Practical Driving Test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) driving test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long. Before you start the test the Driving Examiner will check your eyesight by asking you to read a car number plate from 20.5 meteres and will then ask you some Show Me Tell Me Questions.

During the test the examiner will try to ensure that you cover a wide variety of different road conditions. From quiet low speed roads to busy high-speed roads , dual carraigeways and town centre driving. You will also be required to undertake some set manoeuvres. The examiner may require you to undertake two of the following manoeuvres and optionally the emergency stop:

• Reverse parking behind a parked car
• Reverse parking into a parking bay.
• Reversing round a corner to either the left or right.
• Turn in the road.

 

Booking the driving test
You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from me, the driving test centre or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line on 0870 0101 372, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.  If you are deaf and need a minicom machine telephone 0870 0106 372. If you are able to pay by credit or debit card you can book a driving test appointment direct on the same numbers or online without the need to complete a postal application form. You will however, need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate number  and my  ADI number . Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment letter as confirmation within a few days.

On the Day

You must take the following items with you to the test centre.

1. Your theory test pass certificate;

2. Both parts of your signed photocard provisonal driving licence OR your old style signed driving licence and your passport.

You will be asked to sign a declaration that the car is insured for test purposes and that you have lived in the UK for at least 6 months. The examiner will also check that the address on your provisional licence is current.

 

Cancelling a test
You are required to give the DSA a minimum of ten clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of the test and can get a doctor to verify this, the DSA will refund the test fee.

 

Special requirements
The DSA are required to make every effort to ensure that all candidates can take the driving test. However, it is important that you discuss your needs with them when booking the test.

If you cannot speak English or are deaf you are allowed to bring an interpreter with you who must be at least 16 years of age and cannot be a driving instructor. ( So it can't be me)

If you are disabled you will receive the same test, however, more time will be allocated so that you can explain the nature of your disability and describe any special adaptations fitted to your vehicle