Written for learners already taking lessons
Driving test e-book
Know what happens in each part of the practical test, what the examiner marks and how to prepare, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise. Read it on your phone, tablet or laptop.
Free to read, no account needed
Read chapter 1 for free
The cover, the contents and the whole of chapter 1. Turn the pages the way you would in a printed book.
The learner's guide to the UK driving test
What happens in each part of the practical test, what the examiner marks, and how to prepare.
The learner's guide to the UK driving test
Published by Clear Drive VOF, the company behind testroute.co.uk.
© Clear Drive VOF. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be copied or shared without written permission.
This book is a guide. It does not replace lessons with an approved driving instructor. Driving test rules can change, so check the latest information on GOV.UK before your test.
Testroute is independent and not affiliated with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, including the show me, tell me questions.
Contents
- 1The test at a glance4
- 2Ready to book?9
- 3Booking and managing your test14
- 4The car you test in24
- 5Before you drive30
- 6Show me, tell me37
- 7On the road46
- 8Manoeuvres54
- 9Tricky roads and junctions67
- 10How you are marked77
- 11The most common reasons for failing82
- 12Your result93
Chapter 1
The test at a glance
Your practical test follows a set pattern. This chapter shows each part in order, roughly how long it takes and what the examiner looks for, so nothing on the day catches you by surprise.
How long it takes
You drive for around 35 minutes. From the moment you meet your examiner to hearing your result, the whole test takes about 40 minutes. Allow extra time to arrive, park and settle in before you are called.
Some drivers take an extended test, which a court can order after a driving ban. The drive is then much longer, at around 65 minutes.
What to bring
Bring your photocard driving licence, and make sure you still look like the photo on it. Bring your theory test certificate too, if you have it. If you have lost it, you do not need a new one.
You also need a car. Most learners use their instructor’s car, but you can use your own if it meets the rules. Chapter 4 explains what the car needs.
The test, step by step
The checks at the start always come first. The parts during the drive do not always come in the same order, but your examiner tells you clearly what to do and when.
- 1Meet your examinerat the start
The examiner checks your licence and that you match the photo. You sign a short statement about insurance and where you live.
- 2Eyesight checkat the start
You read a car number plate from 20 metres away. If you cannot, the test ends there. Chapter 5 explains this check.
- 3Tell me questionbefore you drive
The examiner asks you to explain how you would do a safety check on the car. You answer before you move off.
- 4General drivingall through the drive
You drive on different types of road, but never on a motorway. While you drive, you get 1 show me question: you show how you would work a control on the car.
- 5Planned stops3 stops
You pull up at the side of the road, pull out from behind a parked vehicle and do a hill start. Chapter 7 covers each stop.
- 6Emergency stopabout 1 in 7 tests
On some tests you are asked to stop quickly and under control, as in a real emergency. Chapter 8 explains how.
- 7Reversing manoeuvre1 exercise
You do 1 of these: a parallel park, a bay park, or pulling up on the right and reversing about 2 car lengths. Chapter 8 takes you through each.
- 8Independent driving20 to 35 minutes
You find your own way by following a sat nav, traffic signs or both. It can last for the whole drive. See chapter 7.
- 9Result and feedbacka few minutes
Back at the centre, the examiner tells you if you passed and explains any faults. Chapter 12 covers what comes next.
Who can come with you
Your examiner asks if you want someone to sit in the back during the test. You can also choose someone to be with you for the result and feedback. This can be your instructor, a parent or a friend.
The person must be over 16. They can watch the whole drive, but they cannot help you in any way during the test.
Now and then, a senior examiner also sits in the car. Their job is to watch how your examiner works, so you just drive as normal.
Tip. Ask your instructor to listen to your feedback. After the test, nerves make it hard to remember everything the examiner tells you.
What the examiner wants to see
The test checks that you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions. It also checks that you know The Highway Code and show it by the way you drive. DVSA, the agency that runs driving tests, sets out the skills in its national standard for driving cars.
You do not need to be perfect to pass. A driving fault is a small mistake that is not potentially dangerous, and you can make up to 15 of these. You must make no serious or dangerous faults. Chapter 10 explains how the marking works.
If you make a mistake, keep going. A small mistake may not change your result at all. The examiner only stops the test early if your driving is a danger to other road users.
Taking a wrong turn during independent driving is not a fault in itself. The examiner simply helps you get back on track.
Good to know. Where the area allows, tests include faster roads and rural roads as well as town streets. Practise on all of them before your test.
Sources: GOV.UK, Driving test: cars, What to take to your test, What happens during the test, Driving test faults and your result; DVSA, Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance; DVSA, Making adjustments to the driving test; DVSA, Ready to Pass.
That is the end of the free preview
The other 11 chapters are included in Complete and Premium.
Get full access Already a member? Sign inPage 1 of 98
This e-book is for reading on testroute.co.uk.
In the order you will need it
What is inside
- 1 The test at a glance Every part of the test, in order, with timings.
- 2 Ready to book? How you and your instructor can tell you are ready.
- 3 Booking and managing your test Changes, swaps, refunds and the 3 nearest centres rule.
- 4 The car you test in Every rule your car must meet, with a checklist.
- 5 Before you drive What to bring, the eyesight check and handling nerves.
- 6 Show me, tell me All 21 official questions, with short answers.
- 7 On the road Directions, independent driving and the 3 planned stops.
- 8 Manoeuvres Each reversing manoeuvre and the emergency stop, step by step.
- 9 Tricky roads and junctions Roundabouts, slip roads, crossings and box junctions.
- 10 How you are marked Driving, serious and dangerous faults, and the pass mark.
- 11 The most common reasons for failing The 10 faults DVSA sees most, and how to avoid each one.
- 12 Your result Your licence, your first 2 years, and what to do if you do not pass.
Read it on any screen
Turn the pages in your browser on a phone, tablet or laptop. There is no app to install.
Everything the test covers
From booking to your result: all 21 safety questions, every manoeuvre and how the examiner marks you.
Based on official sources
Every rule is checked against GOV.UK, DVSA guidance and the Highway Code.
Included in Complete and Premium
One payment, nothing renews. With the e-book you also get real 4K footage of the roads around your test centre, the manoeuvre videos, road signs practice and the show me, tell me questions.