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Intro
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This
section is designed to provide you with all the information you need
to know about the Practical test. |
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The purpose of
the practical Driving Test is to find out whether you can drive safely,
without supervision on the roads.
You will not pass unless you can show the examiner that you have the
ability to do this. Once
you have passed your Theory Test you should discuss with your instructor
about when you should apply for a Practical Test.
The
Practical Driving Test is relatively straightforward. It lasts approximately
40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by
a DSA examiner.
Test
routes are designed to be as uniformed as possible and include a range
of typical road and traffic conditions.
Your local Driving Instructor or A+ Office can help with your test
application
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The driving test can be broken down into the following areas please
choose a link for more information
Documents
- A list of all the documents needed when attending your test.
Eyesight
Test - What this is and the legal requirments
Show
me/Tell me - A list of the different Questions & Answers
Please
Choose a Link for Detailed Advice
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Before
Starting the Engine
Using
the controls
Moving
off
The
emergency stop
Road
junctions, Including Round Abouts
Using
Mirrors
Giving
Signals
Acting
on Signs & Signals
Pedestrian
Crossing
Selecting
a safe place to stop
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Exercising
care in the use of speed
Following
behind another vehicle at a safe distance
Making
progress
Overtaking, Meeting & Crossing the Path of traffic
Reversing around a corner
Turning
in the road
Reverse
parking
Road
Positioning & Lane Discipline
Passing stationary Vehicles
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Manoeuvres
- Detailed explanations with Diagrams on some of the possible
manoeuvres required |
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Before attending your driving test ensure that you have your provisional
licence and you theory test pass certificate with you when you arrive
for your test. If you have completed a drivers record you can also bring
it with you.
Check that you have signed your license.
If you have a full driving licence which was issued in another country
but isn’t eligible for exchange for a GB Licence, you must apply
for, and bring with you, a GB provisional licence. For information see
DVLA information sheet D100 Downloadable
here.
Your examiner will not be able to conduct the test if you cant produce
one of these licences.
If you have a photo licence you must bring with you the counterpart,
which is part of the licence.
All documents
must be original – DSA cant accept photocopies.
Photo identity
If your licence
does not show your photograph you must also bring with you a form of
photographic identification. For this your examiner will accept your
a valid passport.
When applying for your provision licence a photograph of
yourself, which has been signed and dated on the back by an acceptable
person, confirming that the photograph is a true likeness of you. A
signature will be accepted from the following:
- Approved Driving
Instructor
- DSA certified
motorcycle instructor
- Member of Parliament
- local authority
councillor
- teacher (qualified)
- Justice of the
Peace
- civil servant
(established)
- police officer
- bank official
- minister of religion
- barrister or
solicitor
Your test will be
cancelled if you can't provide one of these forms of identification
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Before you enter
your vehicle the examiner will give you an eye test, you must prove
to the examiner that in good daylight, you can read a number plate with
letters 79.4 mm height at a minimum of 20.5 m (67 feet). Number plates
with a thinner font, typically those introduced after 2001 should be
read from at least 20 metres (66 feet)
You may wear glasses
or contact lenses to read the number plate, however you must insure
you always wear them when you are driving in the future.
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Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended
syllabus for learning to drive.
The source material can be found in the DSA publication 'Driving
the essential skills' and 'The official
DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle
safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test. Each
combination of questions contains two questions and answers. |
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Combination
1
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level
and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level
against the
minimum/maximum markers.
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Question
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering
is working before starting a journey.
Answer
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.
Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure
on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should
result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will
give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
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Combination
2
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant
level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct
level.
Answer
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator
filler
cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
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Question
Show me how you
would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Answer
Demonstrate by applying
parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures
itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
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Combination
3
Question
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you
would check the windscreen washer level.
Answer
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Combination
4
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell
me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake
fluid.
Answer
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning
of all indicators.
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Combination
5
Question
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this
car.
Answer
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors,
etc, or ask someone to help.
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Question
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Answer
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied
it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
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Combination
6
Question
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting
a journey.
Answer
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as
you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are
working.
Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Combination
7
Question
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre
pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and
adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre,
remember to refit valve caps.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning
of all indicators.
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Combination
8
Question
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient
tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on
the road.
Answer
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾
of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are
working.
Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Combination
9
Question
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient
tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on
the road.
