The day of your practical driving test can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking days of your life. Your stomach is in knots, and your mind is racing with questions: What will the examiner be like? What if I make a mistake? What exactly will I have to do?
The single best way to combat this anxiety is with knowledge. Knowing exactly what will happen, from the moment you arrive to the moment you get your result, demystifies the process and allows you to focus on what you do best: driving.
This complete guide will walk you through the entire test, step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect and can walk into the test centre with confidence.
Before Your Test: The Preparation
1. The Legal Requirements:
Don’t let a simple admin error ruin your day! You must bring:
- Your UK provisional driving licence (the photocard).
- Your theory test pass certificate.
- A car that is roadworthy, taxed, insured for a driving test, and has no warning lights showing (e.g., airbag, engine management).
2. The Car Check:
Your instructor will ensure the car is ready. They will typically adjust the mirrors and seats for you beforehand, but know how to do this yourself. Remember your L plates!
The Test Itself: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough (Approx. 40 Minutes)
Part 1: The Eyesight Check
Before you even get in the car, the test begins. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a stationary vehicle from a distance of 20 metres (20.5 metres for old-style number plates). If you fail this, your test will go no further. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure you have them on.
Part 2: The ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Vehicle Safety Questions
You’ll be asked two questions about car safety and maintenance. One ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test (where you explain how you’d perform a check) and one ‘show me’ question while you’re driving (where you physically demonstrate something, like cleaning the windscreen).
- Example ‘Tell Me’: “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.”
- Example ‘Show Me’: “Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.”
Getting one or both wrong will result in one minor fault, but it’s not a fatal error. The GOV.UK website has the full list of possible questions.
Part 3: The Driving Part
This is the main portion of the test. The examiner will give you directions clearly and in good time. Their instructions are designed to be followed safely, not to trick you. The test will cover a variety of road types and traffic conditions, and you will be assessed on:
- Your ability to drive safely in different road and traffic conditions.
- Your use of mirrors (always check before signalling or changing speed/direction).
- Correct use of signals (without misleading others).
- Your positioning on the road, especially for normal driving and during turns.
- Moving away from and returning to the curb safely.
- Use of speed (making safe progress without exceeding limits).
- Anticipating the actions of other road users and reacting appropriately.
- Junction procedure and roundabouts.
- Meeting and overtaking other vehicles.
During this time, you will be asked to perform one of the following manoeuvres:
- Parallel park at the side of the road.
- Park in a parking bay (either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out).
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic.
You will also be asked to complete approximately 20 minutes of independent driving. This isn’t harder; it’s designed to see how you make your own decisions. It’s done one of two ways:
- Following traffic signs: The examiner will ask you to follow signs for a specific destination.
- Following a series of directions: The examiner will give you a list of directions to follow (e.g., “at the roundabout, take the second exit, then at the junction turn left”).
It’s okay to ask for clarification if you forget an instruction. It’s also okay to go the wrong way; you won’t be failed for taking a wrong turn as long as you do so safely.
How You’re Assessed: Majors and Minors
- A Dangerous Fault (Major): Something that involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property. This is an automatic fail.
- A Serious Fault (Major): Something that is potentially dangerous. This is an automatic fail.
- A Driving Fault (Minor): A less significant error that isn’t potentially dangerous. You can accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass. However, if you make the same minor fault repeatedly, it could be upgraded to a serious fault.
The Result
Once you return to the test centre and have parked safely, the examiner will tell you whether you’ve passed or failed.
- If you pass: They will give you a pass certificate and explain how to exchange it for a full licence. Congratulations! Your instructor can usually drive you home.
- If you fail: The examiner will explain why, showing you the fault(s) marked on your test report. It’s disappointing, but see it as a learning experience. Book another test as soon as you feel ready.
How to Prepare: Top Tips for Success
- Take Mock Tests: The best preparation is to have your instructor run through several full mock tests. This simulates the pressure and helps you get used to following instructions from someone other than your usual instructor.
- Know Your Test Routes: While the examiner can take you anywhere, practicing the common test routes from your local centre will make you feel more comfortable with the area’s specific challenges.
- Watch Test Videos: Seeing the test from the driver’s perspective is invaluable. The Official DVSA YouTube Channel has a brilliant series, including a full ‘Driving Test Success’ video that shows a real test with commentary.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Don’t cram practice the night before. Be well-rested and eat a good meal beforehand to keep your energy levels up.
- It’s a Test of Safety, Not Perfection: Examiners don’t expect a flawless drive. They want to see that you can drive safely throughout the test. If you make a small mistake, don’t assume you’ve failed. Take a deep breath, put it behind you, and focus on driving safely for the rest of the test.
You’ve Got This!
Walking into the test centre, remember that you have been trained for this. Your instructor wouldn’t have put you in for the test if they didn’t think you were ready. Trust in the skills you have learned, listen carefully, and focus on safe, systematic driving.
Take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and go show the examiner what a safe and competent driver you are. Good luck
