Practical Test

The practical driving test
Practical Tests can be booked on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest or by phone on 0300 200 1122. You can change your test appointment at www.direct.gov.uk/changepracticaltest

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

  • can drive safely

  • know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

    • What will the test include?
    A documentation check with an insurance & residency declaration, you will need:

  • Both parts of your driving licence, showing your current address.

  • Theory Test pass certificate

  • Practical test appointment letter

  • An eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue).


    A combination of ‘Show-me Tell-me’ questions. Click the link for questions and answers.
    The drive itself which will include two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

  • reversing around a corner

  • turning in the road

  • bay parking

  • reverse parking

    • You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

  • The Independent driving section of the driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.

    • A standard driving test takes about 40 minutes.

    You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

    You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

    After the test pass or fail you will be offered a debrief, please call me over to listen in, I need to know if there are any weaknesses that need to be addressed.

    Theory CertificateTheory Certificate