What to Expect on Your Driving Test Day

Your driving test day can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing exactly what to expect takes a lot of the stress away. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process.

Before You Arrive

• Bring both parts of your driving licence — your photocard and counterpart (if you have one). Without these, your test will be cancelled and you'll lose your fee.
• Arrive 10 minutes early. This gives you time to settle, use the facilities, and calm your nerves.
• Your instructor can come along — they can sit in the back seat during the test if you want. Many learners find this reassuring.
• Make sure the car is ready — clean mirrors, working lights, legal tyres. The examiner will check.

The Eyesight Test

Before you get in the car, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from about 20 metres away. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them. If you fail this, the test is over immediately.

The "Show Me, Tell Me" Questions

You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions — one "tell me" (explain how you'd check something) and one "show me" (demonstrate it while driving). Getting one wrong is a minor fault. Getting both wrong is still only a minor. These are easy marks if you've practised them.

The Driving Part

The test lasts about 40 minutes. During this time you'll:

• Drive in various road and traffic conditions
• Complete one reversing manoeuvre (parallel park, bay park, or pulling up on the right)
• Follow directions from a sat nav for about 20 minutes (the examiner provides one)
• Possibly do an emergency stop (about 1 in 3 tests include this)
• Independently follow road signs for part of the route (about 10 minutes without sat nav)

Faults

There are three types:

• Minor faults — not ideal but not dangerous. You're allowed up to 15.
• Serious faults — one of these and you fail.
• Dangerous faults — one of these and you fail.

A common myth is that getting 3 minors of the same type becomes a serious. That's not true — the examiner uses their judgement.

Getting Your Result

The examiner will tell you whether you've passed or failed right there in the car. If you've passed, you'll get a pass certificate. Your full licence will arrive in the post within a few weeks.

If You Fail

Don't be disheartened — about 52% of people fail first time. The examiner will explain exactly what went wrong, and your instructor can help you work on those areas. You can rebook a test after 10 working days.