The UK Driving Test

The practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes. If you're taking an extended test following a driving disqualification, it lasts around 70 minutes.

You should bring:

• Your provisional driving licence.
• Your theory test pass (if requested – examiners usually check electronically).
• Glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving.
• A suitable vehicle if you're not using your instructor's car.

Yes. Most learners use their instructor's car as it meets DVSA requirements and is the vehicle they've practised in.

The examiner will:

• Check your eyesight.
• Ask you one "Tell Me" vehicle safety question.
• Explain how the test works.
• Ask you to sign a declaration.

You'll be asked to read a vehicle number plate from:

• 20 metres for modern-style plates.
• 20.5 metres for older-style plates.

If you fail this test, your driving test ends immediately.

These are vehicle safety questions.

You'll be asked:

• One Tell Me question before driving.
• One Show Me question while driving.

You can score one driving fault if you answer incorrectly.

You'll complete one of the following:

• Parallel park.
• Bay park (forward or reverse).
• Pull up on the right and reverse.

Around one in three driving tests includes an emergency stop exercise.

You'll drive independently for approximately 20 minutes by:

• Following a Sat Nav, or
• Following traffic signs.

The examiner will provide clear instructions.

You can have:

• Up to 15 driving (minor) faults and still pass.
• No serious or dangerous faults.

Receiving 16 or more driving faults results in a fail.

Driving fault (Minor):
A small mistake that isn't potentially dangerous.

Serious fault:
Something that could potentially be dangerous.

Dangerous fault:
A mistake that creates actual danger to yourself, others or property.

The national pass rate varies but is generally around 48–50%, depending on the test centre.

Yes. The examiner will often chat with you to help you relax, although they won't engage in lengthy conversations that distract from driving.

No. Examiners are trained to assess your driving fairly and safely, not to trick you.

Yes. If you're unsure, simply ask. It's much better to clarify than guess.

Yes.

Providing you do so safely, taking the wrong route will not cause you to fail.

What happens if I stall the car?

Stalling alone isn't a fail.

As long as you stay calm, secure the vehicle and move away safely, it may only result in a minor fault.

Touching or mounting the kerb is often considered a serious fault if it puts people or property at risk.

Yes.

Regular mirror checks before:

• Changing speed
• Changing direction
• Signalling
• Manoeuvring

are essential throughout the test.

Yes.

Driving significantly below the speed limit without good reason may be marked as a serious fault because it can hold up traffic or create hazards.

The test continues in most weather conditions unless driving becomes unsafe.

Yes, provided they don't significantly reduce your vision.

The examiner will:

• Tell you whether you've passed or failed.
• Explain any driving faults.
• Give you a driving test report.

Yes.

Provided you're insured and your accompanying driver is qualified, you can drive home with your instructor or supervising driver.

You'll usually receive your full driving licence automatically if the examiner takes your provisional licence details.

You can begin driving immediately, provided your vehicle is insured and taxed.

You must wait at least 10 working days before taking another practical driving test.

Yes, if it:

• Is roadworthy.
• Is insured for the test.
• Has valid MOT (if required).
• Displays L plates.
• Meets DVSA test vehicle requirements.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow good control of the pedals.

Avoid heavy boots, flip-flops or anything that restricts movement.

Yes.

Many learners find chewing gum or having a bottle of water helps reduce nerves.

• Get plenty of practice before your test.
• Arrive early and stay relaxed.
• Listen carefully to instructions.
• Keep scanning for hazards.
• Use your mirrors regularly.
• Drive safely rather than perfectly.
• Remember that a small mistake doesn't necessarily mean you've failed.

No.

Test routes are selected by the examiner and vary each day. However, instructors are usually familiar with the roads commonly used around their local test centre.

No.

The DVSA does not publish official test routes, although instructors often practise on roads that are frequently used during tests.

Around half of successful candidates pass on their first practical test, although this varies by age, experience and test centre.

Yes.

Your instructor can usually sit in the back of the car, or you may choose to take the test without them.

If the examiner needs to intervene by using the dual controls to prevent danger, it will normally be recorded as a serious or dangerous fault, resulting in a fail.