Practical Test
How will I know when I am ready for my Practical Test? Your Instructor will tell you that you are ready for your practical test when you have demonstrated to him/her that you are a safe and competent driver. This means that you are capable of carrying out his/her directions efficiently and performing the set manoeuvres which you have learned during your training. You will be ready for your test when you can cope on your own with all the driving situations which occur on the road.
Your Chequered Flag instructor will assess your readiness for the Practical Test by giving you 1 or more Mock Tests. Mock Tests are designed to give a “feel” for the actual test experience, to assess your progress and to build up your confidence for the “big day”.
Your Chequered Flag instructor will assess your readiness for the Practical Test by giving you 1 or more Mock Tests. Mock Tests are designed to give a “feel” for the actual test experience, to assess your progress and to build up your confidence for the “big day”.
Test Day
At your Test Centre, having met your Examiner, he/she will ask if you want your Driving Instructor to accompany you on your test and/or be present for your debriefing. This is beneficial as the instructor will be able to give you extra feedback and advice after your test whether you have been successful or not.
Your Practical Test starts with an eyesight test. The Examiner asks you to read either an old style number plate at 20.5 metres or a new style number plate at 20 metres. You must pass the eyesight test.
After the eyesight test the Examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions from the DVSA Show me/ Tell me set questions. These questions are designed to show you have a “basic” knowledge of the vehicle. You will be asked the ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving and the ‘show me’ question while you’re driving.
Then you will have to drive for about 40 minutes on a test route in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways demonstrating to the Examiner that you can drive safely and competently while demonstrating a good awareness of the Highway Code. During your test the Examiner will try to put you at your ease. He/She will give you clear instructions and directions and will ask you to carry out one specific manoeuvre. You may be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop.
On the Test if you make a mistake try not let it affect your driving. Remember the Examiner is looking for an Overall Safe Drive. You should also drive in an “eco friendly manner” considering your impact on the environment. This element was introduced in September 2008 but for the time being it is only used as guidance and no faults are marked against you. Your practical driving test now includes approximately twenty minutes of independent driving. This could be directions from a sat nav or instructions to follow traffic signs. The examiner will tell you which you have to follow. Don’t worry if you don’t have a sat nav, you can’t use your own. They will bring their own sat nav and set it up for you.
Remember this is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions – this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.
Chequered Flag tip – Do not worry if you forget some of the instructions. You can ask for confirmation BUT make sure to do it in plenty of time. It won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
At the end of your Test the Examiner will spend a few minutes marking up the form. You will then be told whether you have passed or not, and be given a Debriefing, in the presence of you Instructor if you so wish. If you have passed –Well Done!