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.