Ready for test day?

Your practical driving test is your chance to show the examiner that you can drive safely and independently. It's perfectly normal to feel nervous, but remember—the examiner isn't expecting perfection. They're looking for a safe, confident driver who can make sensible decisions.

By the time your instructor recommends you for test, you'll have practised everything you'll need.

Before your test

Make sure you have:

✅ Your provisional driving licence

✅ Suitable footwear

✅ Your glasses or contact lenses if you need them

✅ Arrived 10–15 minutes early

✅ Switched your phone to silent

A good night's sleep and a light meal beforehand can also help you feel more focused.

What happens during the test?

The practical test lasts around 40 minutes and includes:

An eyesight check.
One 'Tell Me' vehicle safety question.
Around 20–25 minutes of normal driving.
About 20 minutes of independent driving (following signs or a sat nav).
One reversing manoeuvre.
One 'Show Me' question while driving.
Pulling up and moving away safely several times.

Don't worry—your examiner will give clear instructions throughout the test.

Independent Driving

During part of your test, you'll be asked to drive independently by:

Following a sat nav, or
Following road signs.

This isn't designed to catch you out.

If you accidentally take the wrong turning, don't panic. As long as it's safe, you won't fail for going the wrong way.

Reversing Manoeuvres

You'll be asked to complete one of the following:

Reverse bay parking
Forward bay parking
Parallel parking
Pull up on the right and reverse

Your instructor will make sure you've practised each of these before your test.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

You'll be asked:

One Tell Me question before setting off.
One Show Me question while driving.

Make sure you've revised these before your test—they're one of the easiest marks to secure.