The Driving Test

A common question we are asked is 'what happens on the day of my driving test?'. Here we explain all!

Before the Test
On the day of your test we recommend you book a lesson of at least one hour beforehand so we can practice the finer points, and so that you have time to relax. You can of course book a longer lesson if you wish.

Around fifteen minutes before the time of the test we will park at the Test Centre and then go into the waiting room.

At the allocated test time the examiner will call your name. He or she will ask to see both parts of your Driving Licence (photo card and counterpart) plus your Theory Test certificate. You will be asked to read and sign a Declaration and your signature will be compared to the signature on your licence. Providing everything is in order, you will then both proceed outside.

The Beginning of the Test
When outside in the car park you will be asked by the examiner to read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet) to check that your eyesight is sufficient for driving from a safety point of view. Providing you pass the eyesight test you will then proceed to the car.

The examiner may at this point ask you to lift the bonnet of the car and then ask you some questions about basic car maintenance. Further questions may be asked when you get inside the car. Kevin will fully brief you in advance of your test on the types of questions you may be asked and how to find your way round the engine and the full range of in-car functions. You will be given a sheet of example questions to study together with a diagram of the car's engine so don't worry, you will be well prepared for this part of the driving test.

Out on the Test
Once the questions are out of the way the practical test will begin and you will spend approximately the next forty minutes following the examiner's directions and proceeding according to the road markings and signs.

Part of the practical driving test involves 10 minutes of 'independent driving' during which you are required to either follow the road signs to a destination stated by the examiner or refer to a diagram of a required route and follow that route. If at any time you forget the route, you are allowed to ask for a reminder. If you go the wrong way, it is acceptable, providing it is done safely, and the examiner will attempt to get you back on the correct route.

You may be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop; and you will be asked to demonstrate two manoeuvres which could be a turn in the road, reverse park, park in a bay or reverse round a corner.

The end of the Test
The test will end back at the Test Centre and at this point you will be told by the examiner whether you have passed or failed. If you have failed the test you will be given the opportunity to discuss the reasons why and then you can discuss with Kevin what to do next.

If on the other hand you have passed, congratulations! Kevin will drive you home (you will be too busy phoning everybody to drive yourself!) and he'll give you some information about Pass Plus, an optional course that can help you become an even safer driver, give you experience of driving on the motorway and even get you a discount on your car insurance.

Need to know anything else? Feel free to contact us!

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"Kevin taught my brother to drive so he came highly recommended. I always looked forward to my driving lessons; they were never boring as Kevin made them fun! I was a bit worried about doing the manoeuvres but they were made easy for me. Now I've passed my driving test I actually miss my lessons!" Martyna Jovaisaite
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