PRACTICAL TEST INFORMATION

The Practical Driving Test can be a daunting prospect for many new drivers. A combination of lessons from a professional Approved Driving Instructor and plenty of practice is the best recipe for Test Success.

Nine out of ten learners who passed the practical test on their first attempt were taught by an ADI rather than a friend or relative.  

(www.direct.gov.uk   Choosing a driving instructor)

Click here to watch a DSA video about the Practical Driving Test.

As an introduction to the Practical Test we have listed the major elements of the Test, together with details of how the examiner will test you and faults which you should try to avoid.

During the Test, the examiner will record any driver errors or driving faults that you commit. If you commit 16 driver errors or one Serious or Dangerous fault then you will fail the Test.

The examiner will want to see you drive in a safe and considerate manner, making full use of observation and awareness of traffic situations and other road users. Forward planning, based on your observation and awareness are vital elements.

Some additional elements of the Driving Test:

Eyesight Test.

What the test requires:

At the start of the practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle.

The distance requirement for the eyesight test is:

•  20 metres for vehicles displaying the new-style number plate 
•  20.5 metres for vehicles displaying old-style number plates 

 Road Junctions.

What the test requires:

You should

·     use the MSM routine when you approach a roundabout

·     position your car correctly. Make your speed appropriate for the situation and stop if    necessary

·     use the correct lane if the road has lane markings. In a one-way street choose that lane as soon as you can do so safely.

If the road has no lane markings, when turning left, stay over to the left.

Watch out for

·     motorcyclists

·     cyclists

·     pedestrians crossing.

When turning right, you should

·     keep close to the centre of the road, making sure you are in a safe position

·     use effective all-round observation before you enter a junction. 

How your examiner will test you

For this aspect of driving there is no specific exercise you will be asked to do. The examiner will be watching carefully and looking out for your

·     use of the MSM routine

·     position and speed on approach

·     observation and judgement.

Skills you should show

You should be able to

·     observe road signs and markings and react to them accordingly

·     judge the correct speed on approach

·     slow down in good time, without the need for harsh braking

·     judge the speed of the other traffic, especially at roundabouts and when you are joining major roads

·     position and turn correctly.

You shouldn't

·     approach junctions at the wrong speed

·     position and turn incorrectly

·     enter a junction unsafely

·     stop or wait unnecessarily.

Meeting Traffic.

What the test requires:

When dealing with oncoming traffic you should do it safely and confidently. This applies

·        on narrow roads

·        where there are parked cars or other obstructions.

If there is an obstruction on your side of the road, or not enough space for two vehicles to pass safely, you should

·        use the MSM routine

·        be willing to give way to oncoming traffic.

If you need to stop, keep well back from the obstruction to give yourself

·        a better view of the road ahead

·        room to move off easily when the road is clear.

When you pass parked cars allow at least the width of a car door, if possible.

How your examiner will test you:

For this part of your test there is no specific exercise. The examiner will be watching and see how you

·          use the MSM routine

·          react to road and traffic conditions

Skills you should show

You should

·        show judgement and control when facing oncoming traffic

·        be decisive when stopping and moving off

·       allow plenty of room when passing parked cars.

You shouldn't ignore the potential dangers of:

·        people opening doors

·        children running out into the road

·        pedestrians stepping out from the pavement

·       vehicles pulling out without warning.

Independent Driving:

To watch a DSA video about the Independent Driving section of the Driving Test click here. 

Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. 

During your test you'll have to drive independently by either following: 

·          traffic signs 

·          a series of directions 

·          a combination of both 

To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram. 

What happens if you forget the directions? 

It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. 

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going. 

The Route: 

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you. 

What happens if you go off the independent driving route? 

If you go off the independent driving route it won't affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault. 

If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route. You can then continue with the independent driving. 

What happens if there are poor traffic signs? 

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign. You won't need to have a detailed knowledge of the area. 

Why you can't use sat nav? 

You can't use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions. 

Example of Independent Driving Route Diagram:

Pedestrian Crossings.

Zebra Crossings:

You should

·    know the different types of pedestrian crossing

·    show courtesy and consideration for pedestrians

·    stop safely when necessary.

At zebra crossings

You must slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone on the crossing.

You should also

·    slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross

·    know how to give the correct arm signal, if necessary, before slowing down or stopping.

How your examiner will test you

For this part of your test there is specific exercise. Your examiner will be watching and see how you deal with pedestrian crossings.

Skills you should show

You should be able to

·     approach a pedestrian crossing at an appropriate speed

·     stop safely when necessary

·     move off when it's safe, keeping a good lookout.

Don't

·     approach a crossing at high speed

·     drive over a crossing without stopping or showing awareness that there are pedestrians waiting to cross

·     block a crossing by stopping directly on it.

