PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Once you have passed your Theory Test you are now eligible to apply for your practical driving test but should only do so having consulted with your instructor first to check whether you are ready or not

Your test vehicle
You can use your own car for your driving test but it must be fitted with an additional interior mirror for the benefit of the examiner, Headrests, Seatbelts, L-plates, Tax, MOT and the appropriate Insurance.

All pupils being taught by Dave Boyd School of Motoring automatically have the opportunity to take the test in the school car which meets all of the above criteria.

Documents Needed on the Day:
1. Your signed provisional driving licence plus one of the following for photo id

Passport, Work-Place ID Card, Student or Trades Union Membership Card.

or a recent photograph of yourself which has been certified as a true likeness by any one of the following

an Approved Driving Instructor or Motorcycle Instructor, MP, Justice of the Peace, Minister of Religion, Lawyer, Doctor, Teacher, Local Councillor,Bank Officer,Civil Servant, Police Officer or a Commissioned Officer in Her Majesty's armed forces.

OR

2. Photo Driving Licence with green paper counter part.

AND

3. Theory Test Pass Certificate.

Presenting yourself for test
Arrive at the test centre in plenty of time and try to relax. When it is time for your test, an examiner will enter the room and call your name out, at that point you will hand over your documents which he or she will check and you will be asked to sign a declaration. Once complete your examiner will ask you to lead him / her to your car and the test will be underway.

THE DRIVING TEST

On the way to your car you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance. Once at your car the examiner will then run through the "Show Me Tell Me" questions whilst at the same time carrying out a quick check of the vehicle and recording its details.

You will then have the test explained to you and you will be asked to start your engine and move away

• During the test which lasts about 40 minutes you will be expected to demonstrate a good all round level of competence during which time you will be expected to carry out two of the four pre-set manoeuvres which include

  (i) Turn in the Road

  (ii) Left Reverse Around a Corner

  (iii )Parallel Parking behind a car or Reverse Bay Parking,

  (iv) Emergency Stop.

• Some minor driving faults are permitted which are in themselves mistakes which do not create an actuak or potential danger to other road users.
• These Driver Errors are recorded on the examiner's test form, if you make more than 15 of these you will fail the test. You will also fail if you make a serious or dangerous error.

At the end of the test
When you return to the Test Centre and have switched the engine off your examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed. If you've passed, your driving licence will be needed by the examiner in order to fill in the pass certificate. You need to send this to DVLA with your provisional licence, and you will receive your full licence in a few days. You can drive on your own in the meantime providing you keep a record of your 'Driver Number'.

If you are unfortunate enough to have failed it is important that you receive a full debrief from the examiner as to where you went wrong. It is usually helpful ast this point to have your instructor to hand to listen in on the debrief but to do so you must tell the examiner that you would like this to happen and they will signal to your instructor to come over to the car to listen

To Book your Practical Test
Call the Driving Standards Agency on 0300 2001122, or book online. The current fee is £62.