Learning To Drive - The Practical Test

The final part of the Uk driving test and hence gaining a full UK driving license is the practical test. The practical test is to make sure those who pass are competent and safe in the basic skills of driving in the UK.

At the test centre, the examiner will need to see your relevant documents. When the examiner has examined your documents he will ask you to take him to the car.

Before you get to your car the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a randomly chosen vehicle at a distance of 20.5 metres. Should yo be unable to read the plate correctly, the test will be terminated. At the car the examiner will ask you two of the "show me tell me questions". The "show me tell me" questions require you to explain to the driving test examiner where and how to check the tyres, brakes, fluid levels, lights, direction indicators, power steering and horn. You will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question.

Next the driving test examiner will ask you to get in the car and will join you in the passenger seat for you to take the practical test. The examiner will use the same terminology as your Godbolts driving instructor during the practical test.

During the practical test you will be expected to drive for about 35-40 minutes in various road situations, some of them will be at higher speeds possibly up to 70 Mph. You will also be asked to perform 2 of the reversing manoeuvres and you may also be asked to perform an emergency stop exercise. To pass your driving test and gain a full Uk driving license you must drive without getting one serious or dangerous major fault and or no more than 15 minor driving faults.