Gr8 2 Drive School of Motoring
Practical Test
Once you’ve passed the theory test, done plenty of practice, passed a mock test and your Instructor thinks you’re ready to get out on the road by yourself it's time to do the practical test. So what happens during the practical test?
On the day of your test I would suggest that you meet your Instructor an hour before your test starts. This will give the Instructor time to check that you have all the correct documents, you can have some “warm up” practice before your test starts and make sure that you get to the test centre on time. Ideally you should get to the test centre about 10 minutes before your test starts. Reverse into the bay and you’re all set ready to go.
Main points about the test
- The test will last around 40 minutes;
- Up to 15 driving errors are allowed but no serious or dangerous driving errors. Even one serious or dangerous error will result in a fail;
- Bring your correct documents and sign the insurance declaration;
- You will be asked if you would like someone to accompany you (usually your Instructor);
- You must read a number plate from a distance of 20m;
- The Examiner will ask you one "Tell Me" safety check question before you start the drive;
- The test route is designed to assess your ability and road knowledge in a wide range of driving situations and conditions;
- You will be asked to stop in a safe place on several occasions. This can be either a hill start, angle start or an assessment of your ability to stop in a convenient place and then move off again safely;
- Independent Driving is carried out for approximately 20 minutes of the test. In 4 out of 5 instances you will be asked to follow directions from a SatNav and in the other scenario you will be asked to follow road signs or directions;
- One manoeuvre is required out of the 4 you have learnt;
- You will be asked one "Show Me" safety check question during the drive;
- The Emergency stop is only done on one in every 3 tests.
What do you need to bring to the test?
You must bring your provisional photocard driving licence. You should also bring your theory test pass certificate.
If you have one of the older paper style licences, make sure it’s signed and you need to bring a valid passport. No other form of photographic identification will be accepted.
If you don't bring the correct documentation, your test will not go ahead and you will lose your fee.
If you lose either part of your licence, apply to the DVSA for a replacement. This can take up to 3 weeks so you may have to reschedule your test.
You need to bring an appropriate vehicle for the type of test you are taking. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have front and rear “L” plates and you should have a separate mirror for the examiner.
Start of the Test
The examiner will call your name and then ask to see your documents. You will be required to sign an insurance declaration form which states that you have the correct insurance for the examiner to take you on your test. If you are using my car this will all be in order. The examiner will ask if any of your details have changed.
Finally the examiner will ask if you would like someone to accompany you on the test and to sit in on the debriefing at the end of your test. Normally this person would be your Instructor but it can be anyone over the age of 16 – preferably the person who has taught you to drive. The person accompanying you may not help you in any way.
In the Car park
You will then be asked to make your way to your car. The Examiner will introduce themselves and inquire how you would like to be addressed.
You will be required to read a standard, new style, number plate from a distance of 20m (66 feet). Wear glasses if you need them. If you use glasses to read the number plate you MUST wear them when you drive. If you cannot read the number plate after 3 goes the test will be terminated and you will lose your fee. You will also have your licence revoked and you will have to reapply for a new licence.
The examiner will next ask you one "Tell Me" safety check question. A list of the questions and answers can be found in the menu on the left at the top of the page.
The Examiner will then ask you to get into the vehicle and make yourself comfortable. Use this time to check your seat and mirrors are still properly adjusted and put your seat belt on. Meanwhile the examiner will walk around the vehicle and check that there are no obvious signs that the vehicle is unroadworthy, ensure that the “L” plates are in place and take note of the vehicle make and model. This information will be entered on the Driving test report, Form DL25C (See above).
The Drive
Here is a link to the official DVSA video indicating how the test will be carried out.
Driving Test 2018 : Official DVSA Guide
The Examiner ask if you would like a brief overview of how the test will be conducted. The Examiner will also let you know how they will give instructions for changing directions. Usually the Examiner says: "I would like you to follow the road ahead, unless traffic signs direct you, or I ask you to turn, which I will do in good time. - Move off when you are ready please ".
Routes chosen by the Examiners are designed to assess your performance in a variety of challenging road situations and conditions. You need to demonstrate your ability to react and drive appropriately to the conditions as you encounter them. Drive carefully and considerately. Make a good smooth start by co-ordinating the controls well: accelerator, clutch, footbrake, handbrake and steering. At some point during your test you will be asked to carry out one of the four manoeuvres you have learnt:
- Drive forward into a parking bay (without driving through to an adjacent bay) and then reverse out;
- Reverse into a parking bay and then drive out;
- Reverse parallel parking;
- Pull up and stop on the right hand side of the road, reverse back 2 car lengths and then rejoin the traffic.
Additionally the Examiner will ask you to find place to stop on several occasions. Make sure you select a place that is safe. After stopping you may need to carry out an uphill / downhill / angled start. Alternatively you may be required to do an emergency stop or carry out a manoeuvre. Whatever the reason for the stop, remember the MSM routine and to check the blind spot before you move off.
Roughly 20 minutes of the test is taken up by an exercise called “independent driving”. This will involve either following directions given by a SatNav (provided by the Examiner) or you will need to follow a series of directions or traffic signs (or a combination of both) and you may be shown you a diagram indicating the route he / she wishes you to take. On the left is an example of the type of diagram you may be shown. It doesn’t matter if you go the wrong way or forget the directions as long as you drive correctly. Just ask for a reminder if you can’t remember. And bear in mind it’s going to be a lot more difficult when your friends try to give you directions!!
Back at the Test Centre
After 35 – 40 minutes of driving and you’ve had a good opportunity to demonstrate your driving skills to the Examiner you'll return to the test centre. Once you’ve parked the car the Examiner will fill in some details on the Driving Report form and hopefully the next words you’ll hear are “I’m pleased to inform you that you have passed your test”. You will be issued with a pass certificate (see on the right). The Examiner will ask for your provisional licence which will be sent off and in 2 – 3 weeks your full licence will arrive in the post.
If you hear the dreaded “I’m sorry to inform you … “ the Examiner will give you the Driving test report form (DL25C) and an application form to reapply for your next test.
Whether you pass or fail you will be asked if you would like debriefing explaining any faults you have committed. For data protection purposes, you will be asked if you want your Instructor to listen in. Please say YES. This is very important feedback and you will find that your Instructor is far better at interpreting what the examiner has to say, particularly as you will be fairly emotional after having taken your test.
Well that’s it! I will drive you back and hopefully you will spend the journey home texting or phoning friends and family telling them what a great driver you are!!