What Happens During Your Driving Test

Arrive at your test centre at least 15 minutes before your test start time to organise the administrative part of your test without rushing

Eyesight Check

Your driving test examiner will run a quick eyesight check, where you will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away

Show Me, Tell Me

This is where you demonstrate that you understand how to check your car is working properly and that you know the functions of the car.

List of show me tell me questions can be found here

General Driving Skills

Throughout your test, you’ll drive in a variety of road and traffic conditions (excluding motorways). The examiner will give you instructions to follow as you go. 

Pulling over at the side of the road

You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

  • normal stops at the side of the road
  • pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
  • a hill start

Reversing

During the test, you’ll be asked to carry out one of the following reverse manoeuvres:

  • Parallel parking by the side of the road

  • Parking in a bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (your examiner will tell you which to do)

  • Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing about two car lengths, then rejoining the traffic

Independent Driving

You’ll be asked to drive independently for around 20 minutes. This will involve either:

  • Following directions from a sat nav (set up by the examiner)

  • Following road signs

If a road sign isn’t clearly visible, the examiner will guide you until the next one can be seen.

Taking a Wrong Turn

Don’t worry if you take a wrong turn – this won’t count as a fault unless it’s done unsafely. The examiner will help you return to the correct route.