The Practical Test




Once you have passed the on screen theory test you can apply for the practical driving test. However, you must be able to drive with minimal assistance from your driving instructor before you take the test.

Am I ready for the test?

If you can drive and control your car safely and smoothly, with full awareness of other road users and consideration for the road, weather and traffic conditions, and can competently perform all the slow manoeuvres, you are ready to pass your driving test!

You should therefore be able to drive with minimal assistance from your driving instructor, apart from his or her directions on where to go.

Take your instructor's advice on whether you are ready, otherwise you waste your time and money taking a test, as well as annoying the examiner and needlessly taking a test booking, which someone who WAS ready for the test could have had. Normally you will have the use of your instructor's car for the test. However if you should insist on taking a test against their advice, you can expect this service to be withdrawn!

I think I'm ready but my instructor doesn't ...

If you really doubt your instructor's opinion, arrange for an independent instructor to give their assessment - but don't leave it too late!

What do I have to do on the test?

All you have to do on the driving test is what you should know already - there are no secrets.

There's more about the content of the test later in this section ...

Automatic or manual cars
- a brief reminder

If you've learnt in a manual car, take the test in one, then you can drive both manual and automatic cars after you've passed.

If you've learnt in an "auto", you'll have to take the test in one, and you will be restricted to automatic cars after you've passed.

Health and fitness requirements
- a brief reminder

You should have declared any physical or mental health problems when you applied for your provisional licence. If your condition has changed, you must inform DVLA without delay. If you have any new condition or disability that is relevant to your driving, you will have to declare it when you apply for a driving test.

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