Practical test: the day of the test

In normal circumstances, your instructor will arrange for your lesson to start at least one hour before your driving test is due to start. The object of this lesson is to give you a chance to settle down, and to go over all of the manoeuvres.

You will arrive at the centre about ten minutes before your appointment.

Bring your driving licence, theory test pass certificate, and one of the accepted forms of photographic identity. Remember it will be the same as for the Theory Test:

NO PHOTO IDENTITY… NO LICENCE… NO TEST

Upon arrival, your instructor will go with you into the test centre waiting room, where you will meet your examiner. The examiner will ask you to sign a form, and will inspect your driving licence and the other identification.

You will then be asked to lead the way to your car.

In the car park, you the examiner will conduct an eyesight test, by asking you to read a number plate at distance of at least 20.5 metres, or 67 feet.

Before getting into the car at the start of the driving, the examiner will ask you two Show Me: Tell Me questions.

Once you are in the car, the examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead at all times unless the road signs or markings indicate otherwise, or unless you are directed to turn by him. He will then say, "When I wish you to turn or pull up I will give the direction in good time." Then he will say, "Switch on your engine please and Move off when you are ready."

The Test will proceed from there. The driving will last for about 30 to 35 minutes.

The examiner will allow you a couple of minutes to settle down and get used to his / her presence. Your examiner is human too, and will understand that you are feeling nervous. Modern examiners are now more friendly and relaxed towards test candidates. They will do their best to put you at ease, though they try not to engage in too much chitchat during the test, as this may disturb your concentration.

If you do not understand anything that the examiner asks you to do, say so, and he will explain it to you again.

After having taken a test, the general feeling of most candidates is similar; although they could think of a lot of things they would rather do, it was no where near as bad as they has been led to believe by others or had imagined themselves.

The anticipation of taking the Test is worse than actually doing it. Being nervous about taking any test is a natural human reaction. Even though they make you feel a little uncomfortable, a little anxiety or pre-test nervousness can actually help. Treat your test in a positive way, and look upon it as a challenge rather than an ordeal.

At the end of the driving part of the test, you will return to the test centre car park. You will then be told whether you have passed or failed.

For more information on the driving test, you should read

• "Your Driving Test" by the Driving Standards Agency.