Don't try and hurry pedestrians by

·        sounding your horn

·        revving your engine

·        edging forward.

Don't

·        overtake within the zigzag white lines leading up to crossings

·        wave pedestrians across

Pelican Crossings:

What the test requires

You should

·    know the different types of pedestrian crossing

·    show courtesy and consideration for pedestrians

·    stop safely when necessary.

At Pelican Crossings

You must

¨      Stop if the lights are red

¨      Give way to any pedestrians on a Pelican Crossing when the lights are flashing amber

How your examiner will test you

For this part of your test there is specific exercise. Your examiner will be watching and see how you deal with pedestrian crossings.

Skills you should show

You should be able to

·     approach a pedestrian crossing at an appropriate speed

·     stop safely when necessary

·     move off when it's safe, keeping a good lookout.

Don't

·     approach a crossing at high speed

·     drive over a crossing without stopping or showing awareness that there are pedestrians waiting to cross

·     block a crossing by stopping directly on it.

Don't try and hurry pedestrians by

·        sounding your horn

·        revving your engine

·        edging forward.

Don't

·        overtake within the zigzag white lines leading up to crossings

·        wave pedestrians across

·       take late or incorrect action on traffic  lightsignals at controlled crossings.

Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus Crossings:

What the test requires

You should

·    know the different types of pedestrian crossing

·    show courtesy and consideration for pedestrians

·    stop safely when necessary.

At Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus Crossings

You must

¨      Stop if the lights are red

¨      Give way to cyclists on a Toucan Crossing, as you would to pedestrians

How your examiner will test you

For this part of your test there is specific exercise. Your examiner will be watching and see how you deal with pedestrian crossings.

Skills you should show

You should be able to

·     approach a pedestrian crossing at an appropriate speed

·     stop safely when necessary

·     move off when it's safe, keeping a good lookout.

Don't

·     approach a crossing at high speed

·     drive over a crossing without stopping or showing awareness that there are pedestrians waiting to cross

·     block a crossing by stopping directly on it.

Don't try and hurry pedestrians by

·        sounding your horn

·        revving your engine

·        edging forward.

Don't

·        overtake within the zigzag white lines leading up to crossings

·        wave pedestrians across

·        take late or incorrect action on traffic  lightsignals at controlled crossings.

Emergency Stop:

What the test requires

In an emergency you should be able to stop the car

·    as quickly as possible

·    safely and under control

·    without locking the wheels.

How your examiner will test you

Your examiner could

·    ask you to pull up on the side of the road

·    ask you to make an emergency stop
when you are given the signal

·    demonstrate the signal to you.

When your examiner gives the signal, try to stop the car as you would do so if it were a emergency.

·    you should react quickly

·    aim to stop in a straight line.

·    take extra care if the road is wet.

(Your examiner will check to see the road is clear behind you before they give the signal.)

Skills you should show

You should stop the car

·    in a short distance

·    with full control

without causing a risk to other road users.

You shouldn't

·    try and anticipate the signal by stopping as the examiner is checking the road behind

·    skid out of control

·    allow the car to swing off course.

Turn in the road:

What the test requires

You should be able to turn your car around in the road 

·        so that it faces in the opposite direction 

·        using the forward and reverse gears. 

This will take at least three moves. 

How your examiner will test you 

Your examiner will 

·        indicate an appropriate place and ask you 

to pull up 

·     ask you to turn your car around in 

the road. 

You should 

·        make sure that the road is clear in both directions 

·        drive forward in first gear, turning the steering wheel to the right as much as you can 

·        then steer to the left just before you
pull up close to the opposite kerb 

·        check all around to see what is happening, especially your blind spots 

·        reverse, turning your steering wheel to the left as much as you can 

·        steer briskly to the right before you pull up close to the kerb behind you 

·        repeat if necessary until your car is
facing in the opposite direction. 

Skills you should show 

You should demonstrate that you can operate the car smoothly. Make proper use of the 

·        accelerator 

·        clutch 

·        brakes 

·        steering. 

Demonstrate that you are aware of other road users. You will achieve this with all-round observation.  

You shouldn't 

·        mount the kerb, you should also try to not hit it 

·        cause other road users to be in danger  

·        take a lengthy amount of time to complete the exercise, causing an obstruction to other road users.  

·        steer harshly while the car is stationary(dry steering). 

Reverse into a Limited Opening to the Left:

You should be able to reverse your car

• smoothly 
• correctly 
•   safely 
• under full control 

How your examiner will test you

Your examiner will normally     

• ask you to pull up just before a sideroad on the left 
• point out the side road and ask you toreverse into it. 

If you wish you can take off your seat belt for the whole of this exercise.Do so only if it interfereswith your driving. Don't forget to put your seat belt back on after you have done the exercise.

