PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Preparing for your practical driving test

Your instructor will guide you through the key areas that the examiner will assess, including your strengths and areas for improvement. Success on the test isn’t just about performing specific manoeuvres but about showing an ability to observe, understand, and respond competently to different road situations.

We recommend that you have at least 47 hours of tuition driving lessons and if possible, 22 hours of private lessons. However, everyone is different and therefore you may need more hours to prepare and build confidence. Your instructor will be able to advise you on whether you are ready and when to book your test.

Mock practical tests

Taking a mock test is not compulsory but it is something RED highly recommends.  Mock tests help you experience the real test environment and allow you to practice driving independently under observation. This can be useful to help fight the nerves before taking your driving test!

An extended mock test allows for all the driving manoeuvres and emergency stops to be practised, even if this will not happen in the real practical driving test.

At the end of your practical driving test:

At the end of the test, the examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the driving test. The examiner will produce a test report and describe any errors you made and if applicable, why you failed your test.

In a driving test, faults are categorised as minor, major, and sometimes “serious” or “dangerous” errors. These help the examiner assess the driver’s ability to drive safely and responsibly.

• Minor faults – small errors that, while incorrect, don’t immediately endanger the driver, passengers, or other road users. For example, failing to check mirrors before signalling or hesitation at a stop. Examiners will often allow several minor faults, however, if you accumulate more than 15 minors this will result in a failed test.
• Major faults, also known as serious or dangerous faults, are errors that demonstrate a lack of control, poor decision-making, or unsafe practices that could pose a danger to the driver, passengers, or others. These are considered more critical and can lead to immediate failure. For example, failing to stop which results in another driver adjusting their speed or path or driving at an unsafe speed.

If you have passed, you will receive a test pass certificate that will entitle you to drive immediately. However, your instructor will usually drive you back home afterwards.

Good luck from everyone at RED with your practical test!