The Practical Driving Test (What Happens)

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Slide 0: Mastering the UK Driving Test : A Candidate's Essential Guide PRE - TEST CHECKLIST THE 4 STAGES OF THE TEST 1. The Eyesight Check 20m ( new ) / 20.5m ( old ) failing this ends the test immediately Passing the Test SCORING AND RESULTS Theory Test Certificate ( Optional ) Vehicle Standards USING YOUR OWN CAR 2. ' Show Me , Tell Me ' Questions Tell Me ( Before Driving ) Show Me ( On the Move ) Prohibited Models BMW Mini Convertible VW Beetle Convertible Polestar 4/5 Permitted Tech Features Safety Recall Proof e.g. , certain Citroen or DS models Self - parking Autopilot Safety Recall Proof 35 Minutes 3. General Driving & Independence 20 Minutes Independent Driving 4. Reversing Maneuvers Perform ONE Exercise Max 15 Allowed Driving Fault ( Minor ) Not potentially dangerous Start driving immediately- no wait for full licence Failing the Test Days before you can take another test Serious or Dangerous Fault ( Major ) Automatic Fail ( Danger to public ) SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES & ADJUSTMENTS Weather Cancellations DVSA rebooks within 3-7 working days Disability Adjustments Written notes , hand signals , more time Appeals Process Appeal examiner's law adherence ; successful appeal grants free retest , results don't change Slide 1: Navigating the UK Practical Driving Test A chronological guide to your test day , vehicle rules , and how you will be evaluated . Slide 2: The Vehicle ( Rules for bringing your own car ) The Result ( Scoring , passing , and the unexpected ) Arrival & Accessibility ( Preparing for the starting line ) The Drive ( The 35 - minute test breakdown ) The Result ( Scoring , passing , and the unexpected ) Slide 3: Essential items to bring on test day UK DRIVING LICENCE UK Driving Licence: Must be your UK provisional licence . You must be recognisable from the photo . ( Bring valid passport + paper licence if you lack a photocard ) . Theory Test Certificate Bring your pass certificate ( if you have it - examiners will also check this online ) . A Vehicle: Your instructor's car , or your own car that meets strict DVSA rules . Forget these ? Your test will be cancelled and you will not get a refund . Slide 4: Test adjustments for disabilities and health conditions Hearing Impairments Examiners will use written notes and hand signals . You may bring a BSL interpreter ( 16+ years old ) . Reading Difficulties During the eyesight check , you can write down the number plate instead of reading it out loud . Learning Difficulties Adjustments available for independent driving ( e.g. , following traffic signs instead of a sat nav ) . Pregnancy You can take the test at any stage , but you must be able and willing to perform an emergency stop . Slide 5: Mandatory rules for using your own car L - Plates : Must be on front and rear ( or ' D ' plates in Wales ) . General : Max weight 3,500kg , able to reach 62mph , taxed , MOT'd , insured for a test , tidy , and smoke - free . Tyres : Legal tread depth , no damage . No space - saver spare tyres . Interior : Extra rear - view mirror for the examiner . Dashboard : MPH speedometer . Zero warning lights showing ( e.g. , airbag lights ) . Passenger Seat : Proper seatbelt and head restraint ( no slip - on types ) . * Hire cars can be used , but ONLY if they have dual controls . Slide 6: Vehicle technology and features during the test Allowed Banned Self - parking systems - Electronic parking brakes & hill - start assist Tesla autopilot - Cruise control & speed limiters - Parking sensors & cameras Lane assist , blind spot monitoring , sign recognition - Outward - facing dashcams ( recording zero interior audio ) Personal sat navs You can use a manual ( 3 pedals ) or automatic ( 2 pedals ) . Passing in an auto restricts you to auto - only licences . Slide 7: Banned vehicles and strict safety recalls Banned for poor examiner visibility No panel vans . Excluded models include : BMW 218 convertible , BMW Mini convertible , Ford KA convertible , VW Beetle convertible , Polestar 4 & 5 , Smart Fortwo ( 2 - door ) , Toyota iQ . Recalled vehicles ( Citroen & DS Airbags , 2009-2019 ) If driving an affected Citroen C3 / C4 / DS3 / DS4 / DS5 , you must provide official , stamped manufacturer proof or a screenshot from the official recall portal that the car is safe , or the test is cancelled . Slide 8: The structure of your 35 - minute test Phase 1 : Eyesight Check ' Show me , tell me ' safety questions General and independent driving ( approx . 