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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
Check, change or cancel your practical driving test online
Watch a video about
the practical driving test
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 examiner will ask you if you want your instructor to accompany you on the test. Your instructor will not be able to say anything or help you in any way, but most people still feel reassured knowing their instructor is in the back of the car. It must be your choice whether the instructor comes along or not.
Watch 'Take your instructor on your driving test' on YouTube
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. Until 4th October 2010 you will be asked to do two of the reversing manoeuvres, and possibly make an emergency stop.
The Practical test is changing on the 4th October 2010. After this date you will have to carry out one reversing manoeuvre, 10 minutes of independent driving, and possible make an emergency stop.
Independent driving and dyslexia
For more details on the changes to the practical driving test click here
To watch the DSA video on independent driving click here
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.
The charge for using the instructors car on test and a lesson before the start of the test is £59 off peak or £65 evenings and weekends.
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.
Driving tests in bad weather
The DSA does not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. The DSA will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. You should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether your test will go ahead.
Download vehicle safety check (show me/tell me) questions
Special needs and the practical driving test