The Practical Driving Test.
The easiest way to judge if you are good enough to pass is to ask yourself.. "Can I drive for 30 minutes without any guidance or mistakes?"
If you can't, then your not ready!
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the test.
Whats the pass rate?
Nationally its a dire 43%, but with our instructors its about 85%!
What car will i use for my test?
You can use your instructors car or your own car.
How long does the test last?
It's normally about 40 minutes, which is 30 mins of driving plus a couple of manouvres.
My friend only had 2 lessons.
We doubt this very much. There are very few people whi can pass a driving test with so little instruction.
You need to know what is expected before you go for the test.
What Should I do if I Fail?
The worst thing you could do is stop your lessons.
Quite often the wait for a driving test can be 6 weeks or more. You MUST keep driving during this time.
Just because you were driving well before your first test does not mean that standard will remain the same until your next test. It wont.
Should I take Rescue Remedy?
We know that a lot of people have heard of this product on the grapevine. It is not illegal as it is a herbal solution.
What we would say is that anything that relaxes you too much may dull your reactions.
Will I Fail if I Stall?
Probably not. It depends on where it happened. If it happened in a traffic quese then almost certainly no.
However if you stall when pulling into a road junction, then probably yes.
It depends on where it happend and how dangerous it is deemed.
What Are Examiners Like?
They are just the same as you and me. They get tired, they get grumpy, but the vast majority are nice and friendly.
They will fail you if you are dangerous, pass you if your not.
Be polite and friendly and drive the best you can. They are not out to fail you!
Vehicle Safety Questions.
You will be asked 2 questions about your vehicle. Please click on the link below for the full list.
To Book your Practical Test, click HERE
Details Submission Area:
Submit Your Driver Licence Details
About the Driving Test.
The driving part of your test will last about 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 one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
The test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue).
The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away.
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. (Please see the details on the right)
You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises.
The reversing exercises will be chosen from: •reversing around a corner •turning in the road •reverse parking.
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result.
However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You will be asked two 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions which must be answered correctly.
They are quite simple, click on the link to find out more.
What Happens on The Day of the Test?
You will be picked up one hour before the test, this enables you to relax and get into driving again. We can also go over some manouvres if you want.
We arrive at the test centre 10 minutes before the test. You will need to revers bay park into a space. Don't worry if this goes wrong, it usually does!
At test time, the examiner will call your name. You will need to show him BOTH parts of your driving licence and sign a residency declaration.
Once paperwork has been completed, you and the examiner proceed to the car.
Good Luck!!
Why people fail driving tests.
Acting improperly at road junctions.
A common reason for a test fail with junctions is going over the give way or stop lines.
Coming to a stop over the line is of course dangerous. Approaching junctions too fast and lack of observation results in the number 1 test fail.
On approaching a junction, use your mirrors, slow down to an appropriate speed so that it gives you plenty of time to observe the road, other vehicles and pedestrians and carry out the MSM routine in good time
Manoeuvre - Reversing around a corner incorrectly.
Control, accuracy and observations are the key things to this manoeuvre.
Hitting the curb, swinging wide and lack of observation is a common test fail for this.
During the manoeuvre, use an appropriate speed. Keep it slow, giving yourself enough time to judge your distances correctly, use your mirrors and correct observation.
Give way to all other road users as necessary. Don't forget to check over your right shoulder before turning!
Failure to make proper use of steering.
Remember to feed the steering wheel through your hands. Don’t cross your hands on the wheel, don't let the wheel spin back after a turn or drive with any hands off the wheel for any longer than they have to be. Use the steering freely and smoothly.
Manoeuvre - problems with parking
Reverse parking is arguably one of the trickiest manoeuvres.
The purpose is to show the Examiner that you have good control of the car using clutch control, accuracy and observation.
Keep the vehicle slow, giving yourself plenty of time to manoeuvre the vehicle accurately and to observe other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and stop if they approach.
Don't forget to look over your right shoulder before each turn to check for any other approaching road users.
Failure to make proper use of gears.
Make sure you are in the correct gear before pulling away.
When slowing down or coming to a stop, use the brakes to slow down and not the gears.
As a general rule, move into 2nd gear as soon as you move from stationary, 3rd gear at 20mph, 4th gear at 30mph, and 5th gear at 40mph.
Videos about the test.
Are You Ready for the test?
Be safe!