Understand The Practical Test Process

Understanding the unknown, becomes the known -
and your confidence grows

Addition - New Driving Test

New test detailsFull details about the new driving test, including video clips.

Driving test marking system

Outline of the driving test procedure
You wait for your driving examiner in the driving test waiting room (some remote test centres in Scotland and rural areas, you might meet your examiner in a car park). The examiner calls your name and asks to see both parts of your driving licence, the photo ID part and the counterpart.

You should bring your theory test pass certificate with you and your letter of appointment - these are only used as backup if there is a mix-up on the booking arrangements.

You will be asked to sign your driving test report form to state that your driving test car is insured for the examiner to accompany you on your driving test & to declare that you have been a resident in the UK for the last 6 month. At this time you will also be asked if the address on your driving licence is the correct one, if not you will have to fill in your new address details on the back of your driving licence.

You will then be asked to lead the way out to your car. When you are outside the driving examiner will ask you if you have any disabilities that you have not declared on your driving test application form and where your car is parked. You will then be asked to read a car number plate at 20.5m.

If you read the number plate correctly you will be asked to walk to your car. If you fail to read the car number plate your test will be cancelled, 'on-the-spot'.

As you arrive at your car the examiner will ask you two 'Show me tell me questions' about your car. You will then be asked to enter your car and prepare yourself for driving off.

Driving test feesDSA website showing latest driving & theory test fees
How to book a driving testHow to book a driving test online or by phone. DSA website

Whilst you are carrying out these checks the driving test examiner will have still been outside of your car doing his own checks on cracked or broken lights, tyre damage and legality of tread depth, 'L' plates correctly displayed and tax disc is up to-date and correctly displayed.

The examiner will now enter your car and ask you to follow the road ahead at all times unless signs indicate otherwise or you are told to turn off.

"Please start your engine and move off when you are ready" you are told.

This is now the time for you to check your car handbrake is firmly on and your gear lever is in neutral before you start your engine.

You are now on your way and the examiner will only speak to you to give you directions or ask you to stop, or carry out a manoeuvre. You will NOT be told when to change gear or signal, that's part of your driving test. Look at the items I have listed below to see the fine detail the driving examiner will apply to your driving test.

Driving test examiners marking criteria - Your driving-test

Eyesight Test
At the start of the practical test the examiner will ask you to read a vehicle registration number at a distance of 20.5 metres. If you require glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive.


Controlled stop
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You will need to be able to display a high level of skill on your practical test in bringing your vehicle to a stop, safely, promptly and under full control avoiding locking the wheels. Remember that in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safely....how toThe emergency stop explained in more detail


Reverse exercises
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You will need to display the ability to control the vehicle safely whilst reversing to the left, right (for van drivers), when parking on the road or into a parking bay. You must take good effective all round observation throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration to other road users throughout your practical test....how to corner reverseFull explanation of how to reverse round a corner
how to parallel parkFull explanation on the parallel parking exercise  | how to bay parkFull explanation on the bay parking exercise

Turn in road
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You will need to display the low speed control on your practical test and observation skills necessary to carry out this exercise safely with due regard for other road users and pedestrians.
You should control your vehicle smoothly making proper use of the clutch, accelerator, brakes and steering. You should not use a driveway or allow your vehicle to mount the pavement as this could damage your vehicle.....how to Full explanation on the turn in the road exercise


Vehicle checks
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You will need to display to the examiner a basic knowledge of the fundamental safety checks applicable to your vehicle. For example safe fluid levels, lighting and tyre checks are all part of your practical test.
Sample questions can be found on this link -show me tell me questions A sample of show me tell me questions including images of Ford Fiesta engine & switches


Safety precautions
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Before you start the engine make sure that you are comfortably seated and all controls can be safely operated.how toFull explanation on the safety precautions you should carry out before driving off


Control
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This section covers, where appropriate, the safe and controlled use of accelerator, clutch, gears, foot brake, parking brake, and steering. Additional specific control elements apply to the drivers of different vehicle categories.

Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible. This means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a smoother ride for your passengers.

Make proper use of your accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start. Always depress the clutch just before you stop. Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Change gear in good time but not too soon before a hazard.

Do not allow the vehicle to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch depressed. There should be no need to look down at the gear lever when changing gear. Use the foot brake smoothly and progressively. Brake in plenty of time for any hazard.

Make full use of the parking brake whenever it would help you to prevent the vehicle rolling backwards or forwards, and if you are parking.

Steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Avoid harsh steering, or steering too early or too late as it may cause you to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user.how to How to change gears effectively


Move off
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You will need to demonstrate your ability to move off smoothly and safely on the level, on a gradient and at an angle taking the correct precautionary observations.how to move offHow to move off safely from the kerb  | ...how to hill...starts How to carry out the hill start exercise


Use of mirrors & rear observations
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Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively. You must always check carefully before signaling, changing direction or changing speed.

