Brians Driving School - The Practical Test

You should only take your practical when your instructor advises you that you are ready, and able to pass the test.

On the day of your test, you will have to perform an eyesight test. The examiner will ask you to read a standard car number plate from a set distance. You must be able to do this, otherwise the practical test will go no further.

The driving part of the test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test the examiner will be looking to see are a safe, confident driver who has a good knowledge of the Highway Code.

One in every three or four tests will include a controlled stop, also known as an Emergency Stop.

You will have to successfully perform one of the following reversing exercises:

• parallel park at the side of the road
  
  
• park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
  
  
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic.

Independent Driving
For about 20 minutes, half of the test, you will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. This will be set up by the examiner, one in five driving tests won't use a sat nav you will follow road signs instead.

The examiner may show you a diagram to help you understand where you'll be going. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way.

The purpose is rather to assess your ability to drive safely whilst at the same time having to make your own decisions in order to reach your target destination. This includes for example deciding when it's safe to pull over and ask for directions. Your result will not be affected unless you commit a driving fault, even if you go off the independent driving route.

The cost of taking the practical test is £62 if taken on a week day and £75 if taken over the weekend.