The Practical Driving Test
The UK driving test lasts for around 40 minutes.
You’ll will start with an eyesight check where you’ll need to read a number plate from 20.5 meters away.
You’ll then be asked one “tell me” question on vehicle safety.
Next, you’ll be assessed on your general driving ability.
During your drive, you’ll need to demonstrate one manoeuvre that involves reversing your vehicle.
You’ll also be asked to pull over on the left and then pull away again several times to demonstrate you can do this safely.
Finally, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive independently by using a pre-determined route in a Sat-Nav or by following road signs to a destination given to you by your examiner. This lasts for around 20 minutes.
During your drive, you’ll also have one “show me” question on the move.
You may pick up some driving faults on your test, there are 3 types of faults:
Driving faults – this is when you should have done something, but didn’t. Not potentially dangerous, but if the same fault reoccurs, it may considered a serious fault.
Example: You pull away from the side of the road without signalling when there is other traffic around.
Serious faults – something potentially dangerous. It may have or potentially could have caused another driver to slow down or alter their direction because of something you did.
Example: You cross lanes on a roundabout causing another car to slow down.
Dangerous faults – this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. The examiner may need to intervene verbally or physically.
Example: You start to change lanes without effective observations and don't see a car in your blind spot, the examiner holds the steering wheel to prevent a collision.
You will pass your practical test if you make no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called “minors”) and zero serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called “majors”).
When your test is finished, your examiner will tell you your result and also give you a short debriefing. Your result will also be emailed to you.
There will be more tips and advice later in this course to help you prepare for the driving test day!