You should demonstrate you can use the mirrors-signal-manoeuvre (MSM) routine effectively at all times on your practical test.how toHow to use your mirrors effectively


Signals
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You must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code if it would help other road users (including pedestrians).

Always signal in good time and ensure that the signal has been cancelled after the manoeuvre has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road.how toHow to signal correctly


Clearance / obstructions
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On your practical test allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles, obstructions and be prepared to slow down or stop. A door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without warning.


Response to signals
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You should understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings. You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows.

Obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Look out for signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to act accordingly.


Use of speed
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You should make safe, reasonable progress along the road bearing in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions and the road signs and speed limits.

Make sure that you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear. Do not speed. Remember, as a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you get six or more penalty points during the first two years, and you will have to retake and pass both theory and practical tests.


Following distance
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Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Remember, on wet or slippery roads it takes much longer to stop. When you stop in traffic queues leave sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems.


Maintain progress
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In order to pass your practical-test you must show that you can drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions.

You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic.

Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so. Driving excessively slowly can create dangers for yourself and other drivers.


Junctions including roundabouts
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You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly at all times on your practical test.

Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out.

Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding....how to roundaboutsHow to negotiate roundabouts  | ...how to junctionsHow to negotiate road junctions  | how to right turns How to complete right turns


Judgment
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Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need as much space as other vehicles because they can wobble or swerve suddenly. Do not cut in too quickly after overtaking.

Take care when the width of the road is restricted or when the road narrows.

If there is an obstruction on your side or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to wait and let the approaching vehicles through.

When you turn right across the path of an approaching vehicle, make sure you can do so safely. Other vehicles should not have to stop, slow down or swerve to allow you to complete your turn.


Positioning
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You should position the vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily.


Pedestrian crossings
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You should be able to recognise the different types of pedestrian crossing and show courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians. At all crossings you should slow down and stop if there is anyone on the crossing.

At zebra crossings you should slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross. Give way to any pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing.

You should give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing and act correctly at puffin crossings.On your practical test you are being examined on courtesy and consideration to other road user.how to


Position / Normal stops
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Choose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not obstruct the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users.


Awareness / Planning
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You must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so you can judge what other road users are going to do, predict how their actions will affect you and react in good time.

Anticipate road and traffic conditions, and act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment.

Take particular care to consider the actions of the more vulnerable groups of road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.


Ancillary controls
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You should understand the function of all the controls and switches, especially those that have a bearing on road safety. These include indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, de-misters and heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary, without looking down.



Driving test logo

New driving test

Prepare now for the new practical test which started October 4th 2010 with an intensive driving course in Scotland. The new practical test known as the Independent Driving test will test your ability to drive for 10 minutes without directional instruction.
Read more and watch the New Driving Test Video....A new driving test was introduced October 2010. Take a look at the details & video

Weekend courses

Weekend intensive driving courses are available on a regular basis. This type of course is ideal for the busy professional or people who are unable to complete their driver training in the week.

A weekend course can be taken as a Saturday or Sunday only and there is no commitment to book every weekend. You could even book a trial weekend to see if it is right for you.
Checkout the weekend intensive course:
Weekend driving lessons Get results fast   »»Weekend driving courses are perfect for the busy professional, or new driver

Residential courses

Residential & local courses are available all year round in Perth, Dundee or Blairgowrie. Residential courses help to keep you focused whilst you are away from your normal daily routine.

New driver weekend courses

New drivers (beginners) are advised to start their driver training by having as many driving lessons as they can over a short period of time. This will help re-inforce the correct procedures for driving away fom the kerb, parking, gear changing & road procedures. A theory test pass is not required for this type of course. An intensive driving course for new drivers is not intended to get you through your test in a week. Those days have long since gone and if you see any websites out there that say any different, then treat them with suspician. You will learn to drive over a few weekend courses, but you may not be ready for your driving test.
How many lessons will you need?How many driving lessons will you need before you are ready to pass your driving test?
New driver courses  »»»New learner driver courses for the absolute beginner. No theory test & no experience required
New driver weekend lessons  »»»Weekend driving courses are ideal for the busy professional, or those wishing to spread the cost.

Previous driving lessons experience

Learner drivers with previous driving experience can sometimes book their driving test at the end of their driving course depending on what previous experience they have had and how long ago.
Your driving lessons may have been sometime ago & taken with a great driving instructor or one of the not so greats. You may have taken a driving test or two or had over 100 driving lessons of poor quality either yours through lack of concentration or your driving instructors lack of attention to your training. Either way, you might be best to book a trial lesson with me before you book your driving test. A trial lesson is not required to book your course unless a driving test is required at the end of your course. Learner drivers with a good driving record of training might only need to book one of the weekend courses.
Intensive courses for experienced learner drivers  »»»Courses for learner drivers with some experience

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All intensive driving courses are given by myself a top professional driving instructor & life coach all rolled into one

Teaching safe driving for life since 1977

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