PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
The practical driving test is the final step in getting your driving license in the UK. It checks whether you can drive safely, confidently, and independently in real road conditions.
Practical Driving Test & what you need to know:
Here’s a clear breakdown of what it consists of:
🚗 1. Eyesight Check
Before you even start driving:
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You must read a number plate from 20 metres away
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If you fail this, the test ends immediately
❓ 2. “Show Me, Tell Me” Questions
You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions:
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“Tell me” (before driving) – e.g. how to check tyre pressure
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“Show me” (while driving) – e.g. how to use windscreen wipers
👉 You can get 1 minor fault if you get one wrong.
🛣️ 3. General Driving Ability (Around 40 minutes)
This is the main part of the test. You’ll drive in different situations:
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Town roads
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Residential areas
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Possibly dual carriageways
The examiner looks at:
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Mirror use
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Signalling
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Positioning
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Speed control
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Awareness of hazards
🧭 4. Independent Driving (20 minutes)
You’ll drive independently by:
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Following a sat nav, OR
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Following road signs
This checks that you can:
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Make your own decisions
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Stay calm if you go the wrong way (you won’t fail for that!)
🔁 5. Manoeuvres (1 required)
You’ll be asked to do one of these:
Parallel parking
6
Bay parking (forward or reverse)
7
Pull up on the right and reverse
6
🛑 6. Emergency Stop (Sometimes)
You might be asked to do this:
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Stop the car quickly but safely when told
❌ Faults & Passing
There are 3 types of faults:
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Driving faults (minor) – up to 15 allowed
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Serious fault – instant fail
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Dangerous fault – instant fail
👉 To pass:
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No serious or dangerous faults
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No more than 15 minors
⏱️ How Long It Takes
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Around 40 minutes total
✅ What Examiners Want
They’re not looking for perfection. They want to see that you are:
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Safe
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In control
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Aware of other road users
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Able to make decisions independently
👉 Book your test today