20-35 minutes ) Phase 4 : Reversing manoeuvres Extended tests last 65 minutes . The test is identical for both manual and automatic cars . Slide 9: Stages 1 & 2 : Eyesight and vehicle safety Eyesight Check You must read a plate from 20 metres away ( 20.5m for old - style plates ) . Failing this ends the test immediately . ' Show me , Tell me ' You will answer two safety questions : 1. ' Tell me ' ( explained at the start before driving ) 2. ' Show me ' ( demonstrated physically while you are driving ) Slide 10: Stage 3 : General and independent driving You will drive independently for 20 to 35 minutes in varied traffic ( no motorways ) . • You will follow examiner - supplied sat nav directions , traffic signs , or a combination . • Expect instructions to pull over normally , pull out from behind parked cars , or do a hill start . Fact : Taking a wrong turn is NOT a fault . The examiner will help you get back on route safely . Slide 11: Stage 4 : Reversing your vehicle Parallel parking at the side of the road . Parking in a bay ( examiner will specify driving in / reversing out OR reversing in / driving out ) . Pulling up on the right - hand side of the road , reversing for roughly 2 car lengths , and rejoining traffic . You will only be asked to perform ONE of these exercises . Slide 12: Observers in the car and handling mistakes You can bring your instructor , a relative , or a friend ( must be 16+ ) to sit silently in the back . Note : A DVSA supervisor may sit in to observe your examiner - this is mandatory . Keep going ! You can carry on if you make a mistake . It might not affect your result if it is not serious . The test will only be stopped if you are a danger to other road users . Slide 13: Understanding faults and the pass mark Driving Fault Minor . Not potentially dangerous . Serious Fault Potentially dangerous . Dangerous Fault Actual danger to you , the public , or property . Maximum 15 Driving Faults + ZERO Serious / Dangerous Faults = PASS Slide 14: The Result : What happens next End of Test If you pass - Examiner hands you a pass certificate . - Hand over your provisional to have your full licence sent automatically . - You can drive straight away ( no need to wait for the physical card ) . If you do not pass - Examiner provides feedback on faults . - You must wait at least 10 working days before you can take another test . Appeals are only possible in court if you can prove the examiner broke the law . Slide 15: Handling cancellations and bad weather Bad Weather ( Ice , flood , fog , high wind ) Call the test centre . DVSA automatically rebooks within 3-7 days . No out - of- pocket expenses paid . Problem with You or Your Car ( Illness , breakdown , car doesn't meet rules ) You lose your fee . You must book and pay again . DVSA cancels for other reasons ( Examiner illness ) New date provided automatically . You CAN apply for out - of - pocket expenses .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 1
Slide 1: Mastering the UK Driving Test : A Candidate's Essential Guide PRE - TEST CHECKLIST THE 4 STAGES OF THE TEST 1. The Eyesight Check 20m ( new ) / 20.5m ( old ) failing this ends the test immediately Passing the Test SCORING AND RESULTS Theory Test Certificate ( Optional ) Vehicle Standards USING YOUR OWN CAR 2. ' Show Me , Tell Me ' Questions Tell Me ( Before Driving ) Show Me ( On the Move ) Prohibited Models BMW Mini Convertible VW Beetle Convertible Polestar 4/5 Permitted Tech Features Safety Recall Proof e.g. , certain Citroen or DS models Self - parking Autopilot Safety Recall Proof 35 Minutes 3. General Driving & Independence 20 Minutes Independent Driving 4. Reversing Maneuvers Perform ONE Exercise Max 15 Allowed Driving Fault ( Minor ) Not potentially dangerous Start driving immediately- no wait for full licence Failing the Test Days before you can take another test Serious or Dangerous Fault ( Major ) Automatic Fail ( Danger to public ) SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES & ADJUSTMENTS Weather Cancellations DVSA rebooks within 3-7 working days Disability Adjustments Written notes , hand signals , more time Appeals Process Appeal examiner's law adherence ; successful appeal grants free retest , results don't change
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 2
Slide 2: Navigating the UK Practical Driving Test A chronological guide to your test day , vehicle rules , and how you will be evaluated .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 3
Slide 3: The Vehicle ( Rules for bringing your own car ) The Result ( Scoring , passing , and the unexpected ) Arrival & Accessibility ( Preparing for the starting line ) The Drive ( The 35 - minute test breakdown ) The Result ( Scoring , passing , and the unexpected )
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 4
Slide 4: Essential items to bring on test day UK DRIVING LICENCE UK Driving Licence: Must be your UK provisional licence . You must be recognisable from the photo . ( Bring valid passport + paper licence if you lack a photocard ) . Theory Test Certificate Bring your pass certificate ( if you have it - examiners will also check this online ) . A Vehicle: Your instructor's car , or your own car that meets strict DVSA rules . Forget these ? Your test will be cancelled and you will not get a refund .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 5
Slide 5: Test adjustments for disabilities and health conditions Hearing Impairments Examiners will use written notes and hand signals . You may bring a BSL interpreter ( 16+ years old ) . Reading Difficulties During the eyesight check , you can write down the number plate instead of reading it out loud . Learning Difficulties Adjustments available for independent driving ( e.g. , following traffic signs instead of a sat nav ) . Pregnancy You can take the test at any stage , but you must be able and willing to perform an emergency stop .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 6
