Learner Drivers

Knowing what to expect when you get to the test centre can boost your confidence and your chances of passing. Here's how the Practical test works.

Preparing for the test

Immediately before your test you' should have at least an hour's lesson with your instructor to warm up and feel comfortable in the car. It'll also help to calm any last minute nerves. Remember to bring along your test appointment letter, provisional driving licence and some other form of photographic ID. Check your appointment letter for the correct forms of ID.

What happens on test day?

First off, the examiner will ask you to sign a form and show your ID. Then they'll ask you to point out the car you'll be driving and read another car's number plate from the required minimum distance. Then you'll answer one 'show me' and one 'tell me' vehicle safety question. Both answers need to be correct, or one driving fault will be recorded.

During the Practical test

The examiner will be looking to see that you’re a competent and safe driver – responding to situations sensibly and making sound judgments. Apart from general driving, such as which direction to go, where and when to turn and stop, your examiner will ask you to carry out two exercises: reversing around a corner, turning in the road or reverse parking. You could also be asked to do an emergency stop.

Your examiner wants you to do well

The examiner won't say much in case it puts you off. Put any mistakes behind you and just concentrate on what's happening in the present. One minor error doesn’t mean a fail. Despite what you might have heard – there’s no quota for test passes or fails. If you’ve reached the required standard, you’ll pass your test. It actually takes 15 driving faults or one serious or dangerous fault to fail the test.