Intro
This section is designed to provide you with all the information you need to know about the Practical test.
About The Practical test
The purpose of the practical Driving Test is to find out whether you can drive safely, without supervision on the roads.
You will not pass unless you can show the examiner that you have the ability to do this.
Once you have passed your Theory Test you should discuss with your instructor about when you should apply for a Practical Test.
The Practical Driving Test is relatively straightforward. It lasts approximately 40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner.
Test routes are designed to be as uniformed as possible and include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
Your local Driving Instructor or A+ Office can help with your test application
What To Expect
The driving test can be broken down into the following areas please choose a link for more information
- Before The Test: Including a list of documents you will need, and the eyesight test.
- Show Me Tell Me: A list of the different questions and answers
- manoeuvers: Detailed explanations with diagrams on some of the possible manoeuvers required
Practical Test Info
Checks Before Starting The Engine
The examiner will expect you to:
- Make sure all the doors are closed.
- Ensure your seat and head restraint are properly adjusted.
- Check your mirrors are properly adjusted.
- Fasten your seatbelt.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Make sure the hand brake is on and the gearstick is in neutral.
Using The Controls
The examiner will expect you to:
- Use the controls smoothly and correctly.
- Understand the function of the main controls.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly
- Accelerate evenly.
- Avoid stalling the car.
- Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard.
- Brake gently and in good time.
- Know how and when to apply the hand brake.
- Hold the steering wheel at either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position.
- Steer at the correct time and smoothly.
- Understand the minor controls, such as lights, indicators, windscreen wipers and de-misters.
- Know the meaning of displays on the instrument panel, such as warning lights and speedometer.
Moving off
The examiner will expect you to:
- Move off safely and under control on a level road, from behind a parked vehicle and on a gradient, where practical.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Use the MSM routine.
- Check your blindspot for traffic and pedestrians.
- Make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering.
- Use the appropriate gear.
The Emergency Stop
The examiner will expect you to:
- Stop the car promptly .
- Keep the car under control without locking the wheels.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Stop the car in the shortest possible distance.
- Stop the car without endangering other road users.
Road junctions, including roundabouts
The examiner will expect you to:
- Use the MSM routine.
- Position correctly and adjust your speed.
- Choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street.
- Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Take effective observations.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Read Stop signs, Give Way signs, etc, accurately.
- Assess the speed of traffic, particularly at roundabouts and when emerging.
Using the mirrors
The examiner will expect you to:
- Use your mirrors effectively before any manoeuvre.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Act sensibly and safely on what you see.
Giving signals
The examiner will expect you to:
- Signal to let others know what you intend doing.
- Use your signals to help other road users, including pedestrians.
- Always make sure your signal is cancelled after use.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Give signals clearly and in good time.
- Know how to give arm signals and when they are necessary.
Acting on signs and signals
The examiner will expect you to:
- Understand road markings and traffic signs.
- React safely and promptly to them.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Act properly at traffic lights.
- Check that the junction is safe before proceeding on a green light.
Exercising care in the use of speed
The examiner will expect you to:
- Make good progress.
- Take account of the road, traffic, weather conditions.
- Comply with road signs.
- Keep within speed limits.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Make sure you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear.
- Keep a safe distance on wet or slippery roads.
Following behind another vehicle at a safe distance
The examiner will expect you to:
- Drive at a speed so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
- Maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front.
- Double the distance in bad conditions.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Make proper use of the MSM routine.
- Show anticipation in your reactions to changing road and traffic conditions and your handling of the controls.
Making progress
The examiner will expect you to:
- Make reasonable progress.
- Adjust your speed to the road and traffic conditions.
- Keep up with traffic.
- Emerge at junctions as soon as possible.
- Show confidence and judgement.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- The type of road.
- The volume and type of traffic.
- The weather conditions.
- Your visibility.
Overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other traffic
The examiner will expect you to:
- Overtaking
- Allow enough room, especially for cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
- Allow enough room after overtaking and avoid cutting in.
- Meeting
- Meet and deal with traffic safely and confidently.
- Use the MSM routine.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Keep well back from an obstruction if you need to stop, so you can see ahead and will have the room to move off again.
- Crossing
- Use the MSM routine.
- Position correctly and adjust your speed.
- Watch out for oncoming traffic and stop if necessary.
- Watch out for pedestrians crossing at the side road.
Reversing around a corner
The examiner will expect you to reverse:
- Smoothly
- Correctly
- Safely
- Under control
- Keeping reasonably close to the kerb
- Without mounting or hitting the kerb
- Without swinging out too wide
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Check traffic and road conditions.
- Look out for traffic and pedestrians.
- Stop in a safe position.
Turning in the road
The examiner will expect you to turn your car around in the road:
- Smoothly
- Under control
- Making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering
- Without touching or mounting the kerb
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Are aware of other road users.
- Keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre.
Reverse parking
The examiner will expect you to:
- Reverse into a space of about two car lengths.
- Park your car at the kerb safely, smoothly and under control.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Take all-round observation.
- Stop reasonably close to the kerb.
- Do not get too close to the parked car.
- Do not mount the kerb.
Road positioning and lane discipline
The examiner will expect you to:
- Keep to the left normally.
- Avoid weaving in and out between parked cars.
- Obey lane markings.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Select the appropriate lane in good time.
- Use the MSM routine.
Passing stationary vehicles
The examiner will expect you to:
- Allow, if possible, the width of a car door.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Look out for doors opening, vehicles pulling away, children and pedestrians stepping out.
Pedestrian crossings
The examiner will expect you to:
- Demonstrate consideration and courtesy for pedestrians.
- Stop at Pelican, Puffin and Toucan Crossings if the lights are red.
- Give way to pedestrians at Pelican Crossings if the lights are flashing amber.
- Slow down and stop at Zebra Crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting to cross.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Control your speed on approach to Pedestrian Crossings.
- Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.
Selecting a safe place to stop
The examiner will expect you to:
- Stop where you will not obstruct the road or cause a hazard.
- Stop near to the edge of the road.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
- Do not cause danger or inconvenience to other road users when you stop.





