Driving Test Day — What to Expect
On the day of your driving test you will be out for two hours costing £84
We prepare you to feel calm, confident and in control. Here’s your step-by-step guide to the day, exactly as the examiner sees it.
Before the test
Bring: Provisional driving licence, theory test certificate (handy to have), and a suitable insured car with L-plates.
Arrive: About 10 minutes early — test centre parking is limited.
Mindset: It’s another drive you’ve practised many times. Breathe. You’ve got this.
1) Eyesight Check
Read a number plate from 20 metres. Wear your usual glasses/contacts if needed.
2) “Show Me, Tell Me”
Tell Me (before moving off): e.g. “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working.”
Show Me (while driving): e.g. “Show me how you’d clean the windscreen.”
3) The General Drive (~40 mins)
Mixture of town, rural and dual carriageway where suitable. Examiner is looking for safe, legal, confident driving — not perfection.
4) One Manoeuvre
Parallel park beside another vehicle, or
Bay park (forwards or reverse), or
Pull up on the right, reverse ~2 car lengths, rejoin safely.
5) Independent Driving (~20 mins)
Follow a sat nav or road signs. A wrong turn isn’t a fault unless it’s unsafe — just keep it calm and legal.
6) Emergency Stop (about 1 in 3 tests)
React promptly, keep control, then secure the car and observations before moving off.
Results & Faults
Pass is possible with up to 15 driver faults (minors).
1 serious or dangerous fault results in a fail.
Most people pass after more than one attempt. We’ll debrief clearly and target any weak spots.
If You Pass
You’ll receive your pass certificate immediately and can drive on your own straight away. Your full licence follows by post.
If You Don’t (Yet)
Don’t be disheartened. We’ll review the drive together, sharpen your skills, and rebook when you’re ready.