So, you’re getting ready for your driving test? Whether you’ve been learning for months or you’re taking an intensive course, the practical exam is your final step towards freedom!
For many learner drivers, getting familiar with the test format is an important step – and one that also helps keep nerves at bay. If you’d like to start feeling confident and prepared behind the wheel, it’s worth knowing exactly what to expect on your driving test.
We’ll explain the components, requirements and everything else you should know about the practical driving test.
What is the practical driving test?
The practical driving test is an exam that’s regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It’s a legal requirement for anyone who wants to get a UK driving licence.
It usually takes several months to learn to drive and prepare for the test. You can only book your practical test once you can provide a driving theory test certificate, which stays valid for two years after you pass your theory.
When you pass your driving test, your provisional driving licence will be automatically replaced with your new full licence. This enables you to drive independently anywhere in the UK and in many other countries too.
How long does the driving test take?
Typically, you’ll be driving for about 40 minutes.
The total test time may extend to around an hour since your examiner will ask some questions before you start driving. Afterwards, you may choose to ask for a debrief about your Driving Test Report too.
If you’re taking an extended driving test after being disqualified, you’ll drive for around an hour and 10 minutes.
What happens during your driving test?
1. Eyesight check
Before you get into the car and start driving, your examiner will carry out a quick eyesight check. This usually takes place in the test centre car park and is required for everyone taking a practical test.
You’ll usually be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres. If you don’t get it right the first time, you’ll be asked to read another number plate. After three incorrect readings, you’ll automatically fail your driving test. Your examiner will end the test early.
2. ‘Show me, tell me’ questions
Next, two ‘show me, tell me’ questions will test your knowledge of vehicle safety and maintenance. Your examiner will ask you two questions from a list of 19 possible options. One of them will be a ‘show me’ question and the other will be a ‘tell me’ question.
There’s no knowing exactly what questions you will be asked on your driving test but getting familiar with the 19 possibilities could help you to be prepared. If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly, don’t worry: you’ll only get one minor fault.
3. Driving ability
After you’ve answered the ‘show me, tell me’ questions, your examiner will ask if you’re ready to set off. The next part of the test will assess your ability to drive in traffic conditions on various public roads, often including dual carriageways, but never on motorways.
During this section, you’ll receive different instructions from your examiner. You can’t check the route in advance so it’s important to listen carefully. At any point, you may be asked to:
- Stop at the side of the road
- Pull away from behind a parked car
- Carry out a hill start
- Do an emergency stop
4. Reversing the car
Parking your car will be unavoidable once you’ve got your full driving licence.
During the test, the examiner will test your reversing skills and make sure that you can manoeuvre safely. You’ll be asked to carry out one of the following exercises:
- Parking in a bay: The examiner decides whether you will drive into the space and reverse out or reverse in and drive forwards out.
- The parallel park: Usually on the left-hand side of the road.
- Pulling up on the right: Afterwards, your examiner may also ask you to reverse before rejoining the traffic.
5. Independent driving
Finally, the test also includes an independent drive. You’ll be asked to either follow traffic signs or directions from a sat-nav. The route will already be set up on the sat-nav and ready for you to use during the test.
Instructions will sound similar to this:
- Traffic signs: “I’d like you to start driving independently. You should follow traffic signs for [location name]. Please continue to follow the signs until I say otherwise. Set off when you’re ready.”
- Sat-nav: “Once we move off, I’d like you to drive independently. I will ask you to follow a series of directions from the sat-nav. Please continue to follow them until I direct you otherwise. Set off when you’re ready.”
How long the independent driving part of your test lasts will depend on factors like traffic conditions, weather and the time of day. You’ll usually need to drive independently for about 20 minutes.
What if I make a mistake while driving?
If you make a mistake during your driving test, try to stay calm.
You can make up to 15 driving faults in your practical test and still pass. If you’ve only made a small mistake and your examiner didn’t deem it dangerous, it’s very likely to be a minor fault.
Whether you stalled the vehicle or moved off awkwardly, your priorities should be keeping focused and moving off safely. Try not to dwell on your mistake; unless your examiner intervened with dual controls, you’re still in full control of the vehicle.
Do I need insurance for my driving test?
You only need insurance for your driving test if you’re taking the test in your own car.
If your instructor booked the test for you or you’re driving their car, you won’t need your own cover. As long as they’re an approved driving instructor, their insurance will cover you and the vehicle during your practical test.
What happens if my driving test is cancelled?
Unfortunately, you might find out that your test is cancelled on the day.
This can happen for various reasons and we understand that needing to change your plans is frustrating, especially if you’ve already travelled to the test centre. However, it’s easy to book another test date. If you need an earlier test date, your instructor might be able to help you find a cancellation slot.
You can also request a refund for out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled. The DVSA typically accepts claims for tests that were cancelled with notice of less than three working days.
Our top tips for the practical test
1. Only book when you’re ready
The best approach is to ensure that you’re ready to pass before you book your test.
