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Driving practical test for cars explained |
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The driving test for a car is designed for you to show you understand and can demonstrate
your knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Throughout
the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving,
including when you are carrying out the set exercises.
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Before applying for the practical test
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Before applying for the practical test, you need to pass the driving theory test. Your practical driving test
will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety checks. You will then
start your car practical driving test which will include some specific
driving manoeuvres.
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the practical
test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving,
including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving
faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you
commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the practical test.
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Get FREE driving lesson quote |
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Book your driving lessons with local driving instructor |
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The practical driving test (car)
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The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal
test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of
appointments over an extended working day.
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Changes to driving practical test from Oct 2010
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Independent driving element in driving test will come in effect from Oct 2010
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Independent driving is when the learner get out on the road He/She will be driving alone and they need to know how to drive safely |
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Know more... |
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Car practical test is generally available at all permanent test centres.
Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered
at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between
7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday. Click to know more about booking test.
The car driving test is straightforward and has been
designed to see if you:
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What will the test include?
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The practical test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your
test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that
is a certain distance away.
After the eyesight test, you will be asked two vehicle
vehicle safety checks. You will then be examined on your general driving and on
two reversing exercises.
The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
- Reversing around a corner
- Turning in the road
- Reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Know more about the
Driving Manoeuvres in more detail.
 
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Vehicle safety questions
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These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle
is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet
to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch
a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic
diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels
and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle
information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre
pressures.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show
me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result
in one driving fault being recorded. Click here to see marksheet
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Useful learning resource
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Explained with The Highway Code rules
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Know what will be assessed on exam day |
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Fully illustrated, full colour graphics |
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MRP £4.99 £2.49 |
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What happens during the car driving practical test
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During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should
follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a
range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the practical test,
the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you.
If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving
fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall
safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results
in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail
the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road
users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16
years old and cannot take any part in the test.
After the practical test
When the practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed
or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then
go through your performance during the test.
If you pass...
If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner
will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you,
scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your
test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of
you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence
issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner.
On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This
involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your
application and issue you with a new full licence.
If you fail...
If you
fail the driving test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help
prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show
you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working
days after your car or motorcycle test.
Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not
have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you
will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
DSA do not conduct practical tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions
for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment
at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the
telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will
go ahead. If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to
you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.
Source - Driving Standard Agency
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Get FREE driving lesson quote |
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Book your driving lessons with local driving instructor |
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Rules and regulations - Latest 2007 
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