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 of your driving test 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:
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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:
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Make sure you bring:
- Your UK driving licence
- Your theory-test pass certificate, if you have it
- A suitable car for the test—most learners use their instructor’s car
If using your own car it 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:
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Read a number plate from around 20 metres away
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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 will ask one Tell Me vehicle-safety question.
During the drive, the examiner will ask one Show Me question, where you demonstrate how to operate a control when it is safe to do so.
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:
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Drive in different road and traffic conditions
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Follow road signs or sat nav directions
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Perform one manoeuvre, such as:
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Parallel parking
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Bay parking
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Pulling up on the right and reversing
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Forward bay parking
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You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop.
If you have a question about your test day, just send me a message.
5. Independent Driving
For between 20 and 35 minutes, you will drive independently by following directions from a sat nav, traffic signs or a combination of both.
The overall test lasting around 40 minutes is still reasonable.
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:
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Passed, or
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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, provided you have insurance that allows you to drive without supervision.
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
Not passing can be disappointing, but the examiner’s feedback can help you understand what needs further development. You will need to book another test and choose a date at least 10 working days later.
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.
Have a question that’s not answered here?
Call or Text: 07894 81 06 75
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