Booking too early could leave you feeling pressured or worried. Learning to drive is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. You must move at your own pace and make sure that you understand each concept before moving on to the next. We’ve written a detailed guide to show you how to book a driving test properly.
2. Take a mock test
Taking a mock test with your driving instructor is one of the best ways to prepare. This will familiarise you with the test format and help you learn how to respond to unexpected instructions.
One of the biggest differences with the test setup is that you won’t receive any guidance or advice from your instructor throughout. This can feel like a safety belt during your lessons, even if you haven’t realised it. Mirroring the practical test will help you adjust to proactive driving and making independent decisions under pressure.
3. Keep cool and calm
In the months and weeks leading up to your test, try to practise moving on quickly from any mistakes you make. Knowing how to overcome nerves on test day starts with building your confidence while you’re still learning.
Managing your nerves could make the difference between a failed test and a pass! Try to keep your head in the game and respond appropriately, without panicking, to any unexpected conditions on the roads.
Get covered before your driving test with Tempcover
Feeling ready to book your test? Now that you know what happens during a driving test, you can focus on sharpening your skills ready for the big day.
If you’re planning to take your driving test in your own car, including any vehicle that belongs to your family, our learner driver insurance will keep you covered. Our flexible policies offer between 12 hours and 28 days of cover so it’s never been easier to find the right insurance before your driving test.
Simply get a quote online to secure your insurance up to a month in advance today. With the right cover comes peace of mind, boosting your confidence for your test date.
Frequently Asked Questions on what to expect during your driving test
What do I need to bring with me on test day?
You need to come prepared. If you’re on your way to a practical driving test at a DVSA test centre, you will need to bring:
- Your valid UK provisional driving licence
- A valid theory test pass certificate
If you booked the test independently, you’ll need to bring your own car too.
Can I use my own car for my driving test?
Yes, you can use your own car for a driving test. It’s important that the car you bring must be appropriate for the test category and compliant with the rules. For example, you cannot bring an automatic car to a manual driving test.
Your car doesn’t need to be fitted with dual controls but you will need to fit it with an additional rear-view mirror for the examiner to use. If you turn up without one, you cannot start your test.
You cannot use your car for a driving test if it has one or more of the following features:
- Tesla autopilot
- Your own personal sat-nav
- Self-parking
You can read more about using your own car through the DVSA website.
When should I arrive for my driving test?
It’s recommended that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your driving test start time.
In the days leading up to the test, make sure you double-check the date, time and DVSA test centre location. If your test is due to take place during or shortly after rush hour, it’s worth making extra time for your journey.
If you turn up more than five minutes late, your examiner could cancel your test and you might not get a refund either.
What happens after I pass?
If you pass your practical driving test, you should take some time to celebrate!
After this achievement, you can choose your next steps. For extra peace of mind and enhanced knowledge, you might want to take a Pass Plus course. Otherwise, you might be thinking about your first trip to town in your new car.
Remember, new drivers are subject to harsher penalty points. When you start driving on your own, try to be sensible and abide by the Highway Code. While driving with your friends in the back can feel exciting, don’t give in to peer pressure. Trust your judgment to keep everyone safe!
Can I drive home after passing my driving test?
Getting your driving test pass certificate is a wonderful experience but you’ll usually need to hold your excitement and wait for your first independent drive. This is because you need comprehensive car insurance to drive once you’ve got your full licence.
If you’re taking the test in your own car, you’ll need a policy in place to drive anywhere after you pass. That could mean arranging it in the test centre’s car park after your test! To keep things simple, we recommend asking your instructor or a family member to drive you home afterwards.
Can I ask for a different manoeuvre?
In short, not if you’d like to pass. You must carry out every instruction given to you by the examiner, even if it’s your least favourite manoeuvre. If you refuse a test manoeuvre, it’s possible that the test could terminate early.
You’re still allowed to take as much time as you need, within reason. Try to relax and take the task step-by-step, focusing on demonstrating proper observations and control.
What happens if I fail my driving test?
If you fail your test, try not to feel too disheartened. In December 2024, 51 out of every 100 driving tests were failed in Britain, so it’s quite likely that you might not succeed at first.
Luckily, it’s very easy to get back on track and book another test. In the meantime, you should take a look at your Driving Test Report and think about the driver faults that caused your failure. It’s a good idea to take more lessons with a driving instructor and work on the skills required to avoid those faults in the future.
Will I fail the driving test if I stall?
It’s possible, though stalling doesn’t always cause failure. If you briefly stall but keep your vehicle under control and then move off safely, it’s likely to be a minor fault – so you can still pass your test if you stall.
However, reasonably strict assessment is part of knowing what to expect in your driving test. If you panic and potentially put other road users in danger, your examiner will probably mark the mistake as a serious or dangerous fault.
How many times can I take a driving test?
You can retake your driving test as many times as you need to. In the UK, there’s no limit on how many driving tests you can fail. Many drivers fail once or twice before achieving their first pass so try to persevere and learn from your mistakes.
It could be worth taking additional lessons or a refresher course if you’re approaching your fourth attempt.
