The Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test consists of an eye sight test, show me tell me questions and then the practical driving test of ability. The test lasts for 38 to 40 minutes and you must pass all parts of the test.

The Eyesight Test

You must be able to read in good daylight with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn, a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures

79 millimetres in height and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 20 metres

79 millimetres in height and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 20.5 metres

Safety Questions(Show Me Tell Me)

You will be asked two safety questions.

Click here for show and tell me questions

The Driving Test 

You will be examined on your general driving and on one reversing exercises chosen from:

• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking
• Bay parking

TIP: When performing any reversing exercises one must always remember to look in the direction of travel, ie backwards

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

TIP: Drive as your instructor has taught you and do not worry if you make a mistake. The examiner is looking for an overall safe standard of driving. You are allowed up to 15 minor driving faults and you will still pass your test.

TIP: What you can't see you can always hear! When emerging out of a blind junction open your window to see if you can hear the noise of an on-coming vehicle.

TIP: When emerging out of a blind junction always use parked cars as a mirror for reflection of moving vehicles, you should be able to see moving activity 3-5 seconds before they actually appear

TIP: Every road tells a new story your job is to read the signs and read the story !!!

TIP: Only a fool breaks the 2 second rule. This is the distance to keep from the vehicle in front. Count 2 seconds after the car in front has past a stationary object, for example a lamp post, post box or another parked vehicle. You should not reach the object before you have counted two seconds.

TIP: Blind spot observations over the right shoulder are a must when moving off from parked postion or lane changing

TIP: Clutch low car slow

After The Practical Test

The examiner will tell you if you have passed or failed once the test is completed. If you fail you should request feedback from your examiner, who will then go through your performance. This will help you when to focus on the weaker points of your driving ready for your next test You can take another practical test after 10 working days however it may not necessarily be this soon depending upon test centre waiting times.

If you pass and have a photo card driving license issued after 1 March 2004 you can have your full driving license issued to you automatically. The examiner will scan your licence details and your new full license will be posted to you within four weeks.