What Happens During The Driving Test

Did you know that almost 40% of people taking their driving test in the UK fail on their first attempt?

If you want to pass your driving test, it’s important to understand what it’s really about. It’s not just a box to check; it’s designed to make sure you can drive safely and responsibly.

When you learn what will happen during the test, you can prepare better and feel more confident when the big day arrives.

Driving Test Duration

You will drive for about 40 minutes during the test. However, if you are taking an extended driving test due to a previous driving ban, your test will last around 70 minutes.

Parts of the Driving Test

The driving test has several important sections, each designed to make sure you are ready to drive safely.

Here are the main parts:

1. Eyesight check: You must read a number plate from a specific distance to prove that your vision is good enough for safe driving.
2. ‘Show me, tell me’ questions: You will answer questions that test your understanding of how to keep your vehicle in good condition and ensure it is safe to drive.
3. General driving ability: Examiners will assess how well you handle different driving situations and follow the rules of the road.
4. Reversing your vehicle: This part checks how smoothly and safely you can reverse, including parking and turning in tight spaces.
5. Independent driving: You will follow directions using a sat nav or road signs to demonstrate that you can navigate safely without continuous guidance.

Each section of the driving test plays a vital role in ensuring that you are fully prepared to drive safely on UK roads.

Driving Test Essentials

The driving test includes several essential sections that assess your ability to drive safely and skillfully.

Knowing these parts helps you get ready for your test.

Eyesight Check

Before your test begins, you must take an eyesight check. You need to read a number plate from 20 meters for newer plates and 20.5 meters for older ones.

Passing this test is essential because if you fail, your driving test will end immediately.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

This section checks your understanding of vehicle safety.

1. Before you start driving, you will answer a ‘Tell Me’ question, where you explain how you would carry out a safety check.
2. While driving, you will answer a ‘Show Me’ question, demonstrating a practical task such as using the wipers or checking the lights.

Show me, Tell me questions which can be asked in driving test. Getting these wrong can lead to small faults in your test.

General Driving Ability

This section of the test evaluates how well you handle different driving situations, except for motorways.

1. Your examiner will provide instructions as you drive.
2. You must demonstrate good control of the car, including steering, braking, and acceleration.
3. You need to stop smoothly and follow road signs and signals correctly.
4. Other key driving tasks include maintaining a safe distance, handling junctions, and checking mirrors regularly.

A common reason for failing this part of the test is poor observation, such as not checking mirrors before changing lanes.

Reversing Your Vehicle

In this test, you’ll do one of three reversing exercises. These are:

1. Parallel parking alongside the road.
2. Parking in a bay and driving out or vice versa.
3. Pulling up, reversing two car lengths, and then joining the traffic.

These tests check your control and awareness of space, which are key for safe driving.

Independent Driving

This part of the test lasts about 20 minutes. You will either follow directions from a sat nav or use road signs given by the examiner.

1. The sat nav will guide your route, but you must focus on driving confidently and safely.
2. If road signs are unclear, the examiner will provide extra directions to help you.

Conclusion

Knowing what’s in the driving test really helps you prepare. Learning about things like the eyesight check, the ‘show me, tell me’ questions, and the different driving tasks can give you a real confidence boost on the day.

Take mock tests with your instructor can help you improve your driving.

With solid preparation and a calm approach, you’ve got a better chance of passing.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the driving test?

The driving test is to make sure you can drive safely and know the rules of the road. It checks that you can handle different driving situations without help.

How long does the driving test last?

It usually takes about 40 minutes. If you’ve been banned from driving before, it might take up to 70 minutes.

What are the main parts of the driving test?

There are five main parts:

1. An eyesight check
2. ‘Show me, tell me’ car safety questions
3. General driving
4. Reversing manoeuvres
5. Driving on your own (called independent driving)

What should I expect during the eyesight check?

You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away (or 20.5 metres if it’s an older plate). If you can’t do it, you won’t pass the test.

Can you explain the ‘show me, tell me’ questions?

You’ll be asked two questions about basic car safety. One you’ll explain before you start driving, and one you’ll show while driving.

What do examiners look for in the general driving ability section?

The examiner will watch how well you drive in normal traffic – stopping, starting, following the rules, and staying in control of the car.

What types of reversing manoeuvres will I need to perform?

You might be asked to:

1. Parallel park
2. Reverse into a parking bay
3. Reverse in a straight line for a short distance

They want to see if you can do it safely and smoothly

What is involved in the independent driving section?

You’ll drive on your own for about 20 minutes. You’ll either follow a sat nav or road signs. It’s to see how well you drive without instructions.

How can I prepare for the driving test?

Get to know how the test works, practise lots with your instructor, and do some mock tests. This will help you feel more confident and ready.

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