Knowing exactly what happens on the day is one of the best ways to calm your nerves. The practical driving test is the same for manual and automatic cars, and lasts around 40 minutes of driving.
The five parts of the test
- An eyesight check
- “Show me, tell me” vehicle safety questions
- General driving ability
- Reversing your vehicle
- Independent driving
1. The eyesight check
Before you drive, you’ll read a number plate from 20 metres (20.5 metres for an old-style plate). If you can’t read it, the test ends there, so get your eyes checked well before test day if you have any doubts.
2. Show me, tell me questions
You’ll be asked one “tell me” question before you set off (for example, how you’d check the brakes are working) and one “show me” question while you’re driving (such as using the rear screen demister). Taj practises all of these with you during lessons.
3. General driving
You’ll drive in a range of road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. Expect normal stops at the side of the road, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle and a hill start. You may also be asked to do an emergency stop. Test routes aren’t published, which is why practising around your local test centre matters.
4. Reversing
The examiner will ask you to do one of: a parallel park at the side of the road, a bay park (driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out), or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing about two car lengths and rejoining traffic.
5. Independent driving
For about 20 minutes you’ll follow either a sat nav (set up by the examiner) or traffic signs. Taking a wrong turn isn’t a fault, and the examiner will help you back onto the route.
What if I make a mistake?
Keep going. A minor fault on its own won’t fail you, and the examiner only stops the test if your driving is a danger to others. You can have your instructor sit in the back and listen to the feedback at the end, which is useful if you need to book another test.
For the official rules, see the GOV.UK driving test guide. Want a mock test on real Luton routes first? Book a test preparation lesson.
