, the examiner will inform you of the result.

If you have passed, you will be given a test pass certificate and a copy of the DL25. The examiner will take your provisional driving licence and a full driving licence will be sent to you by post.

Less than half of the people who take driving tests pass and, should you be unsuccessful, you will be given a verbal explanation of where you went wrong and a copy of the DL25. This will help you, in conjunction with your instructor, to work on the aspects of your driving that let you down to give you a greater chance of passing the next time.

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Driving Test Faults 

Driving faults, Serious faults and Dangerous faults explained in more detail

While you are driving, the examiner will note any driving faults on the driving test report form (DL25). Faults are categorised into "driving faults", "serious faults " and "dangerous faults".

If you commit 15 or fewer driving faults without incurring any serious or dangerous faults you will pass your test.

If you commit 16 or more driving faults you will fail the test.

If you commit one or more serious or dangerous driving faults you will fail the test.


Definition of faults

Dangerous Faults are errors in driving technique which result in actual danger to the driver, passengers, other road users or nearby property. A dangerous fault means that the test is automatically failed and the examiner has the option to immediately terminate the test.

Serious Faults are errors in driving technique which result in potential danger to the driver, passengers, other road users or nearby property including instances where the candidate repeatedly makes the same driving error or is unable to perform one of the set manoeuvres correctly. One serious fault will lead to automatic failure, although the candidate will be permitted to complete the test.

Driving Faults (often referred to as "minor" faults) are errors in driving technique or inappropriate reactions to a hazard or developing situation on the road - in other words less serious errors that do not cause any actual or potential danger to other road users. Typical examples include harsh use of the brakes, crossing of hands on the steering wheel and excessive hesitation at a junction. Don't forget that you can pick up a driver fault before you even start the engine, through an incorrect answer in the "Show Me/ Tell Me" section.

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Did You Know?

On 01 Jun 1935, compulsory driving tests were introduced for all drivers who started driving on or after 01 Apr 1934 - voluntary driving tests had been introduced earlier that year.

Mr J Beene was the first person to pass the new driving test, at a cost of 7/6d (£0.37p in today's money!)

Top 10 Reasons For Failing The Driving Test 

According to the DSA Chief Driving Examiner...

Source: DSA Pass Rates PDF

Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement

Reverse parking - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy

Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information

Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy

Incorrect use of signals - not cancelling or giving misleading signals

Moving away safely - ineffective observation

Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends

Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late

Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets

Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly or being hesitant
* Top ten reasons based on twelve months to January 2004. Figures produced by Driving Standards Agency.

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New Drivers Act 

Now you've got your licence - don't lose it!

The New Drivers Act came into force on 1st June 1997.

It basically means that a 24 month probationary period is imposed on those who have just passed their driving test.

If you get 6 or more penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your driving test the DVLA will revoke (take away) your driving licence.

Penalty points are valid for three years, so any points you already have on your licence before you pass the Practical Test count towards the total of 6.

Anyone with 6 or more valid penalty points on their provisional licence when they pass the test for the first time will be granted a full licence in the normal way, but any points earned after that will trigger automatic revocation. If this happens you will have to;
1) Apply for a provisional licence again,
2) Pass the theory test again,
3) Pass the practical test again

Passing the test again does not remove the penalty points which remain on the new licence until the three year period expires. If the total of valid points reaches twelve, the driver risks disqualification.

If all this seems unfair please consider the following;

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their test than at any other time in their driving career.

Age doesn't matter - it's basically down to a lack of driving experience.


Further Information About The New Drivers Act
Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995
New Drivers Act Frequently Asked Questions

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After You Pass Your Driving Test - Pass Plus, Motorway Driving And Advanced Driver Training 

* Around 3,000 young drivers are killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads each year.
* It is estimated that as many as one in five of all serious road accidents involve drivers under the age of 21.
*Every day in the UK, 23 young people, under the age of 25, are killed or seriously injured in vehicles. Most of these collisions are caused by bad driving. Not the vehicle, the road, or the conditions.
* 1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving.
* Young drivers are more likely to be involved in high speed crashes, single vehicle crashes involving losing control, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.


Those statistics make frightening reading, but there are lots of things you can do to make yourself a safer driver...

Pass Plus

Pass Plus is a training scheme specifically aimed at new drivers. Designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry, Pass Plus will build upon your existing skills and knowledge and teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, which will help you to become more confident on the roads.

By gaining further driving experience in a variety of road conditions and situations, you can significantly improve your chances of avoiding involvement in a road accident and you may even reduce your insurance premiums.

You can take take Pass Plus within your first year of passing your practical driving test.

For more information about the Pass Plus scheme, please see the Pass Plus website

Motorway Driving

You are not allowed to drive on motorways before you pass your Practical Test, so motorway driving cannot be covered by your driving instructor while you are a learner driver.

Driving on a motorway is very different to driving on other types of road. Motorways have totally different signs and signals, and specific rules and regulations - plus traffic travels at much greater speeds than you will be accustomed to.

It makes sense to ensure that you are prepared for a very different form of driving by taking some motorway lessons after you pass your test - contact a professional driving instructor.

Advanced Driver Training
Why not think about joining one of the many organisations that encourage improved standards of driving and road safety?

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) was formed in March 1956 with the primary objective of promoting road safety. It now has a total active membership of more than 100,000.

Since then other organisations have been setup such as RoADA - RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association and High Performance Club, all of which conduct a form of "Advanced Driving Test".

Through the Advanced Driving Test, these organisations aim to raise driving standards by increasing the competence of drivers. It was determined in a Transport and Road Safety Laboratory Report published in December 1972 that Advanced motorists have between 50% to 70% lower accident rate.

For detailed information about all of the organisations mentioned above and about advanced driving in general, please see the following very comprehensive and informative websites;
Advanced Driving UK (a very detailed website which aims to gather everything there is to know about advanced driving onto a single website)
2Pass- Advanced Driving
Safer Motoring - Advanced Driving Skills And Courses

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Links To Practical Driving Test Resources 

Direct Gov - Practical Test
Practical test section of the Direct Gov site. Detailed information about the Practical Test and useful links and resources
Highway Code
Online version of the full Highway Code
The Driving Test
Superb resource from a retired driving examiner which describes well the structure of a driving test and should dispel some of the myths about the test
2Pass.co.uk
Detailed resource for everything connected with the practical test including tutorial video clips
Driving-Test-Success.com
Another detailed resource for everything connected with the practical test including tutorial video clips

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Learner Driver Advice 

"How-To" Learn To Drive A Car Information

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Learner Driver News 

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Driving Test Videos 

......Clearway Driver Training do not guarantee, endorse or recommend any information, products or services available via any 3rd party sites and any links to external sites are provided for information purposes only...

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UK Driving Test Part 1/3

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UK Driving Test Part 2/3

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UK Driving Test Part 3/3

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Driving Test - What to expect from your driving test

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UK driving test observations

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Major and Minor driving test faults

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The UK Practical driving test

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Driving test nerves

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Pass the driving test - Do as I say

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