the UK practical driving test

The UK driving test currently consists of two parts — the second part is the practical driving test. You have to be 17 before you can take your driving test but there have been discussions to increase this to 18.

To get your full licence you have to pass both these tests but you have to take and pass the theory test before you can go on to demonstrate your driving proficiency to an examiner.

The Practical Driving Test

This is the conventional driving test consisting of an examined drive of about 40 minutes duration. This can be quite nerve-racking as it'll be probably your first drive with a stranger since your first driving lesson but it is the driving examiner's job to assess your ability to drive rather than to find reasons to fail you.

You can book your practical driving test on-line. You'll need to have your driving licence number and a credit card to pay with.

Before you start the driving test your examiner will check that your provisional driving licence and test booking documents are in order and that your eyesight meets the minimum requirement of reading a randomly chosen number plate at a distance of 30.5 metres. If you wear glasses or contact lenses then you must wear them for the test. Fail to read the number plate correctly or not have the correct documents then you've failed without even getting in the car.

The test now incorporates a 'show me, tell me' element where you'll show or tell the examiner about safety or maintainance of a car - see what the 19 possible questions are on video.

The examiner will have several routes to choose from and will guide you with directions, as your driving instructor will have been doing since you started your lessons. Your job is to drive safely and confidently and follow the directions, when and where it is safe to do so. It is not a race and even though you will probably want to get it over with, don't rush. The best test will be calm, controlled and safe — as all drives should be.

If you have a disability you still take the same driving test as every other candidate but more time is allowed for the test. This is to allow the examiner to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle. You should advise the DSA when you book your test so they can make the necessary arrangement.

If English is not your first language, you may bring an interpreter on the test with you — they have to be over 16 and they can't be a driving instructor !

You can watch videos showing what happens during the driving test and what driving manoeuvers you'll have to perform here.

The practical driving test now includes an assessment of your ability to drive in a way that shows "eco-safe" driving techniques. The examiner will assess your control and planning and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you’re driving but it does not affect whether you pass or fail the driving test.

You'll be expected to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to:

starting and moving away
accelerating
using gears
driving at an appropriate speed

You'll also have to demonstrate that you plan ahead hence reducing emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions. This means acting in good time, rather than reacting at the last moment, showing hazard awareness and planning, making use of engine braking as well as using the brakes and stopping the engine when appropriate.

All of the above is about driving smoothly which is the most economical way to drive.

From October 4th 2010 the UK Driving Test will include a test of 'independent driving' of about 10 minutes in length. The driver will be asked to follow a set of directions, whether verbal, in the form of a diagram or being asked to follow road signs to a destination. The test isn't to see how well you can follow instructions but to see how you drive on your own. The video below explains how this will work.

In order to make time for this new driving element, the driver will now only have to perform one of the 'special manouevers' (reversing around a corner, 3-point turn, parallel parking) rather than 2. Only you'll not know which one.....

Pass or Fail?

You're allowed a number of 'minor' indiscretions, a fluffed gear change or a properly recovered stall during the test but blow it in a big way, failing to negotiate a junction properly for example, could get you a 'major'. Get a 'major' or if you drive dangerously, you'll be handed a fail certificate.

If you pass, you'll be handed a pass certificate and instructions on how to convert your licence from 'Provisional' to 'Full'. You'll hopefully also want to know what more you can do to improve your standard of driving the keep you as safe as possible. Young, inexperienced drivers are at the highest risk of being involved in a car accident.

If you do fail, it isn't the end of the world. You can appeal a 'fail' but only if the test was not carried out in accordance with the regulations and this is not often successful. You're probably best to review the fail certificate with your instructor, look to improve on the items you failed on whilst not forgetting all the skills you've already learned and plan for a re-test. Keep trying - it's worth it!