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Intro
 
 
 
   

This section is designed to provide you with all the information you need to know about the Practical test.

 
 
About the Practical Test
 

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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What to Expect
 


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

 
 

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


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

 

 
 
 

Manoeuvres - Detailed explanations with Diagrams on some of the possible manoeuvres required

           
           
 
Documentation
   

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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Eyesight Test
   

 

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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Show me \ Tell me
 
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.
 
 

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.

oil check  
           
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.

 
           

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.

engine coolant
           

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.

           

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.

windscreen wash
           
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).

 
           

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.

           
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.

           

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.

 
           
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.

           

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.

           
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.

 
           

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.

 
           
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.

           

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.

 
           
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.

 
           

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.

 
           
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).

 
           

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.

           
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.

 
           

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.

           
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.

 
           

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.

           
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.

BACK
 
   
   
Practical Test Info
     

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

 
                 
   
Manoeuvres
     

. .
. .
 
                 
   
Reverse Parking
   

 

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.

  1. Drive alongside the parked car and position your vehicle so that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely
  2. Select reverse gear as this will also allow you to show your intentions to other road users through your reverse lights
  3. Make useful all round observation
  4. Reverse into the space behind the parked car, within the space of two car lengths
  5. Stop fairly close and parallel to the kerb

    BACK

 

 
               
 
Turn in the Road
   



 

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.

  1. You should make sure that the road is clear in both directions
  2. Drive forward in first gear, turning the steering wheel to the right as much as possible (yellow car)
  3. Steer briskly to the left just before you pull up close to the opposite kerb
  4. Check all around especially your blind spots
  5. Reverse turning your steering wheel to the left as much as possible (orange car)
  6. Steer briskly to the right before you pull up close to the kerb behind you
  7. Repeat if necessary until your car is facing in the opposite direction and on completion follow the examiners intructions. (red car)


  8. BACK
 
               
 
Emergency Stop
 
 


You should be able to stop your car as quickly as possible without locking the wheels doing this safely and under control.

 

 
               
 
Reverse Around a Corner (reversing left)
   


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.

  1. You should make sure that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely
  2. Check traffic and road conditions in all directions
  3. Reverse around the corner keeping a good lookout for traffic or pedestrians
  4. Straighten up your car and continue to reverse for a reasonable distance
  5. Pull up in a safe position and wait for your examiners next instruction

    BACK
 
               
 
Reverse Around a Corner (reversing right)
 
 

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.

  1. You should make sure that you can carry out the exercise correctly and safely
  2. Check traffic and road conditions in all directions
  3. Pull up on the right hand side of the road just pass the junction you are going to reverse into
  4. Reverse around the corner keeping a good lookout for traffic or pedestrians
  5. Straighten up your car and continue to reverse for a reasonable distance
  6. Pull up in a safe position and wait for your examiners next instruction

    BACK
 
               
 
Bay Parking
 
You should reverse under full control, safely and steadily using good all round observation
  1. You should look at the layout markings and the size of the space available
  2. Use your mirrors and signal if necessary
  3. Check your position and keep your speed down
  4. Use effective all round observation
  5. Look out for pedestrians
  6. Reverse and park as neatly as possible, with your wheels straight
  7. Make sure that your vehicle is neatly parked between the layout markings in the bay

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