When your examiner asks you, you should

• make sure that you can carry out theexercise correctly and safely 
• check traffic and road conditions in alldirections 
• reverse around the corner keeping check on any traffic or pedestriansthat may come your way 
• straighten up your car and continue to reverse for a reasonable distance 
• pull up in a safe position and wait for your examiner's next instruction. 

Your car will swing out at the front as youreverse around the corner. Keep a goodlookout for other road users.

Skills you should show

You should

•        reverse with full control 
•    keep reasonably close to the kerb, without hitting it or driving on to it 
•    maintain good, effective all-roundobservation. 

You shouldn't

       ·     mount the kerb

       ·     swing out wide

       ·     reverse too far away from the kerb

       ·     be inconsiderate to other road users

  ·     take a lengthy amount of time to complete the exercise, creating a hazard for other road users

·     steer harshly while the car is stationary (dry steering).

Keep reasonably close to the kerb,
you should

•       reverse with full control 
•        keep reasonably close to the kerb,without hitting or driving on to it 
•       maintain good, effective all-roundobservation. 

You shouldn't

•       mount the kerb 
•        swing out wide 
•        reverse too far away from the kerb 
•        be inconsiderate to other road users 
•        take a lengthy amount of time to complete the exercise, creating a hazard for other road users 
•        steer harshly while the car is stationary (dry steering). 

Reverse into a Limited Opening to the Right:

What the test requires

You should be able to reverse your car

·                     Smoothly

·                     Correctly

·                     Safely

·                     Under full control

How your examiner will test you

If the view to the rear of your vehicle is restricted (in a van,for example) your examiner might ask youto reverse into a road on the right.

Your examiner will normally

·     ask you to pull up just before a sideroad on the right

·     point out the side road and ask you toreverse into it.

·    

If you wish you can take off your seat belt for the whole of this exercise.Do so only if it interfereswith your driving. Don't forget to put your seat belt back on after you have done the exercise.

When your examiner asks you, you should

·     make sure that you can carry out theexercise correctly and safely

·     check traffic and road conditions in alldirections

·     reverse around the corner keeping check on any traffic or pedestrians that may come your way

·     straighten up your car and continue to
reverse for a reasonable distance

·     pull up in a safe position and wait for
your examiner's next instruction.

Your car will swing out at the front as youreverse around the corner. Keep a goodlookout for other road users.

Skills you should show

You should

·     reverse with full control

·     keep reasonably close to the kerb,
without striking or hitting it

·     use good, effective all-roundobservation.

You shouldn't

·     mount the kerb

·     swing out wide

·     reverse too far away from the kerb

·     be inconsiderate to other road users

·     take a lengthy amount of time to complete the exercise, creating a hazard for other road users

·     steer harshly while the car is stationary (dry steering).

Reverse Parking on Road:

What the test requires.

You should be able to park your car safely at the kerb (by reversing into the space of about two car lengths).

How your examiner will test you. 

Parking at the kerb behind a parked car. 

After your examiner has explained what is required you should drive alongside the parked vehicle and position your car so that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely 

·     select reverse gear – your reversing lights may show other road users what your intentions are  

·     use effective all-round observation 

·     reverse into the space behind the parked car, within the space of about two car lengths 

·     stop reasonably close, and parallel, to the kerb. 

Skills you should show

You should

• reverse under full control, safely and steadily 
• use good, effective all-round observation 
• show consideration to other road users. 

You shouldn't

• get too close to a parked car 
• go onto the kerb 
• swing your car from side to side 
• park at an angle, too far from the kerb   
• rely too heavily on your mirrors rather than using effective all round observation 
• be inconsiderate or cause a dangerto other road users 
• take an unreasonable amount of time to finish the exercise 
• steer harshly while the vehicle is stationary (dry steering). 

Reverse Park into a Bay:

What the test requires

You should be able to park your car safely off the road by reversing neatly into a bay.

How your examiner will test you

                                                                                                                                           After the examiner has explained what is required you should

·     look at the layout markings and the size of the space which is available 

·     use your mirrors and signal if necessary 

       ·     check your position and keep your speed to a minimum  

·     use effective all-round observation 

·     keep a look out for pedestrians 

·     reverse and park as neatly as possible, with your wheels straight 

       ·     make sure that your vehicle is neatly parked between the layout markings in the bay. 

Skills you should show

You should

       ·     reverse under full control, safely and steadily 

·     use good, effective all-round observation 

·     show consideration to other road users. 

You shouldn't

       ·     get too close to a parked car or the parking bay markings  

·     go onto the kerb 

·     swing your car from side to side 

·     park at an angle, too far from the kerb or markings  

       ·     rely too heavily on your mirrors rather than using effective all round observation  

·     be inconsiderate or cause a dangerto other road users 

·     take an unreasonable amount of time to finish the exercise  

       ·     steer harshly while the vehicle is stationary (dry steering).