Learner Drivers

Once you've passed your theory test, your instructor will tell you how ready you are for your Practical test. Naturally, we want you to pass first time, so here are a few ways we can give you that extra edge. Your Track Record log book keeps tabs on your progress – showing you where your strengths are and what skills you'll need to brush up on.

How to pass

For a bit of extra help, BSM’s Pass Your Driving Test is a really useful step-by-step guide to the practical test. It covers all the topics and exercises that you'll be tested on, along with tips from expert instructors and test examiners. Make the most of your practice We recommend plenty of practice between lessons. Ask your instructor which manoeuvres you should run through and remember, if you're practising with friends or family; make sure you're covered on their car insurance policy.

Take a mock Practical test

A BSM mock test shares exactly the same format as the real thing – think of it as a trial run. And to match the exam conditions even more, we'll ask a different BSM instructor to be your mock examiner. Find out more about the BSM mock test.

Top 10 things to look out for

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) regularly publish the top 10 reasons why learners fail their Practical test. To maximise your chances of passing first time, here are some of the big things to look out for:

• Look carefully to judge when best to come out of side roads
• Use the controls correctly and demonstrate good observation when reverse parking
• Use the mirrors effectively long before you change direction or slow down
• Use the controls correctly and demonstrate good observation when reversing round a corner
• Use signals correctly, including how to cancel them and not give misleading ones
• Move away correctly from stationary positions, including good observation
• Use the correct road position, particularly on bends, and show good lane discipline on roundabouts
• Have good steering control, when making left or right turns for example
• Get in the correct position when turning right
• Don’t hesitate or cause delay. Always pull out promptly at junctions.

Booking your driving test

If you're with BSM, we can book your test for you and handle all the details. Your instructor will let you know which one of our UK driving test centres is best for you. When booking check with your instructor that they're available on the day and give yourself three hours for a warm-up lesson, the test itself and the journey home. Call 0845 851 9571* or contact us online.

* Calls may be recorded and/or monitored.

When you book your test you'll need:

• Your provisional driving licence
• Your Theory test certificate number
• A debit or credit card for payment
• Your preferred dates and times for the test
• Details of any special requirements such as an interpreter

The Practical test for car drivers costs £56.50 during weekdays or £67.00 for Saturday and weekday evening tests. After about two weeks, you'll get your test appointment letter. You can cancel your test for any reason, but you'll need to give ten working days' notice to keep your fee. The Practical test can be rearranged up to three times before it’s automatically refunded. Or if you prefer, you can book your own Practical test directly with the DSA by calling 0870 0101 372, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Remember to make sure your instructor is available on the day, and let them know when you get your test appointment letter.