Slide 6: Mandatory rules for using your own car L - Plates : Must be on front and rear ( or ' D ' plates in Wales ) . General : Max weight 3,500kg , able to reach 62mph , taxed , MOT'd , insured for a test , tidy , and smoke - free . Tyres : Legal tread depth , no damage . No space - saver spare tyres . Interior : Extra rear - view mirror for the examiner . Dashboard : MPH speedometer . Zero warning lights showing ( e.g. , airbag lights ) . Passenger Seat : Proper seatbelt and head restraint ( no slip - on types ) . * Hire cars can be used , but ONLY if they have dual controls .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 7
Slide 7: Vehicle technology and features during the test Allowed Banned Self - parking systems - Electronic parking brakes & hill - start assist Tesla autopilot - Cruise control & speed limiters - Parking sensors & cameras Lane assist , blind spot monitoring , sign recognition - Outward - facing dashcams ( recording zero interior audio ) Personal sat navs You can use a manual ( 3 pedals ) or automatic ( 2 pedals ) . Passing in an auto restricts you to auto - only licences .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 8
Slide 8: Banned vehicles and strict safety recalls Banned for poor examiner visibility No panel vans . Excluded models include : BMW 218 convertible , BMW Mini convertible , Ford KA convertible , VW Beetle convertible , Polestar 4 & 5 , Smart Fortwo ( 2 - door ) , Toyota iQ . Recalled vehicles ( Citroen & DS Airbags , 2009-2019 ) If driving an affected Citroen C3 / C4 / DS3 / DS4 / DS5 , you must provide official , stamped manufacturer proof or a screenshot from the official recall portal that the car is safe , or the test is cancelled .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 9
Slide 9: The structure of your 35 - minute test Phase 1 : Eyesight Check ' Show me , tell me ' safety questions General and independent driving ( approx . 20-35 minutes ) Phase 4 : Reversing manoeuvres Extended tests last 65 minutes . The test is identical for both manual and automatic cars .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 10
Slide 10: Stages 1 & 2 : Eyesight and vehicle safety Eyesight Check You must read a plate from 20 metres away ( 20.5m for old - style plates ) . Failing this ends the test immediately . ' Show me , Tell me ' You will answer two safety questions : 1. ' Tell me ' ( explained at the start before driving ) 2. ' Show me ' ( demonstrated physically while you are driving )
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 11
Slide 11: Stage 3 : General and independent driving You will drive independently for 20 to 35 minutes in varied traffic ( no motorways ) . • You will follow examiner - supplied sat nav directions , traffic signs , or a combination . • Expect instructions to pull over normally , pull out from behind parked cars , or do a hill start . Fact : Taking a wrong turn is NOT a fault . The examiner will help you get back on route safely .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 12
Slide 12: Stage 4 : Reversing your vehicle Parallel parking at the side of the road . Parking in a bay ( examiner will specify driving in / reversing out OR reversing in / driving out ) . Pulling up on the right - hand side of the road , reversing for roughly 2 car lengths , and rejoining traffic . You will only be asked to perform ONE of these exercises .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 13
Slide 13: Observers in the car and handling mistakes You can bring your instructor , a relative , or a friend ( must be 16+ ) to sit silently in the back . Note : A DVSA supervisor may sit in to observe your examiner - this is mandatory . Keep going ! You can carry on if you make a mistake . It might not affect your result if it is not serious . The test will only be stopped if you are a danger to other road users .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 14
Slide 14: Understanding faults and the pass mark Driving Fault Minor . Not potentially dangerous . Serious Fault Potentially dangerous . Dangerous Fault Actual danger to you , the public , or property . Maximum 15 Driving Faults + ZERO Serious / Dangerous Faults = PASS
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 15
Slide 15: The Result : What happens next End of Test If you pass - Examiner hands you a pass certificate . - Hand over your provisional to have your full licence sent automatically . - You can drive straight away ( no need to wait for the physical card ) . If you do not pass - Examiner provides feedback on faults . - You must wait at least 10 working days before you can take another test . Appeals are only possible in court if you can prove the examiner broke the law .
The Practical Driving Test (What Happens) lesson slide 16
Slide 16: Handling cancellations and bad weather Bad Weather ( Ice , flood , fog , high wind ) Call the test centre . DVSA automatically rebooks within 3-7 days . No out - of- pocket expenses paid . Problem with You or Your Car ( Illness , breakdown , car doesn't meet rules ) You lose your fee . You must book and pay again . DVSA cancels for other reasons ( Examiner illness ) New date provided automatically . You CAN apply for out - of - pocket expenses .
📖 DVSA Revision Lesson ⏱️ 10 Min Read ❓ 10 Practice Questions 🌐 68 Languages Support

