The Practical Driving Test 

Changes to the Practical Test will come into force from Oct 2010
Introduction of an assessment of competence whilst driving independently – shifting the current emphasis on manoeuvring and creating the opportunity to open out the test routes and increase the driving time by reducing the number of special manoeuvres.

The practical test is approximately 40 minutes in length. At the start of your driving test you will be asked to read a number plate from 20.5 metres, you will also be asked two questions on basic car/engine maintenance (one show me/ one tell me question). Whilst on your driving test you will be assessed on:

• Control
• Precautions
• Moving away
• Use of mirrors
• Signalling
• Use of speed
• Response to road signs and signals
• Maintaining progress
• Junctions
• Judgement
• Positioning
• Clearance to obstructions
• Awareness and planning
• Pedestrian crossings
• Ancillary controls

You will also be required to complete two of the following manoeuvres:

• Turn in the road
• Reverse round a corner
• Reverse parallel park
• Reverse into a bay

The emergency stop is conducted at random on one in three tests.

To achieve a pass you must not accumulate more than 15 driver faults. One serious or dangerous fault could result in failure of the test.

At present the practical driving test costs £62.00 (prices are set by the DSA) This price is subject to change.