After you have passed your driving theory test, the next step in gaining your full driving licence is the practical driving test. This is when you must drive the car for around 40 minutes whilst being assessed by a driving examiner.
Preparing for a test
Once you feel ready you can book your driving test. Tests are booked on the DVSA website and a fee of £62 is charged. Remember you can always cancel or change the date of your test if you no longer wish to take the test. However, you must do this no later than 3 days beforehand or you will lose your test fee.
There are several times throughout the day you can select however there are varying opinions as to what is the best time to choose.
The tests that take place first thing in the morning are likely to experience the heavy rush hour traffic which some people may prefer to avoid. However, it is worth noting that driving examiners are known to avoid busier main roads during these times. Instead, they will choose a route that remains in a relatively quieter area.
Mid-morning or early afternoon tests take place when the roads are quieter however this means the examiner is likely to select a route that includes main roads.
If you are interested in reading more about exactly how driving tests are conducted there is guidance available on the DVSA website including the full guidance document explaining the procedures driving examiners should follow.
Test day
It is a good idea to have a lesson before your test. This will give you an opportunity to get settled into driving and revise the ‘show me tell me’ questions.
When you arrive at the test centre you and your instructor/accompanying driver will wait in the waiting room. There will be other candidates there who will also be taking their test at the same time as you. The examiners will come in, call out your name, introduce themselves and ask to see your provisional driver’s licence. You will be asked to sign a form stating that the car you have brought along is insured for a driving test.
During the test
You are allowed to have your driving instructor or another person aged 16 or over accompany you during your driving test. However, they are not allowed to communicate with you or assist you in any way.
Before getting into your car, you will be asked to read a car number plate that is 20 metres away to test your eyesight. If you cannot read it you will automatically fail your test. Next, you will be asked a ‘tell me’ question where the examiner will ask you a question about the car. You will be asked a ‘show me’ question during the test. This is when the examiner will ask you to show them how you would carry out a specific action such as sound the horn, how to wash and clean the rear windscreen or how to demist the front windscreen. A full list of questions is available on the DVSA website.
During the test, you will follow the road ahead unless the road signs give a specific instruction or the examiner gives you directions. Remember you are allowed to ask them to repeat directions if you are unsure.
The examiner will record any faults on a test marking sheet however try not to look at this during the test. They won’t say anything to you about your score until the completion of the test.
There are 3 types of fault – a minor, serious or dangerous.
To pass your driving test you will need to have gained no more than 15 minor faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
Try to stay calm and focused during the test. I know you will probably feel extremely nervous but once you get driving you will soon begin to relax. The examiner may chat to you to put you at ease and others may keep quiet to let you focus on driving.
If you make a mistake during the test try not to think about it. Don’t let it affect the rest of your test, even if you think you’ve failed. Also, don’t worry if you take a wrong turning during the test and go off route. As long as you haven’t driven dangerously or broken the highway code you will not be penalised.
Test Failure
“Unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion” or “On this occasion, you’ve not passed”. No one wants to hear those words but statistics show that 47% of drivers fail their test on their first attempt.
The examiner will explain why you have not passed and go through each fault if you wish. Although it is a good idea to listen to the examiner’s feedback you do not have to if you would rather not.
If you wish to book and pay for another test you must select a date that is at least 10 working days away. However, it is a good idea to consider having some more lessons before booking another test. This will give you an opportunity to improve on the areas that resulted in you not passing and gain some more practice. Remember your confidence may have taken a knock so having some time to regain your confidence behind the wheel may be worthwhile.
If you believe the driving examiner did not follow the correct procedure or mistreated you i.e was aggressive, discriminated against you or deliberately failed you, you can appeal your driving test result.
If you live in Scotland you will need to do this through the Sheriff Court within 21 days. In England and Wales, you should go through the Magistrate’s Court within 6 months.
Remember you can only appeal your test result if you believe the examiner did not follow proper procedure. You cannot appeal because you disagree with their decision.
Also even if you are successful in your appeal it will not change the result of your test. Instead, you may be offered another test free of charge.
Test Pass
The examiner will present you with your pass certificate, your test report and ask if you would like them to arrange to have your full licence sent to you.
The examiner will explain any minor faults occurred. Although you will probably be distracted (and delighted) at the news you’ve passed, it is a good idea to still listen to the feedback offered. This will help you continue to improve your driving going forward.
Top tip
If you decide to post a picture of your pass certificate on social media you should cover or blur out your driver number. I know this sounds extreme but it actually prevents fraudsters from stealing your identity.
Cancelled test
Unfortunately sometimes due to bad weather or other conditions I.e driving examiner unwell, your test may need to be cancelled. If this is the case, the test centre should contact you however if you suspect your test may be cancelled there is a telephone number you can use.
The DVSA will arrange another test for you and should contact you with 7 working days with the details. If this new date is not suitable you can change it.
If the DVSA cancel your test without giving you 3 days notice for a reason other than bad weather you are allowed to claim for expenses if you were left out of pocket.
You can only do this if the DVSA cancel for reasons unrelated to the weather i.e driving examiner not available and they failed to offer 3 days notice.
You can claim for:
- Loss of earnings (if you had to take time off work for your test)
- If your instructor charged you for the lesson time
- Cost of the car hire (if you didn’t use your own car)
- If your theory test is cancelled you can claim for the cost of travelling to the test centre
There is a form on the DVSA you can complete if you wish to claim expenses.
Please be aware that if your test is cancelled because:
- You are unwell on the day or become unwell during the test
- There is a problem with your car i.e breakdown
- Your car does not meet the required safety standards
Under these circumstances, unfortunately, you will need to pay for and schedule another test.
