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.

Local Route Knowledge

Driving Test Routes

Detailed route guides for Goodmayes, Loughton, and Wanstead test centres. Key roads, tricky junctions, and tips from our instructors who drive these routes daily.

Book Route Practice

Note:DVSA does not publish official test routes. This information is based on common roads used and our instructors' local knowledge. Routes vary and your test may include different roads.

Goodmayes Test Centre

98 Goodmayes Road, Ilford, IG3 9UZ

A busy East London test centre with a mix of residential streets, shopping areas, and the A118 High Road. Routes frequently include roundabouts and multi lane roads.

43.7%

Pass Rate

Harder

Difficulty

Key Roads

Tricky Junctions

Key Roads You'll Likely Drive

High Road (A118)

Dual carriageway

Main road with bus lanes, fast traffic, and frequent lane changes needed

Goodmayes Road

Residential

Leads to roundabouts and junctions. a very common test road

Green Lane

Mixed

Connects residential areas to A118, includes parked cars and speed changes

Barley Lane

Residential

Narrow sections with parked cars on both sides. watch for oncoming traffic

Longbridge Road

B-road

Multiple junctions and pedestrian crossings near shops

Tricky Junctions to Practise

Goodmayes Road / Green Lane junction

Busy T-junction with limited visibility. you need good observation to emerge safely

High Road / Goodmayes Lane roundabout

Fast-moving traffic from the A118. lane discipline is critical

Barley Lane / Longbridge Road crossroads

Easy to misjudge priority. look for road markings carefully

Station approach one-way system

Tight turns and unexpected pedestrians near Goodmayes station

Key Challenges

Busy shopping areas with unpredictable pedestrians

Multiple mini roundabouts in succession

School zones during term time (20mph)

Parked cars reducing road width

Speed Zones

Mostly 30mph residential with 20mph school zones and 40mph on A118 sections

Likely Manoeuvre Spots

Residential streets off Goodmayes Road and Barley Lane. quiet and wide enough for manoeuvres

Our Instructors' Top Tips for Goodmayes

Practice the Goodmayes Road/Green Lane junction from both directions until you feel confident

Know the one-way system near the station. it catches many learners off guard

Be prepared for A118 merging. check mirrors early and commit to your lane choice

Watch for pedestrians crossing near Seven Kings and Goodmayes shopping parades

Practice roundabout approaches at different times of day. traffic varies significantly

Road Types You'll Encounter

Different road types test different skills. Here's what to expect and where.

Dual Carriageways

Higher speed roads with 2+ lanes in each direction. You'll need confident lane changes, proper mirror use, and correct merging.

Goodmayes (A118)Loughton (A121)

Roundabouts

Multi-exit roundabouts are common on all routes. Lane discipline, correct signalling, and mirror checks are the key skills.

All centres

Residential Streets

Narrow roads with parked cars, speed bumps, and pedestrians. Meeting oncoming traffic and knowing who has priority is essential.

All centres

Town Centre / High Streets

Busy areas with bus stops, pedestrian crossings, one-way systems, and lots of hazards to scan for.

GoodmayesWanstead

Industrial Roads

Wide roads but with heavy lorry traffic and unmarked junctions. Give HGVs plenty of space. they have large blind spots.

Loughton

How to Prepare for Any Route

You can't predict the exact route, but you can prepare effectively

Drive the routes yourself

Ask your instructor to take you on test routes multiple times. There's no substitute for real experience on those specific roads.

Know the speed limits

Routes include 20, 30, and 40 zones. Know exactly where they change. examiners watch for prompt adjustment.

Identify tricky junctions

Every centre has "notorious" junctions. Learn them and practise until they feel routine, not stressful.

Practise at different times

Traffic changes throughout the day. Book some lessons during school run times and rush hour. not just quiet periods.

Use Google Street View

Walk through test routes virtually to familiarise yourself with road layouts, signs, lane markings, and potential hazards.

Note local hazards

Schools, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes. know where they are so you can anticipate, not react.

On Test Day

Before You Leave

Check your provisional licence and theory certificate are in your bag
Arrive at the test centre 10 minutes early
Use the toilet before your test starts
Have a light meal. don't test hungry or over-full

During the Test

Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions
Ask for clarification if you're not sure
Drive at a safe, appropriate speed (not too slow)
Stay calm if you make a mistake. move on

More Test Preparation

Practical Test Guide

Full test overview & marking

Manoeuvres Guide

Step-by-step with diagrams

Show Me Tell Me

All 21 DVSA questions

Learn Your Local Test Routes

Our instructors drive these routes every day. Book a lesson and get the local knowledge advantage.

Book Test Prep Lessons