The DVSA practical driving test consists of several components which together determine whether you can drive safely on UK roads.
Upon arrival, the examiner first checks your documents, including your identity, provisional licence, and theory test certificate which you must have passed beforehand.
Next, an eyesight test is conducted to check whether you can read a number plate at about 20 metres distance. Wear glasses or contact lenses during the test if needed, and bring them to the test too. Handle this naturally.
After the eyesight test, vehicle safety checks follow, where you must demonstrate that you know the basic controls of the vehicle. Think about checking tyre pressure, fluid levels or lighting. You'll find more information about this in our practical test e-book.
The most important part is the 38-40 minute driving test. During this, the examiner assesses you on seven key areas: vehicle control, mirrors and signals, junctions, following distance, meeting and passing traffic, positioning on the road and maintaining distance. These are all important, but the most crucial is that it's done safely. This way you're less likely to fail on environmentally conscious driving, but understanding traffic flow directly relates to safety and is therefore enormously important.
Finally, you'll drive independently for about 10 minutes with help from a sat nav or by following the examiner's directions.
