The Driving Test

What are the examiners looking for?

They want to see if you can drive safely and that you know the Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.

What will be included in the test?

It will include an eyesight test (this is done at the start of the test, if you fail this then your test will not continue).

The distance requirement for the old-style number plate is 20.5 metres. The distance requirement for the eyesight test with the new-style number plate is 20 metres.

After the eyesight test you will then walk to the car with the examiner and you will then be asked two vehicle safety questions (Show Me/Tell Me – Please click on Show Me / Tell Me page)

After this you will be examined on your general drive which will include two reversing excercises. These will be chosen from the following :

·                     reversing around a corner

·                     turning in the road (formally 3 point turn)

·                     reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Your practical driving test should take about 40 minutes.

The examiner will give you clear directions in plenty of time which you should follow.

If you make a mistake or just feel you have done something that means you have failed, don’t worry about it! It might be a less serious fault than you think and you should carry on, the fault your worrying about may not affect your result.

You are allowed up to 15 driving faults (minors) and still pass (16 or more is a fail).

But, if you get one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

Weather conditions and Mechanical problems

The DSA will not conduct a test in bad light or in bad weather conditions for safety reasons. This is worth considering when booking tests during the winter months, foggy mornings etc can often end up with cancelled tests.

If the test is cancelled because of the above then another test will be arranged at no further cost BUT compensation is not payable.

I will always ring ahead if I am unsure a test will take place because of poor weather conditions

If you receive a phone call telling you your test has been cancelled due to weather or sickness then please ring me a.s.a.p.

When you arrive back at the test centre the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed.  You will be offered a debrief where the examiner will go through your performance during the test.

You will be given a copy of the driving report at the end of the test, this will show any driving faults.

After this whether you pass or fail you will be driven home by your instructor.