Answer
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾
of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Combination
10
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell
me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake
fluid.
Answer
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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Question
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering
is working before starting a journey.
Answer
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.
Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure
on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should
result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will
give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
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Combination
11
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level
and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level
against the minimum/maximum marker.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are
working.
Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Combination
12
Question
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant
level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct
level.
Answer
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator
filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
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Question
Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are
working.
Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Checks Before Starting
the Engine
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Make sure all the doors are closed.
2) Ensure your seat and head restraint are properly adjusted.
3) Check your mirrors are properly adjusted.
4) Fasten your seatbelt.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Make sure the hand brake is on and the gearstick is in neutral.
Go To Top
Using the controls
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Use the controls smoothly and correctly.
2) Understand the function of the main controls.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly
2) Accelerate evenly.
3) Avoid stalling the car.
4) Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard.
5) Brake gently and in good time.
6) Know how and when to apply the hand brake.
7) Hold the steering wheel at either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three
position.
8) Steer at the correct time and smoothly.
9) Understand the minor controls, such as lights, indicators, windscreen
wipers and de-misters.
10) Know the meaning of displays on the instrument panel, such as warning
lights and speedometer.
Go To Top
Moving off
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Move off safely and under control on a level road, from behind a
parked vehicle and on a gradient, where practical.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Use the MSM routine.
2) Check your blindspot for traffic and pedestrians.
3) Make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering.
4) Use the appropriate gear.
Go To Top
The Emergency Stop
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Stop the car promptly .
2) Keep the car under control without locking the wheels.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Stop the car in the shortest possible distance.
2) Stop the car without endangering other road users.
Go To Top
Road junctions, including roundabouts
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Use the MSM routine.
2) Position correctly and adjust your speed.
3) Choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way
street.
4) Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
5) Take effective observations.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Read Stop signs, Give Way signs, etc, accurately.
2) Assess the speed of traffic, particularly at roundabouts and when
emerging.
Go To Top
Using the mirrors
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Use your mirrors effectively before any manoeuvre.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Act sensibly and safely on what you see.
Go To Top
Giving signals
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Signal to let others know what you intend doing.
2) Use your signals to help other road users, including pedestrians.
3) Always make sure your signal is cancelled after use.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Give signals clearly and in good time.
2) Know how to give arm signals and when they are necessary.
Go To Top
Acting on signs and signals
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Understand road markings and traffic signs.
2) React safely and promptly to them.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Act properly at traffic lights.
2) Check that the junction is safe before proceeding on a green light.
Go To Top
Exercising care in the use of speed
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Make good progress.
2) Take account of the road, traffic, weather conditions.
3) Comply with road signs.
4) Keep within speed limits.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Make sure you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see
to be clear.
2) Keep a safe distance on wet or slippery roads.
Go To Top
Following behind another vehicle at a safe distance
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Drive at a speed so that you can stop within the distance you can
see to be clear.
2) Maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front.
3) Double the distance in bad conditions.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Make proper use of the MSM routine.
2) Show anticipation in your reactions to changing road and traffic
conditions and your handling of the controls.
Go To Top
Making progress
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Make reasonable progress.
2) Adjust your speed to the road and traffic conditions.
3) Keep up with traffic.
4) Emerge at junctions as soon as possible.
5) Show confidence and judgement.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) The type of road.
2) The volume and type of traffic.
3) The weather conditions.
4) Your visibility.
Go To Top
Overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other traffic
The examiner will expect you to:
1. Overtaking
Allow enough room, especially for cyclists, motorcyclists and horse
riders.
Allow enough room after overtaking and avoid cutting in.
2. Meeting
Meet and deal with traffic safely and confidently.
Use the MSM routine.
Slow down and be prepared to stop.
Keep well back from an obstruction if you need to stop, so you can see
ahead and will have the room to move off again.
3. Crossing
Use the MSM routine.
Position correctly and adjust your speed.
Watch out for oncoming traffic and stop if necessary.
Watch out for pedestrians crossing at the side road.
Go To Top
Reversing around a corner
The examiner will expect you to reverse:
1) Smoothly
2) Correctly
3) Safely
4) Under control
5) Keeping reasonably close to the kerb
6) Without mounting or hitting the kerb
7) Without swinging out too wide
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Check traffic and road conditions.
