Before a practical driving test can be taken, you must have passed the DVSA Theory Test.

To be eligible for a practical driving test, you must first pass the DVSA Theory Test. The DVSA practical driving test costs £62.00 (£75.00 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays) and typically takes about 40 minutes, even if a driving fault occurs. However, for safety reasons, the examiner may conclude the test early.

The extended test for disqualified drivers costs £124.00 (£150.00 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays) and usually lasts around 70 minutes, even with driving faults. Again, the examiner may end the test early for safety.

Please note that both theory and practical tests are offered in English and Welsh only.

These adjustments aim to enhance road safety, deter driving test fraud, and foster better community relations.

Upon your arrival at the testing center, your assigned examiner will enter the waiting area and politely announce your name. At that time, you will kindly be asked to present the following documentation:

• Valid theory test pass certificate (generally not requested by the driving test examiner, but worth taking anyway);
• Photocard driving licence;*

If you possess an older paper driving licence, please present it with your valid passport; this is the only acceptable form of photographic identification without a photocard.

*Please be aware that failure to provide the necessary documents may prevent the test from proceeding, and you may forfeit your test fee.

The examiner will enquire if you would prefer to have someone accompany you, such as your instructor or a friend (aged 16 or older). The DVSA encourages this, but the decision is entirely yours.

Additionally, the examiner's supervisor may also accompany you during the test.

*Please be aware that their attendance will be required under these circumstances. Should you decline the examiner's supervisor's attendance, the test may be cancelled, and you may forfeit your test fee. Please be assured that their presence is solely to evaluate the examiner's performance, not yours. The supervisor will have absolutely no bearing on the test's conduct or outcome.

Following this, you will be kindly asked to guide the examiner to your vehicle. The examiner will then conduct an eyesight test, requiring you to read a vehicle number plate from either 20 metres (or newer plates beginning with two letters and two numbers, such as AB51 ABC) or 20.5 metres (for older style plates). Upon successful completion, you will be asked the first of two safety questions, known as Show me, Tell me. The "tell me" question will be asked before you begin driving, and the "show me" question will be asked while you are driving.

*Kindly be aware that if you do not meet the vision requirements, the driving test will not proceed, and your licence may be revoked.

General Driving

The assessment aims to comprehensively evaluate your ability to safely operate a vehicle under diverse traffic and road conditions, excluding motorways, while demonstrating, through your driving, a thorough understanding of the Highway Code.

For a significant portion of the assessment, the examiner will guide you along an appropriate route; these directions will be similar to those received during your lessons and should be followed accordingly. You will be required to stop and move off at various points during the assessment, including routine stops at the roadside, pulling away from a parked position, and executing a hill start.

There is also a possibility that you may be asked to perform an emergency stop. This is conducted randomly (approximately one in three assessments).

Independent Driving Phase

Your ability to make independent decisions while safely driving and maintaining vehicle control will be assessed. You'll independently drive for approximately 20 minutes, following either a provided sat nav, written/illustrated directions, road/traffic signs, or a combination thereof, as directed by the examiner, who will set up the sat nav for you. You may not use your own sat nav. Please note that this phase does not evaluate navigational skills.

Reversing Phase

You will be required to complete one reversing manoeuvre from the list below:

• Parallel park at the side of the road;
• Park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to demonstrate);
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic;

The Assessment System

Driving assessment results are categorised as follows:

• Driving fault (sometimes called a 'minor')

  - A fault considered minor or less serious, given the circumstances. It poses no potential or actual risk to you or other road users. A single driving fault is insufficient to cause test failure.

• Serious fault (sometimes called 'major')

  - A fault considered more serious, given the circumstances. These faults involve potential danger and possible risk to your safety and well-being, or that of other road users. A single serious fault is sufficient to cause test failure.

• Dangerous fault (also sometimes called 'major')

  - A fault involving actual danger to your safety and well-being, or that of other road users, requiring evasive action by the examiner or another road user. A single dangerous fault is sufficient to cause test failure.

To pass your driving test, you must make 15 or fewer driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. The examiner will inform you of the results and provide feedback afterward. You will also receive a copy of your driving test report via email.

To book your practical driving test, use the Official DVSA Online Service.

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The factual information contained within this page is, to the date of posting, correct to the best of my knowledge. No liability is accepted for errors or omissions.

*Please note that in the interests of both safety and law, I am unable to answer calls or respond to messages whilst conducting driver training sessions. Should your enquiry not be answered swiftly, please leave your name and a brief message (for private/withheld numbers, please leave a contact number within your voice message also) and I will contact you at my earliest possible opportunity; your enquiry is extremely important to me. Calling or texting/WhatsApp is generally the preferred method of contact as I can respond to your enquiry more quickly and efficiently.

An answer phone messaging service is available at all times (24 hours).