What to Expect in Your Driving Test  

So, after months of lessons, you’re finally ready to take your practical driving test. Even with a good amount of practice, taking your test can be nervewracking but if you know exactly what to expect you can get prepared. There are five parts of the driving test, which is the same for both manual and automatic cars.

In this blog, we explain what you can expect in each part of the test, helping you get one step closer to getting your licence.

What is the general outline of the test?

The test will last for around 40 minutes or 70 minutes if you are taking an extended driving test, and will consist of the following assessments.

●An eyesight check

●‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions

●General driving ability

●Reversing your vehicle

●Independent driving

What does each stage involve?

The eyesight check

Before you enter the car, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of 20 to 20.5 metres. If you are unable to read this correctly the test will end there.

Show me tell me safety questions

Next, you will be asked two vehicle safety questions one before you enter the car and one while you are driving. This will consist of one ‘tell me’ question, for example, “Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car” and a ‘show me’ question, for example, “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?”.

Driving ability

Once you are in the car you will be examined on your general driving ability by following the examiner’s directions, however, driving routes are not published so you won’t be able to check beforehand. The journey will consist of various road and traffic conditions but will not use motorways. You will also be asked to stop at the side of a road, pull out from behind a parked car and complete a hill start.

Reversing your vehicle

You will also be tested on your ability to perform maneuvers, including a parallel park, bay park and pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and rejoining the traffic.

Independent driving

Lastly, the final 20 minutes of your test will e examining your independent driving skills, by either following directions from a sat nav or road signs. You will not be giving a fault if you take a wrong turn but continue driving safely and the examiner will help you get back on route if needed.

Pass or fail

To pass your practical test you need to score no more than 15 minor faults and 0 major faults to quality.

If you’re a new driver looking for a reliable garage, look no further than Acorn Tyres in Aylesbury. We’re on hand to get your new vehicle safe and secure, from professional MOT testing to maintenance and repairs. For more information get in touch today.