2) Look out for traffic and pedestrians.
3) Stop in a safe position.
Go To Top
Turning in the road
The examiner will expect you to turn your car around in the road:
1) Smoothly
2) Under control
3) Making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering
4) Without touching or mounting the kerb
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Are aware of other road users.
2) Keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre.
Go To Top
Reverse parking
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Reverse into a space of about two car lengths.
2) Park your car at the kerb safely, smoothly and under control.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Take all-round observation.
2) Stop reasonably close to the kerb.
3) Do not get too close to the parked car.
4) Do not mount the kerb.
Go To Top
Road positioning and lane discipline
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Keep to the left normally.
2) Avoid weaving in and out between parked cars.
3) Obey lane markings.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Select the appropriate lane in good time.
2) Use the MSM routine.
Go To Top
Passing stationary vehicles
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Allow, if possible, the width of a car door.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Look out for doors opening, vehicles pulling away, children and pedestrians
stepping out.
Go To Top
Pedestrian crossings
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Demonstrate consideration and courtesy for pedestrians.
2) Stop at Pelican, Puffin and Toucan Crossings if the lights are red.
3) Give way to pedestrians at Pelican Crossings if the lights are flashing
amber.
4) Slow down and stop at Zebra Crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting
to cross.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Control your speed on approach to Pedestrian Crossings.
2) Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.
Go To Top
Selecting a safe place to stop
The examiner will expect you to:
1) Stop where you will not obstruct the road or cause a hazard.
2) Stop near to the edge of the road.
The examiner will also be looking to see that you:
1) Do not cause danger or inconvenience to other road users when you
stop.
Go To Top
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You
should be able to park your car safely either at the kerb (by reversing
into the space of about two car lengths) or off the road (by reversing
neatly into a bay).
Parking
behind a parked car.
- Drive alongside
the parked car and position your vehicle so that you can carry out
the exercise correctly and safely
- Select reverse
gear as this will also allow you to show your intentions to other
road users through your reverse lights
- Make useful all
round observation
- Reverse into
the space behind the parked car, within the space of two car lengths
- Stop fairly close
and parallel to the kerb
BACK
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You should be able
to turn your car around in the road so that it faces in the opposite
direction using the forward and reverse gears, taking at least three
moves.
- You should make
sure that the road is clear in both directions
- Drive forward
in first gear, turning the steering wheel to the right as much as
possible (yellow car)
- Steer briskly
to the left just before you pull up close to the opposite kerb
- Check all around
especially your blind spots
- Reverse turning
your steering wheel to the left as much as possible (orange car)
- Steer briskly
to the right before you pull up close to the kerb behind you
- Repeat if necessary
until your car is facing in the opposite direction and on completion
follow the examiners intructions. (red car)
BACK
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You should be able
to stop your car as quickly as possible without locking the wheels doing
this safely and under control.
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Reverse
Around a Corner (reversing left) |
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You should be able
to reverse your car smoothly, correctly, safely, under full control.
The examiner will
normally ask you to pull up just before a side road on the left, point
to the side road and ask you to reverse into it.
- You should make
sure that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely
- Check traffic
and road conditions in all directions
- Reverse around
the corner keeping a good lookout for traffic or pedestrians
- Straighten up
your car and continue to reverse for a reasonable distance
- Pull up in a
safe position and wait for your examiners next instruction
BACK
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Reverse
Around a Corner (reversing right) |
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You
should be able to reverse your car smoothly, correctly, safely, under
full control.
The examiner will
normally ask you to pull up just before a side road on the left, point
to the side road and ask you to reverse into it.
- You should make
sure that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely
- Check traffic
and road conditions in all directions
- Pull up on the
right hand side of the road just pass the junction you are going to
reverse into
- Reverse around
the corner keeping a good lookout for traffic or pedestrians
- Straighten up
your car and continue to reverse for a reasonable distance
- Pull up in a
safe position and wait for your examiners next instruction
BACK
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You
should reverse under full control, safely and steadily using good all
round observation
- You should look
at the layout markings and the size of the space available
- Use your mirrors
and signal if necessary
- Check your position
and keep your speed down
- Use effective
all round observation
- Look out for
pedestrians
- Reverse and park
as neatly as possible, with your wheels straight
- Make sure that
your vehicle is neatly parked between the layout markings in the bay
BACK
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