At the Driving Test Centre

At the Test Centre

Arriving at the test centre prepared and knowing what to expect can significantly reduce stress and improve your chances of passing. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of what happens at the test centre, from arrival to the final result.

1. Arriving at the Test Centre

Arrival Time
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
- If you arrive late, your test may be cancelled, and you will lose the fee.
Documents to Bring: Ensure you have:
- Provisional Driving Licence – Your photocard licence is mandatory.
- Theory Test Pass Certificate – Required to confirm you passed the theory test.
- Test Confirmation Email – (Printed or digital) to avoid confusion.
Car Requirements: If using your own car, it must:
1. Be roadworthy with valid MOT (if required).
2. Have L-plates displayed on the front and back.
3. Be insured for learner use.
4. Have a working speedometer, mirrors, seatbelts, and brake lights.
5. Have an additional interior mirror for the examiner.

Important: Your test will be cancelled if your car is unfit for the exam.

2. Meeting the Examiner

The examiner will call your name and ask you to confirm your identity.
They will explain the test structure and confirm your car meets the required standards.
You will be asked if you would like your driving instructor to accompany you (optional).
The examiner will ask if you’d like your instructor to be present during the results at the end (optional).

Keep calm and be polite – the examiner is there to assess, not trick you.

3. Eyesight Test

Before getting into the car, you will be asked to:

Read a number plate from 20 meters away.
If you fail this, the test ends immediately with a fail.

4. Tell Me Question (Before You Start Driving)
The examiner will ask you one safety question about car maintenance (e.g., “Tell me how you’d check the oil level”).
Answering incorrectly won’t fail you, but it counts as a minor fault.

5. The Driving TestGeneral Driving
The test lasts around 40 minutes (including independent driving).
You’ll be asked to follow road signs or a sat-nav for independent driving (20 minutes).
The examiner will assess control, awareness, planning, and safety throughout the drive.

Manoeuvres: You will be asked to perform one of these manoeuvres:
Parallel park
Reverse bay park
Forward bay park
Pull up on the right and reverse 2 car lengths

Emergency Stop (1 in 3 Chance)
The examiner may ask you to perform an emergency stop.
Ensure a quick, controlled stop without losing control.


    
    

6. Show Me Question (While Driving)
You’ll be asked to demonstrate a control while driving, such as:
“Show me how you would turn on the wipers.”
“Show me how to use the demister.”
Mistakes won’t fail you, but they count as minor faults.

7. Returning to the Test Centre
You’ll be asked to park safely back at the test centre.
Remain calm and focused until the test officially ends.
The examiner will total your faults and give you the result immediately.

8. Receiving Your Result
Pass: You’ll receive a pass certificate and be advised on how to apply for a full driving licence.
Fail: You’ll receive feedback on the mistakes and areas to improve.
Fault Limits:
Minor faults: Up to 15 allowed, but repeated mistakes can lead to failure.
Serious or dangerous fault: Just one results in immediate failure.

9. After the Test

If you pass:
- You can start driving immediately without waiting for your full licence.
- Apply for your full driving licence online (if not done automatically).
If you fail:
- You must wait at least 10 working days before retaking the test.
- Use examiner feedback to improve your skills before rebooking.

Remember: The examiner is looking for safe and confident driving, not perfection!

At the Test Centre

1. Arriving at the Test Centre

2. Meeting the Examiner

3. Eyesight Test

4. Tell Me Question (Before You Start Driving)

5. The Driving Test

6. Show Me Question (While Driving)

7. Returning to the Test Centre

8. Receiving Your Result

9. After the Test

Tests

Driving Theory Test

Life in the UK Test

Driving Practical Test

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