Practical Test

Once you have passed your theory test you can then apply for the practical test of driving ability. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready and will guide you through the application process. We can book your test for you online at no extra charge. Please take your instructors advice when it comes to booking the test and DO NOT book it until your instructor tells you are ready. You must get things right in lessons before booking the test. The cost of the practical test (as of April 2008) is £56.50 for a weekday or £67.00 for a weekday evening or a weekend.

The test itself lasts for 40 minutes, during which you will be asked to drive in a safe, confident manner in town, rural and on dual carriageways. To pass your test you must not make more than 15 minor driving faults or make any serious/dangerous driving faults.

At the start of your test you will be asked to show the examiner your driving licence (both paper and photo card parts) and your theory test certificate. You will be asked to sign the test report sheet and then an eye test will be carried out. You will then be asked two questions in relation to the car you are taking your test in. Your instructor will give you a full list of these well before your test to study. An example of the show and tell questions:

Question

Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how to check the level of the fluid.

Answer

Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check fluid level against the min/max marker

Question

Show me how to check the headlights and tail lights are working.

Answer

Switch on the headlights. Go to the front of the car and make sure both headlights are on. Go to the rear and check both tail lights are on then switch off the headlights.

After these questions, the test will begin. You will be asked to carry out 2 manoeuvres you have been practising. You may be also asked to do a hill start, an angled start and an emergency stop. The test will end when you arrive back at the test centre and your examiner tells you to turn off the engine.