About The Driving Test

The practical driving test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long.

Before you can start the test you must:

• Have arrived on time.
• Be in possession of a provisional license.
• Have proof of passing the theory test.
• Have paid your test fee.
• Be able to satisfy the examiner that you can fulfil the eyesight criteria. You will be required to read a standard number plate with or without glasses from a minumum of 20 meters.
• Be able to show, or explain how to carry out some basic vehicle safety checks.

You will then be directed to drive around a test route while incorporating one of the following set manoeuvres and optionally the emergency stop.

The set Manoeuvres are:

• Reverse parking behind a parked car or into a parking bay.
• Reversing round a corner.
• Turn in the road.

There is also an independent driving assessment this is approx 10 minutes.

You will have to navigate Your way to a set destination using only road signs; no directions will be given by the examiner. Not only will you have to know how to get there, you will still have to do it safely, signalling at the right time, being in the correct lane for a roundabout, take the right exit, stick to the speed limit, and still not make a serious or dangerous driving errors.

Booking the driving test

You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from your local post office or you can call the DSA direct on 0300 200 11 22. You can also book it online at www.dsa.gov.uk. You will need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate number. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment letter as confirmation within a few days. The current test fee is £62 for a week day test and £75 for a weekend test.

Cancelling a test

You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of your test and can get a doctor to verify this, The DSA will refund the test fee.

At the test centre

You must take the following items with you to the test centre:

• Your theory test pass certificate.
• Both parts of your signed photo-card driving licence, or your signed driving licence and your passport.

It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.