PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

Your instructor will tell you exactly what the examiner will be looking out for – and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Passing your test is not about performing a couple of tricks. The manoeuvres are important, but what really matters is observing and understanding the situations you find yourself in, and reacting competently and appropriately.

Mock practical tests

Taking a mock test is not compulsory but it is something RED recommends.  They enable you to experience driving independently under observation and 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 stop to be practiced, even if this will not happen in the real practical driving test.

Your practical test will include:

• An eyesight check
• The ‘show me, tell me’ test. You don’t have to be a right petrolhead but you’ve got to be able to answer some basic questions about what goes on under the hood
• Manoeuvres / emergency stop
• The actual driving, which lasts about 40 minutes.  This includes 10 minutes of independent driving

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.

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.

If you’re lucky enough to have your own car, there is a possibility you will want to use it on the day of the exam. If this is the case, we recommend you check the test vehicle requirements on GOV.UK before your test. You run the risk of losing your test fee if it turns out on your test day that your car can’t be used for safety reasons.

Good luck from everyone at RED with your practical test!