What to Expect During Your Driving Test
Taking your driving test is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed driver. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or have had previous attempts, understanding what to expect can help alleviate some of the nerves and increase your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of a driving test, so you can approach the big day with confidence.
1. Before the Test: Preparation is Key
Before you even arrive at the test center, it’s essential to be well-prepared. This means having a good grasp of the theory, practicing your driving skills, and ensuring you have all the necessary documents. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Provisional License: Ensure you have your provisional driving license.
- Theory Test: You must have passed your theory test before booking your practical driving test.
- Practice: Regular driving practice with a qualified instructor or a supervising driver is crucial.
- Mock Tests: Taking a few mock tests can help you get familiar with the test format and reduce anxiety.
2. Arriving at the Test Center
On the day of your driving test, aim to arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes early. This allows you time to relax and gather your thoughts. Bring the following:
- Your provisional driving license.
- Your theory test certificate.
- Confirmation of your driving test appointment.
- A suitable vehicle if you’re not using the driving school’s car.
3. The Eyesight Check
Your driving test will begin with a simple eyesight check. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 meters. If you fail this test, unfortunately, your driving test will not proceed.
4. The ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions
Next, you’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions, often referred to as the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions.
- Tell Me: Before you start driving, the examiner will ask you to explain how you would carry out a safety task. For example, they might ask, “Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.”
- Show Me: While you are driving, you’ll be asked to demonstrate how you would carry out a specific task, such as using the horn or cleaning the windscreen.
5. The Driving Test
The practical driving test typically lasts about 40 minutes. It consists of several parts:
- General Driving: This part involves following the examiner’s directions through a variety of road types and traffic conditions. The examiner will assess your ability to drive safely and legally.
- Reversing Manoeuvres: You’ll be asked to carry out one reversing manoeuvre. This could be:
- Parallel parking at the side of the road.
- Parking in a parking bay, either by driving in and reversing out or reversing in and driving out.
- Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for two car lengths, and rejoining the traffic.
- Independent Driving: For about 20 minutes, you’ll drive independently, either following directions from a sat nav or following road signs to a specific destination.
6. The Emergency Stop
In about one in three tests, the examiner will ask you to perform an emergency stop. This is a test of your ability to react quickly and safely to an unexpected event.
7. The End of the Test
After the test, the examiner will tell you if you’ve passed or failed. They will provide feedback on your performance, including any faults you made.
- Pass: Congratulations! You can now apply for your full driving license.
- Fail: Don’t be discouraged. The feedback you receive will help you understand where you went wrong, so you can focus on improving those areas before your next attempt.
8. Tips for Success
- Stay Calm: Try to relax and stay focused throughout the test. Remember, the examiner is not trying to trick you—they just want to see that you can drive safely.
- Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be. Focus on areas where you feel less confident.
- Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s instructions and ask for clarification if needed.
9. Conclusion
Understanding what to expect during your driving test can make the experience much less daunting. With the right preparation, you can approach your test with confidence and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. Remember, everyone progresses at their own pace—if you don’t pass the first time, keep practicing, and you’ll get there.
For more tips and advice on learning to drive, be sure to check out our other blog posts here and consider booking a lesson with one of our experienced driving instructors here. Good luck!
