Practical Test

What to expect on the day of your practical test

Feeling nervous is normal, but knowing what will happen can help you stay calm. The test follows a clear structure that starts before you even get in the car and continues through different types of roads and driving situations.

The practical driving test (lasting about 40 minutes) assesses your driving safety, knowledge and ability to handle a range of traffic situations. It is made up of five key parts:

  1. Eyesight check

    • You must read a number plate from a set distance (20m). If you cannot read it, the test will not continue.

    • If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the requirement, you must keep them on for the whole test.

  2. Vehicle safety questions (show me, tell me)

    • Two vehicle safety questions are asked: one “tell me” question at the start (about how you would carry out a safety check) and one “show me” question during driving (you’ll demonstrate a safety task while driving).

    • These assess your basic understanding of vehicle safety and controls.

      Find more information about the “show me, tell me” questions.

  3. Independent driving

    • You will be asked to drive independently for about 10 minutes, following either directions from the examiner or traffic signs, or following a sat‑nav supplied by the examiner.

    • This part tests your ability to make safe decisions without continuous guidance.

  4. General driving ability

    • The examiner observes your normal driving over a variety of road types and traffic conditions, assessing speed, steering, observation, signalling, positioning, judgement at junctions and roundabouts, and awareness of other road users.

    • You should demonstrate safe gap selection, appropriate speed for conditions, good use of mirrors and correct lane discipline.

  5. Reversing manoeuvres

    • You will be asked to complete one reversing manoeuvre chosen from a set of common exercises. These include: reverse parking (parallel parking), forward or reversing into a parking bay and pull over on the right and reverse back 2 car lengths.

    • This assesses your spatial awareness, accuracy and control.

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

  • a dangerous fault - this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property

  • a serious fault - something potentially dangerous

  • a driving fault - this is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault

Pass mark

You’ll pass your driving test if you make:

  • no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)

  • no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)

On the day

  • Your instructor will pick you up at least an hour before your test to allow you some last minute practice and you calm those nerves before heading to the test centre.

  • Bring your provisional licence, any required glasses or contact lenses and a suitable vehicle (drivable, taxed, insured and displaying L plates if required).

  • Arrive in 10 minutes before you allotted time, remain calm and follow the examiner’s instructions.

The examiner will give you feedback at the end and tell you whether you’ve passed. If you pass, you’ll receive guidance on when you’ll get your full licence; if you fail, the examiner will explain the reasons so you can improve before retaking the test.