The practical test
Remember that you cannot apply for the practical test until you have passed the theory test.
The purpose of the practical driving test is so you can prove you can drive a car safely on the road, on your own. That's it! Sounds simple enough, and it can be, if you prepare correctly and thoroughly, have the right attitude and can show that you are a courteous and responsible driver.
In particular, the examiner will want to see that you can:
- Drive safely
- Know the Highway Code, and can apply it to your driving
In addition, you will be asked to perform two out of three (or four depending on the Test Centre) of the following manoeuvres:
- Reversing around a corner
- Reverse parking
- Turning in the road
- Bay parking (subject to test centre)
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise, which occurs in one out of every three tests.
The test routes are designed and approved locally, to include a range of road and traffic conditions.
The test is in three sections:
- An eyesight test
- Two Show Me: Tell me questions
- The driving test itself
The eyesight and show me tell me sections take just a few minutes, the rest of the time is spent driving. The entire test will take about forty minutes.