What Happens on the Day of Your Driving Test ?

Feeling nervous about your driving test is completely normal. Knowing exactly what will happen on the day can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect. I will pick you up 1 hour before your test for a warm up drive, then we will:

1. Arrive at the Test Centre

Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled test time. This gives you time to settle your nerves and meet your examiner.

Make sure you bring:

• Your provisional driving licence

• Your theory test pass certificate (if required)

• The car you will use for the test (if not provided by your instructor)

Your car must be roadworthy, insured, taxed, and display L-plates.

2. Meet Your Driving Examiner

The examiner will introduce themselves and ask to see your provisional licence.

They will also ask you to:

• Read a number plate from around 20 metres away

• Sign an insurance declaration (if using your own car)

If you cannot read the number plate, the test will not continue.

3. The “Show Me, Tell Me” Questions

Before you start driving, the examiner may ask you either one “Tell Me” vehicle safety question. Or one show me question

During the drive, they will ask one “Show Me” question where you demonstrate a control safely while driving.

These questions check that you understand basic car safety and controls.

Check out the Show me tell me questions

4. The Driving Part of the Test

The driving test lasts around 40 minutes.

During the drive you will be asked to:

• Drive in different road and traffic conditions

• Follow road signs or sat nav directions

• Perform one manoeuvre, such as:

  • Parallel parking

  • Bay parking

  • Pulling up on the right and reversing

  • Forward bay parking

You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop.

5. Independent Driving

For around 20 minutes, you will drive independently by either:

• Following a sat nav, or

• Following road signs

This shows that you can drive safely without step-by-step instructions.

6. Returning to the Test Centre

At the end of the drive, you will return to the test centre where the examiner will tell you the result.

You will be told whether you have:

• Passed, or

• Not passed this time

The examiner will also explain any driving faults you made.

7. If You Pass ?

Congratulations! You can start driving straight away.

Your examiner will ask if you want them to send your licence off for you, and you will receive your full licence in the post.

8. If You Don’t Pass

Don’t worry — many drivers pass on their second attempt.

Your examiner will explain what you need to improve, and you can book another test when you’re ready.

Check out the 10 top reasons for not passing

Final Tip

Try to think of the test as just another driving lesson. Stay calm, listen carefully to the examiner, and focus on driving safely.