So, you have your provisional, spend months learning the Highway Code, had plenty of lessons, practised with friends or family and passed your theory test – you are now ready to take your practical driving test and throw away those L plates!
Your instructor will go through what is likely to happen in your driving test and help you to practice the typical routes so that you are well prepared to pass. In this final instalment of our learning to drive series, we look at the process of booking and taking your test.
Booking your test
Booking your practical driving test is a simple online procedure. The process has eight steps which enable you to find your nearest test centre and available dates and times for your test. In normal times there is a waiting list of about four weeks, but the waiting list is currently longer, and varies for different areas. If you want to book your test urgently, you can look at the test cancellation page, which allow you to see last minute availability due to cancellations.
In order to book your test, you will need your driving licence number, which is on your provisional licence, as well as your credit or debit card – weekend tests cost £75 and weekday appointments are £62. You will also need your driving instructor’s PRN – personal reference number, in case you want them to come to the test with you.
Taking the test
On the day of your test, you will need to bring your provisional licence and your theory certificate. Your instructor will probably give you one final lesson on the way to the test. The test will last for around 40 minutes and will have five sections: sight check, show me/tell me, driving ability, reversing, independent driving. The sight test takes place first; you will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you can’t do this, you won’t be able to take the test. Show me/tell me questions refer to car functionality and safety, e.g. checking lights are working or demisting your windscreen, and the other sections are designed to test your general driving capabilities in a range of situations, including traffic signs, stop signs, and a hill start, as well as reverse parking and reversing around a corner. The examiner will mark down minor faults, of which you can have up to 15, and major faults – one major fault is dangerous enough that it warrants an instant fail.
At the end of your test, your examiner will tell you if you have passed or failed. If you pass, you can drive home immediately, provided you have the correct insurance – happy driving!
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