Test day, decoded
The practical driving test, explained
About 40 minutes, one manoeuvre, and a sheet where up to 15 driving faults still pass. Here is exactly what happens, how it is marked, and how our students pass it first time.
- Eyesight test
- Move off / safety and control
- Use of mirrors / change direction
- Junctions / observation
- Positioning / normal driving
- Reverse park / control
Driving faults
4
of 15 allowed
Serious
0
none allowed
Dangerous
0
none allowed
Up to 15 driving faults still pass. One serious or dangerous fault does not.
How to book your practical driving test
You book your practical driving test on the official GOV.UK website. It costs £62 on weekdays, or £75 in the evening, at weekends and on bank holidays. To book, you need three things:
- Your provisional driving licence number.
- Your theory test pass certificate number.
- A debit or credit card to pay the fee.
If you are using your instructor's car, you also need their personal reference number so they can confirm the car and time. Only book through GOV.UK. Third party sites charge extra for exactly the same test.
Book on GOV.UKWhat happens on test day
The practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes and has five parts: an eyesight check, two show me tell me questions, general driving with around 20 minutes of independent driving, and one reversing manoeuvre. Then you get your result straight away.
Arrive and check in
10 minutes beforeArrive with your documents. The examiner calls your name and checks your provisional licence.
Eyesight check
About 1 minuteRead a number plate from 20 metres, about 5 car lengths. If you cannot read it, the test ends there.
Show me tell me
About 2 minutesTwo vehicle safety questions: one before you drive (tell me) and one while driving (show me). Getting both wrong adds one driving fault.
General driving
About 35 minutesDrive on varied roads following the examiner's directions, including around 20 minutes of independent driving using road signs or a sat nav.
One manoeuvre
About 5 minutesYou perform one reversing manoeuvre: parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right. Around 1 in 3 tests also include an emergency stop.
Your result
Straight awayBack at the test centre, the examiner tells you whether you passed and talks through any faults on the report.
How the test is marked
Everything the examiner writes lands in one of three columns. Only one of them is survivable.
Driving faults
Up to 15
Minor mistakes that do not cause danger. You can pass with up to 15.
Serious faults
0 allowed
Potentially dangerous moments. One is an immediate fail.
Dangerous faults
0 allowed
Actual danger to people or property. The examiner may intervene.
You pass with
- 15 or fewer driving faults
- Zero serious faults
- Zero dangerous faults
You fail with
- Any serious or dangerous fault
- 16 or more driving faults
- The same minor fault repeated (usually 3+ times)
The test manoeuvres
You perform one of these. The emergency stop appears in about 1 in 3 tests on top.
Parallel parking
High chancePark alongside another vehicle at the kerb
Learn the techniqueBay parking
High chanceForward or reverse into a marked parking bay
Learn the techniquePull up on the right
Medium chancePull up on the right, reverse 2 car lengths, rejoin
Learn the techniqueEmergency stop
1 in 3 testsReact promptly to the examiner's signal
Learn the techniqueShow me tell me questions
All 21 DVSA vehicle safety questions with interactive study cards and a quiz mode. Getting both wrong on the day only adds one driving fault, but knowing them settles your nerves.
Why people actually fail
DVSA data shows the same faults fail learners year after year. Know them and train them out.
1Observations at junctions
Not looking properly before emerging or turning
2Mirror checks
Forgetting mirrors before signalling or changing speed or direction
3Incorrect positioning
Wrong lane or position approaching junctions and roundabouts
4Response to traffic lights
Crossing stop lines on amber or not anticipating light changes
5Moving off safely
Missing blind spot checks when moving off
6Reverse parking
Poor accuracy, touching the kerb, or drifting during the manoeuvre
Tips to pass first time
From instructors who sit in on hundreds of tests a year.
Exaggerate your mirror checks
Move your head visibly so the examiner can see every check: before each signal, lane change and speed change.
Take your time
There is no rush. If you are unsure at a junction, wait for a safe gap. Cautious beats reckless.
Listen to the examiner
Directions are clear and given in plenty of time. If you miss one, ask them to repeat it.
Wrong turns are fine
Going the wrong way is not a fault. Handle it safely and follow the next direction.
Stay calm after mistakes
One driving fault does not fail you. You can make up to 15. Do not let one moment take your focus.
Know your test routes
Practise the roads around your test centre. Familiar junctions and roundabouts build confidence.
What to bring on the day
- Your UK photocard provisional driving licence
- Your theory test pass certificate (valid for 2 years)
- Glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive
Missing documents mean a cancelled test and you lose the fee. Check your licence is in your bag the night before.
Your local test centres
We prepare students on the real routes around these East London centres.
Goodmayes
477 High Road, Goodmayes, Ilford IG3 8QR
43%
Barking
Jenkins Lane, Barking IG11 0AD
41%
Wanstead
2A Cambridge Park, Wanstead E11 2PU
47%
Detailed test routes and tips for each centre
Pass rates from DVSA statistics.
Practical test questions
How long is the practical driving test?
The test lasts about 40 minutes. That includes the eyesight check, two show me tell me questions, around 20 minutes of independent driving, and one reversing manoeuvre. An extended test after a disqualification lasts about 70 minutes.
How much does the practical test cost?
The practical driving test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Book it on GOV.UK only. Third party sites charge extra for the same test.
How many minors can I get and still pass?
You can get up to 15 driving faults (minors) and still pass. If the same minor fault keeps appearing, typically 3 or more times, the examiner can mark it as a serious fault, which is a fail.
What happens if I take a wrong turn?
Taking a wrong turn is not a fault. As long as you handle it safely, you simply follow the next direction from the examiner. The test marks safe driving, not navigation.
Can I use my instructor's car for the test?
Yes, most learners use their instructor's car. The car must be roadworthy, insured for the test, and display L plates. Your instructor will usually wait at the test centre.
What if my test is cancelled due to weather?
If the DVSA cancels your test because of bad weather, you get a free rebooking. If you choose not to attend while the test centre is open, you lose your fee.
Can I take someone with me on the test?
Yes. Your instructor or another adult over 16 can sit in the back. They cannot speak to you during the test, but many learners find having them there reassuring.
What is independent driving?
For about 20 minutes of the test you drive without step by step directions, following either road signs or a sat nav the examiner provides. You do not need to memorise routes, and going off route is not a fault.
Walk in knowing the sheet is on your side.
Our instructors prepare you on your test centre's real routes, run mock tests against the same marking sheet, and tell you honestly when you are ready.
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