Slow Ride School of Motoring
  
 

Pass Your Test

Pass Your Test

 

The Practical Test


Your driving test will start with an eyesight check. You must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres. If you can't, you will fail the test.

You will be asked two questions from the Show Me, Tell Me question bank. There’s one show me tell me question at the start of the test, and the second is during the test. Fail to answer either question correctly and you will score one minor fault.

The driving part of your test will last about 38-40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit a serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

You will have to perform one of the following reversing exercises:

  • Parallel park
  • Right side reverse
  • Bay parking - forward
  • Bay parking - reverse
  • You may be asked to perform a ‘controlled stop’

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day. Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 8.10 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you can drive safely and know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving.

Independent Driving

Independent driving lasts for at least 20 minutes and you’ll need to follow satellite navigation or road signs. You can ask directions if you’re unsure.

The purpose is rather to assess your ability to drive safely whilst at the same time having to make your own decisions in order to reach your target destination. This includes for example deciding when it's safe to pull over and ask for directions. Your result will not be affected unless you commit a driving fault, even if you go off the independent driving route.

The cost of taking the practical test is £62 if taken on a week day and £75 if taken over the weekend.