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📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 129 Timestamps
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00:00 So, you're gearing up for your UK driving test, perfect.
00:03 You are in exactly the right place.
00:06 That big day can feel like this huge mystery, right?
00:09 But honestly, it doesn't have to be.
00:11 We're about to break it all down piece by piece, so you can walk into that test center feeling
00:15 cool, calm, and totally prepared.
00:18 You ready?
00:19 Let's dive in.
00:20 This is the million dollar question, isn't it?
00:23 You've done the lessons, you've ace the theory, but what actually goes down on the day?
00:27 From the moment you shake the examiner's hand to when they give you that final result,
00:31 we are going to cover every single thing.
00:33 Seriously, we're not leaving anything out.
00:35 Okay, first things first.
00:37 A successful test often starts way before you even get in the car.
00:41 Getting properly prepared on the morning of your test is absolutely key.
00:45 It really sets the tone for everything that comes next.
00:48 To keep things simple, just think about your prep in two main parts.
00:52 First up, getting all your documents together.
00:55 And second, making 100% sure the car you're using is good to go.
00:59 So let's dig into what that actually means.
01:01 Right, let's talk paperwork.
01:03 You absolutely, positively, have to bring your UK driving license.
01:07 No license, no test, simple as that.
01:09 And obviously, you need a car that's suitable.
01:11 But here's something that really trips people up.
01:13 You're theory test certificate.
01:15 You can bring it if you want, but you don't have to.
01:17 The examiner checks that you've passed online, so please don't have a last minute panic
01:21 if you can't find it.
01:23 Now onto the car itself.
01:24 These are the absolute basics.
01:26 It's got to be taxed and road worthy.
01:29 And this is a big one.
01:30 It must be insured specifically for a driving test.
01:33 You might need to double check that with your insurance company.
01:35 Oh, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
01:38 That's an immediate fail before you've even started.
01:40 Same goes for any obvious tire damage.
01:43 And then there are a few specific bits of kit you need.
01:45 You've got to have L plates or a D plates if you're in Wales on the front and back.
01:49 The examiner needs their own separate interior mirror so they can see what you see.
01:53 And of course, the passenger seat needs a working seat belt and a proper head restraint
01:57 for their safety.
01:58 And let's be super clear about this.
02:01 If your car doesn't meet every single one of these rules, the test isn't just marked down,
02:05 it is cancelled right there on the spot.
02:08 You won't drive and you'll lose your fee.
02:10 This is exactly why doing those checks beforehand is so, so important.
02:15 Okay, so you're all prepped.
02:18 You've made it to the test center.
02:19 Now for the main event.
02:21 Let's walk through the actual test itself from beginning to end.
02:25 So the practical test is basically split into four main chunks.
02:28 It all kicks off with a really simple eyesight check.
02:31 After that, you'll get the show me tell me safety questions.
02:34 The biggest part, of course, is your general driving, which also includes some independent driving.
02:39 And finally, you'll be asked to do one specific reversing maneuver.
02:43 Let's zoom in on that reversing part for a second.
02:45 The examiner will only ask you to do one of these three things.
02:48 It could be a classic parallel park, or they might ask you to park in a bay, either
02:52 driving in and reversing out, or the other way around.
02:55 The third option is pulling up on the right hand side of the road, reversing back a couple
02:59 of car lengths, and then safely getting back into the traffic.
