Practical Driving Test information

The practical test is the same for both manual and automatic cars and typically lasts around 40 minutes (longer if it’s an extended driving test). Here’s what to expect:

1. Eyesight Check

Before the test begins, you’ll be asked to read a number plate from:

  • 20 metres for vehicles with the new-style plates (e.g., AB12 ABC).
  • 20.5 metres for vehicles with the older-style plates.

Important:
Failing the eyesight test will result in an immediate fail for the driving test.

2. ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions

You’ll answer 2 vehicle safety questions:

  • ‘Tell me’: Asked before you start driving (e.g., how to check tyre pressure).
  • ‘Show me’: Asked while you’re driving (e.g., how to operate the windscreen wipers).

3. General Driving Ability

You’ll demonstrate your ability to drive safely in a variety of road and traffic conditions (motorways are not included).
During this part of the test, you’ll:

  • Follow directions given by the examiner.
  • Be asked to pull over and rejoin traffic multiple times.
  • May be asked to perform an emergency stop.

4. Reversing Your Vehicle

You’ll be asked to perform one of the following:

  • Parallel park at the side of the road.
  • Bay park, either driving in and reversing out or reversing in and driving out.
  • Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths, then rejoin traffic.

5. Independent Driving

For about 20 minutes, you’ll drive independently by following either:

  • Directions from a sat nav (set up by the examiner).
  • Traffic signs (if sat nav is not used).

What Happens If You Make a Mistake?

If you make a mistake during the test, don’t panic—just carry on driving. The examiner will only stop the test if they believe your driving poses a danger to other road users.

©Copyright. All rights reserved.

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.