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The Practical Test
When you have passed your
theory test your instructor will advise you when you are ready for the practical
test. The DSA advice that those who pass their driving test have had, on
average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of
private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of
professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test.
DSA practical test online booking service
Your practical test will last approximately 40 minutes. First your examiner will
ask you to sign the declaration at the top of the Driving Test Report, and once
outside you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meter
(20.5 meters for old style number plates), you will also be asked two vehicle
safety check questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'.
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
Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving. You need to show you can drive competently and safely in all kinds of driving situations. You will be asked to do two of the reversing manoeuvres, and possibly make an emergency stop. To pass, you will have to complete the test with no serious or dangerous faults, and you must have no more than 15 driving faults.
If you fail your practical test, but pass your theory, you need only sit the practical next time (provided you theory pass certificate is still valid).
From 30th March 2009 weekday practical tests cost £62. Evening or weekend tests cost £75. Extended tests for disqualified drivers cost £124 or £150 for evening or weekend.
Reporting for your practical test
You must bring the following items with you. If you do not, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.
- Your appointment letter.
- Both parts of your photo card licence. If you do not take both parts of your licence your test will not take place.
- The appropriate theory test pass certificate (or confirmation)
- If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport.
Please Note:
If you misplace your licence, you must apply for a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which could take up to 15 days. If this happens, you may have to re-arrange your test.