03:03 Now here is a massive piece of advice that helps calm a lot of nerves.
03:07 When you're in the independent driving part of the test, if you take a wrong turn, it is
03:11 totally fine.
03:13 Seriously, the examiner is testing your ability to drive safely, not your sense of direction.
03:18 They'll just help you get back on track.
03:20 The most important thing is that you don't panic and that you handle the wrong turn safely.
03:24 So you're out on the road doing your maneuvers, but how is the examiner actually judging all
03:29 of this?
03:30 Understanding the scoring is huge, because it tells you exactly what they're looking for.
03:35 Alright, so any mistakes you make fall into two main categories.
03:39 On one side, you have driving faults, which pretty much everyone calls minors.
03:43 These are small errors that aren't dangerous, but on the other side, you have serious or dangerous
03:48 faults, which we call majors.
03:50 A serious fault is something that was potentially dangerous, while a dangerous fault created
03:55 actual danger.
03:56 So what's the magic number for majors?
03:58 It's a big fat zero.
04:00 To pass your driving test, you cannot get a single serious or dangerous fault.
04:04 That is the bottom line.
04:06 One major, and it's a fail.
04:08 But what about the minors?
04:09 Well, you've got some wiggle room there.
04:11 You can actually pass the test, even if you pick up a few driving faults.
04:16 The cutoff is 15.
04:18 If you get 16 or more minors, that's a fail.
04:22 It just shows that while you didn't do anything super dangerous, your driving wasn't quite at
04:26 the consistent standard they're looking for.
04:28 And then it's over.
04:29 You've pulled back into the test center car park.
04:31 Your heart is probably pounding.
04:33 This is it.
04:34 The moment of truth.
04:35 Let's break down what happens next, whether it's good news or not.
04:38 If you pass amazing, congratulations.
04:41 The examiner will give you a pass certificate, and believe it or not, you can legally drive
04:45 on your own straight away.
04:47 You just give them your provisional license, and they'll sort out sending you for one in
04:50 the mail.
04:51 Now, if it doesn't go your way, the most important thing is to listen to the examinous feedback
04:54 on your faults.
04:55 That's gold for your next try.
04:57 You do have to wait at least 10 working days before you can take it again, and yes, you'll
05:01 have to book and pay for a new test.
05:04 You know, sometimes things just happen that are completely out of your control.
05:09 Being ready for those what if scenarios is that last little piece of the confidence puzzle.
05:14 This quickly talk about cancellations because how it's handled really depends on the reason.
05:19 If the DVSA cancels the test because of bad weather, say the roads are icy, they'll just
05:23 rebook it for you.
05:25 No charge.
05:26 If the test gets canceled because of a problem with your car, well, unfortunately you lose
05:29 your fee.
05:31 But if it's the DVSA's fault, maybe the examiners sick, they'll rebook you, and you can even
05:36 claim back some expenses you might have had.
05:38 And one last really important point on fairness.
05:42 If you have a disability, a health condition, or a learning difficulty that might affect
05:45 you, you need to tell the DVSA when you book your test.
05:48 You still have to drive to the exact same standard, but they can make adjustments, like giving
05:52 you a bit more time for instructions, to make sure the test is fair and gives you a real
05:56 chance to show what you can do.
05:59 And there you have it.
06:00 The UK driving test completely demystified.
06:03 It all comes down to preparation, knowing the process takes away the fear, and understanding
06:08 how your scored gives you focus.
06:10 So really, the only question left is, once you've got that pass certificate in your hand,
06:15 where is your very first solo drive going to be?

