Driving Test
The Practical Driving Test
The Practical Driving Test is designed to test your driving skills and capabilities. It is the final hurdle on your driving journey, and it requires plenty of practice to pass. According to DVSA statistics, the average learner requires around 47 hours of professional driving tuition, with an additional 20 hours of private practice to pass the Practical Driving Test. Although this is just an average, and it’s best to learn at your own pace.
How To Prepare For Your Test
Before booking your test, you should be comfortable behind the wheel and confident that you can drive without assistance. You should also be able to complete all of the necessary manoeuvres. Once you are ready, your driving instructor will recommend when to book your test. You should double-check that they are available for your test date.
Once your test is booked, it is important to keep practising right up until your test date, to ensure that you are prepared. Take the time to familiarise yourself with all of the local test routes, and do a few mock tests with your instructor. This is a great way to track your progress.
You should also take the time to revise your driving theory, as this can be useful in your test. This is especially important if it’s been a while since you sat your Theory Test. Additionally, you should get plenty of sleep the night before your test, and wear comfortable clothes on the day to ensure you’re not restricted in any way. Good footwear is essential, as certain types of shoes are better for driving than others.
By following these steps, you should be fully prepared to sit your driving test as a safe and responsible driver.
How To Book Your Test
Once you have passed your Theory Test, and your instructor feels that you are ready, you will be able to book your Practical Driving Test. You can book your test online on the gov.uk website.
To book your test, you’ll need:
- A valid UK provisional driving licence number.
- Credit or debit card (To pay for your test).
- Your driving instructor’s personal reference number.
Before you book your test, it is essential to make sure that your instructor is available. If you are booking an intensive or residential course with Pass Drive, don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything for you.
The cost of a weekday test is £62 or £75 for evening and weekends.
What To Expect On The Day Of Your Test
On the day of your test, you will normally meet with your instructor around an hour before the test. This will give you plenty of time to get some last-minute practice and allow you to ask your instructor any questions. You will need to remember to bring your provisional licence and a copy of or Theory Test certificate.
Your Practical Driving Test has 5 sections:
- An eyesight check
- A ‘Show Me, Tell Me‘ – test. This involves answering a question about how the car is operated and vehicle safety.
- General driving ability.
- Reversing your vehicle.
- Independent driving
The test is around 40 minutes in length, and the examiner will inform you whether you have passed at the end. You will be provided with a test report, highlighting any error, and if applicable, why you failed your test.
If you pass the test, you will be awarded a test pass certificate, which allows you to drive straight away. However, in most cases, your instructor will drive you home afterwards.
Driving Test FAQs
What documents do I need to bring to my test?
You will need to take your provisional driving licence and your Theory Test pass certificate.
How can I check my test details online?
You can check your Practical Driving Test details online on the gov.uk website.
Can I change the date and time of my test?
You can change the details of your Practical Driving Test booking online.
You will need to do this at least three working days before your scheduled test date, or you will have to pay an additional fee.
For further information on how to do this, please visit the gov.uk official website.
(Remember to discuss this with your driving instructor first).
Can I cancel my test?
If you need to cancel your test for any reason, you can also do this online.
You will need to do this at least three working days before your test date, or you will lose your test fee.
For further information on how to do this, please visit the gov.uk official website.
(Be sure to let your driving instructor know that you’ve cancelled your test).
Can I use my own car to sit my driving test?
Most people will choose to sit the Practical Driving Test in their driving instructor’s car. However, if you are lucky enough to have your own car, it can be used for your test.
There are some restrictions on this, and you must have front and rear L-plates on your vehicle. You must also have an extra interior rear-view mirror fitted for the examiner.
Some vehicle makes and models are restricted for use on the test.
For full details on using your own car for your Practical Driving Test, please visit the gov.uk website.
If I fail my Driving Test, when can I apply for another test?
If you fail your driving test, you can take another after 10 working days.
You should take time to discuss this with your driving instructor before booking another test. This will allow you to work on improving your skills, to tackle any faults from your previous test.
Contact Us
To make an enquiry for more information or to speak to someone from the Pass Drive team, please call us on 0800 371055, complete the contact form below or email info@pass-drive.co.uk.
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