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Practical Driving Test - What To Expect

Your instructor will have prepared you as fully as possible for your practical driving test but when the examiner calls your name, it's over to you.

Here's a look at what you can expect;

At The Test Centre

Your instructor will have picked you up an hour before your test and gone over any last minute things you wanted to practise.

You'll then go to the test centre and sit in the waiting room for your examiner to come out and call your name. It's important to note that the examiner is employed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and is there to carry out a full and fair assessment of your driving. Your instructor will wait for you at the test centre while you're out with the examiner.

They'll ask you to lead the way to your vehicle and once outside they'll request that you read a number plate from the required distance, this is to check your eyesight is okay.

After that, you'll go to your vehicle and be asked the show me tell me questions that your instructor will have gone through with you.

Now it's time to start the engine and get out on the road.

On The Road

It's only natural to be nervous but your instructor will have done a few mock tests with you to prepare you for the real test so you need to focus on your driving and nothing else.

The examiner will direct you on a particular route and ask you to perform the manoeuvres they've chosen. It's crucial to remember that they are assessing your driving, so if you do make a mistake, don't automatically assume you've failed, just try to put it out of your mind and carry on with the rest of the test.

Getting Your Result

Your examiner will direct you back to the test centre and once the engine is switched off, they will tell you whether you've passed or failed your practical driving test.

Whatever the result, it's important to listen to any feedback that they give you about the test. If you've failed, this feedback will help on your next attempt and if you pass, it will identify areas you need to pay attention to when you're out on your own.

Take the first step to passing your driving test by booking lessons with a local school today.

Practical driving test tip: Listen very carefully to the examiner's instructions and if you're unclear about anything they've said, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.