📖 The Practical Driving Test: Full Procedure & Rules

📌 1. What to Take to Your Test

You MUST take your UK photocard driving licence to your test.

  • •
    If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, bring the photocard and paper counterpart licence.
  • •
    If you do not have a photocard licence, you must bring a valid passport and your paper licence.
  • •
    If you have changed your name, you must bring proof (for example, a marriage certificate or deed poll). If you do not have proof, you must cancel and rebook in your new name.
  • •
    You do not need to get a replacement theory test certificate if you lost it; your driving examiner will check that you have passed your theory test online before the test starts.

📌 2. Using Your Own Car for the Test

Most people use their driving instructor's car, but you can use your own car if it meets the rules.

  • •
    Manual or Automatic: You can take the test in a manual car (3 pedals) or an automatic/semi-automatic car (2 pedals). If you pass in an automatic, you will only be legally allowed to drive automatic and semi-automatic cars.
  • •
    Vehicle Rules: Your windscreen and front side windows must follow tinted window rules. There are no rules for rear windows, but your test may be cancelled if they are too dark for the examiner to see clearly. You must check with the test centre if you want to use a convertible car or a coupe.
  • •
    Recalled Cars: You cannot use certain cars that have been recalled for safety reasons (e.g., specific Citroen models) unless you have physical proof that it is safe, the recall work has been done, or the car was not part of the recall. The examiner will check your vehicle identification number (VIN) before the test starts.

📌 3. What Happens During the Test

You can take your driving instructor, a relative, or a friend with you to sit in the back of the car and observe the test. They must be over 16 and cannot take any part in the test. There are 4 specific parts to the driving test:

  • •
    An Eyesight Check: You will have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle from a distance of 20 metres. If you cannot, you will fail your driving test immediately and the test will not continue.
  • •
    'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions: You will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions. The 'tell me' question is asked at the start before you drive, and the 'show me' question is asked while you are driving.
  • •
    General Driving Ability & Independent Driving: You will drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. You will be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including a normal stop, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, and a hill start. You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. You will then drive independently for 20 to 35 minutes following directions from a sat nav (the examiner sets it up; you cannot use your own) or following traffic signs. If you take a wrong turning, you will not get a fault; the examiner will help you get back on the route.
  • •
    Reversing Your Vehicle: The examiner will ask you to do one of the following: parallel park at the side of the road, park in a parking bay (either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out), or pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic.
Driving examiner checking a learner driver's eyesight before the test
🖼️ Driving examiner checking a learner driver's eyesight before the test

📌 4. Driving Test Faults and Your Result

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

  • •
    A dangerous fault: This involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property.
  • •
    A serious fault: Something potentially dangerous.
  • •
    A driving fault (minor): This is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.

Pass Mark: You will pass your driving test if you make no more than 15 driving faults (minors) and no serious or dangerous faults (majors).

If you pass, the examiner will give you a pass certificate and ask if you want your full licence sent to you automatically. You can start driving straight away; you do not need to wait for your photocard to arrive. If you do not want it sent automatically, you must apply for your full licence within 2 years.

Learner driver independently following a sat nav during the practical test
🖼️ Learner driver independently following a sat nav during the practical test

📌 5. Test Cancellations and Bad Weather

Driving tests are not carried out in dangerous weather conditions like icy roads, flooding, thick fog, or high winds. You should call your test centre if there are any of these conditions on the day. If your test cannot go ahead, DVSA will automatically book the next available date and send you details within 3 working days (or up to 7 days if there is a long period of bad weather).

📌 6. Disabilities, Health Conditions or Learning Difficulties

You must say if you need support when booking your test:

  • •
    Deaf or hearing impairment: The examiner will usually give directions using hand signals. You can also bring a BSL interpreter who is at least 16 years old (you can claim the cost back).
  • •
    Pregnancy: You can take a driving test at any stage of your pregnancy, but you MUST be able and willing to do an emergency stop.
  • •
    Reading or learning difficulties: You can write down the number plate instead of reading it out loud during the eyesight check. For the independent driving part, the examiner can ask if you prefer following traffic signs instead of a sat nav.

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