Once you’ve successfully passed your learner driver theory test it might be time for you to move on to booking your practical driving test. After passing your theory test it is important that you take your instructor’s advice on whether or not you are ready to apply for the practical test.
Your driving instructor will have a much better idea of how you are progressing with your driving, and will be able to advise you of when you’ll be ready to take and pass the practical test.
The practical driving test will last for 40 minutes and will in most cases cover as many different road and traffic conditions as is possible in that time frame. Along the driving test you will also be asked to perform a number of set manoeuvres in order to demonstrate that you have the ability to correctly control the vehicle safely. The examiner will make it known to you what manoeuvres he would like to see performed, and will give you plenty of notice after choosing a suitable location in which to perform them.
Booking Your Practical Driving Test
You can book your practical driving test in the same as theory test, by phone, post or online. When booking your appointment it is important that you inform the DSA about any special requirements, circumstances or disability that may affect they way you take the test. You will ofcourse still take the same driving test, but more time may be allocated for the examiner to talk about your disability or should you use a vehicle that has been adapted for your needs.
The Day Of The Driving Test
On the day of your driving test you need to ensure that you bring with you your appointment card, theory test pass certificate, and your provisional driving license.
If you have a photo card license then you’ll also need to bring with you the paper counterpart license. If you have the old style paper license you are required to bring with you r valid passport for identification purposes.
The Practical Driving Test
Once you’ve arrived at the designated test centre, the examiner will perform a quick eyesight test that will involve you having to read the number plate of a parked vehicle. Once completed you will then progress to your vehicle where the examiner will ask you demonstrate or explain how you would carry out certain safety checks on the vehicle (often referred to as the ‘Show me, tell me‘ questions).
The ‘show me, tell me’ portion of the driving test will ensure that you are familiar with the vehicle you are about to drive, and that you are aware of the correct safety checks you need to make before your journey. These quick checks may require you to open the car’s bonnet and check or identify fluid levels.
Having completed the ‘show me, tell me’ portion of the test, your examiner will ask you to seat yourself in the vehicle while he has a quick look around the vehicle to make sure it is roadworthy before joining you inside the vehicle.
During the driving portion of the test, your examiner will clearly explain the direction in which to drive, and will inform you in plenty of time if you need to take a left or right turn. As you progress along the road ahead it is vital that you pay attention to the directions of the examiner, and also be aware of the various road signs you encounter – the examiner is after all checking that you have the ability to follow signs on your own.
Driving Test Manoeuvres
At some point during your practical driving test, your examiner will ask you to pull in to the side of the road to begin your manoeuvres – be aware that this is part of the test, and you are expected to use your own judgement in stopping safely where it is convenient to do so.
Your driving examiner will request that you perform a number of the following driving manoeuvres:
- Left reverse
- Turn the car round in the road
- Reverse park behind another stationary vehicle
- Park your vehicle in a bay at the test centre car park
During your previous driving lessons your instructor will have shown you the correct procedure to carry out the manoeuvres and you will have had plenty of practice in performing them. During your test, the examiner will be looking out for your use of vehicle control, accuracy and all-round observations.
Driving Test Completion
When your driving test is completed and you return to the test centre, your examiner will complete a driving test report form. This report will detail the various items on which you made mistakes. It is worth noting that not all mistakes result in immediate failure, only mistakes that are considered serious or dangerous will apply. You are allowed to accumulate as many as 15 minor driver faults on your driving test.
