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Driving Test

If for any reason your circumstances alter, you can change your driving test to a different date or time.  As long as you change your booking within three clear working days of your original test date.

It is unusual for a driving test to be cancelled due to rain or fog. For a driving test to be cancelled due to these conditions, rain or fog will need to be heavy. Road tests are subject to cancellation due to extreme weather ( heavy rain, freezing conditions, snow, etc.).

Your driving test can be cancelled or stopped because of bad weather, problems with your car, and for other reasons. Driving tests are not carried out in dangerous weather conditions, such as when the roads are icy or if there’s flooding, thick fog or high winds. Call the Test Centre if there are any of these conditions on the day of your test.

If the roads have been salted and are reasonably clear, then the test will likely go ahead. If there is snow covering quieter residential streets, or country roads, the test may be cancelled. The driving examiner also checks the roads due to frost.

You can apply for your driving test online, by phone, by post or in person at any Driving Test Centre.

Knowing when to take your test can be difficult. There are some learners that think they are ready immediately and others who don’t have the confidence to take the leap from learner to full licence holder. We recommend that you seek guidance from your driving instructor who will be able to judge your ability and suggest when you could be ready to take your test.

You are entitled to change your driving test. You must give three clear working days to change your test date. This does not include the day you change your test or the date of your test. Your appointment letter will tell you the day you must to this by.

Yes you can fail your driving test on a manoeuvre if you do something wrong, for example poor observations, speed, being in the wrong position or mounting the kerb. 

Examiners don’t want to fail candidates unless they have to, so it is unusual to appeal against the result of your driving test. However, if you do feel that the examiner didn’t follow the regulations while carrying out your test, you can appeal the result.

When it comes to taking your driving test, the examiner is not looking for a professional level of skill, they are expecting you to make mistakes. You need to demonstrate a good level of control, awareness and forward planning.

A major fault is a mistake that could cause an accident. Major faults can be dangerous or serious. Acquiring a major fault in your practical driving test will result in failure.

A minor fault (or driving fault) is not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault repeatedly throughout your driving test it could then become a serious fault. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults on your driving test, but more than this will mean an automatic failure.

Driving examiners have a list of criteria they are monitoring during your driving test, most of which are common sense and based on the rules and regulations of the road.

Driving examiners will have different personalities. Some will be very chatty throughout the test and others will not be, however, they will always give you a fair test, based on the same standards every time.

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. The examiner will also ask you to carry out set exercises such as manoeuvres. Generally speaking, most examiners will initiate some kind of conversation to put you at ease on your driving test. This is not intended to distract you, it’s a way to help you relax a little and get rid of those test day nerves.

During the independent part of the driving test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a Sat Nav. The examiner will provide the Sat Nav, this is a Tom Tom Start 52 which the examiner will also set it up. You won’t need to set the route as the examiner will do this for you.

It is not impossible to fail your driving test as a result of stalling the car, however, it is highly unlikely. Most people who do stall the vehicle will only pick up a minor fault.

On average, the driving part of the practical test will last around 40 minutes, this will however depend on the examiner and road and traffic conditions.

The average pass rate of driving tests is 43%, this also depends on location, age and gender.

There are many preconceived ideas that all examiners are rude, this is not the case, if you meet the required standard you will pass your driving test.

There are 3 types of faults you can make on driving test; a dangerous fault involving danger to you, the examiner, the public or property, a serious fault which is something potentially dangerous, and a driving fault. This is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.
 

There are 5 parts to the driving test; An eyesight check, show me tell me vehicle safety questions, general driving ability, reversing your vehicle and independent driving. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop.
 

You must take your UK driving license, your theory pass certificate and a car that is roadworthy, taxed, insured, safe and that has L plates attached.

Your driving examiner will fill in the driving test marking sheet when you take your test, and give you a copy at the end of the test. You’ll pass your driving test if you make no more than 15 minor faults and 0 major faults.
 

Driving Test Centres will be closed at times during Christmas and New Year, but its online service will still be available.

Driving Test Centres will be closed for bank and public holidays.

Saturday tests are available at certain test centres, they are few and far between and driving examiners are under no obligation to work overtime and that includes weekends.

If your test is in the morning make sure your breakfast is substantial and healthy. Try and avoid the temptation to snack on sugary snacks in the morning. Drink enough fluids to combat the dehydration you will have suffered overnight.

Nerves are something that we all suffer with from time to time. Unfortunately, they affect some people much more than others. In order to combat nerves it is vital that you feel confident before you apply for your driving test. Consistent practice is one of the best methods of improving confidence.

Try to wear comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing as this may restrict your movements when trying to complete a manoeuvre. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure that you are able to move without feeling restrained. Wear flat shoes or trainers, clutch control is vital have having close contact with the foot pedals is essential for sensitivity purposes.

Rescue Remedy and Kalms are popular self-medication choices to reduce anxiety and nerves for driving tests. You are recommended to try these out a few weeks before your test as they can take a bit of time to kick in.

The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Switch the ignition on (without starting the engine) and explain that you would flick the indicators on and exit the vehicle to check the indicators are flashing.

Explain that you would press the foot brake down and get out and check the brake lights are working, ask a passenger to check, or check using the reflection in a window or door.

Explain that you would turn the steering wheel slightly with the engine off, and then turn the engine ON again. You should feel the steering loosen up and the wheel would go round a bit.

You can also check by turning the steering wheel slightly after moving off - if the power steering's not working, it'll feel heavy.

Turn on your ignition and dipped beams, then turn your rear fog lights on. Say you'd use them when visibility is below 100 metres.

Turn on your ignition and dipped beams, then switch to full beam and point to the dash light.

Pop the bonnet from the inside and prop the bonnet up. Point to the dipstick or oil level indicator and explain that you would take out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back in, and take it out again to check the level against the min and max.

Find your coolant tank and point to the minimum and maximum markings. Explain that you would wait until the engine is cold, unscrew the cap and top up to the correct level, if needed.

Point to where the brake fluid reservoir is and explain you would check the level against the min and max.

Squirt some screenwash and initiate the rear wiper to clean the rear windscreen.

Similar to the rear windscreen, you can squirt screenwash and initiate the front wipers to clean the front windscreen.

Simply click them on and turn them off (unless you need to keep them on).

Press the demister button button to initiate the rear demister. You can usually find this in the centre console where the heat controls are located.

Providing it is safe and legal to do so, sound your horn.

When it's safe to do so, operate the front window demister control.

Open and close the window by using the control switch or the winder.