Complete Practical Test Guide

The practical test typically lasts 40-50 minutes. It includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, general driving, independent driving, and one reversing maneuver. The examiner assesses your ability to drive safely and competently. Understanding the structure helps you prepare mentally.

Ensure you're truly ready before booking. You should be able to drive independently without instructor intervention. Practice a variety of road types and conditions. Be comfortable with all maneuvers. Your instructor's recommendation is valuable - if they say you're ready, you probably are.

Bring your provisional license and theory test pass certificate. Check your license is valid and the photo is recognizable. Arrive with the vehicle you'll test in, properly insured and roadworthy. Missing documents means cancellation without refund.

First, you'll read a number plate from 20 meters. This must be done without glasses unless you normally wear them for driving. Failure at this stage ends the test immediately. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, always have them on for the test.

You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions - one "show me" and one "tell me". Common topics: checking tire pressure, brake fluid, oil level, lights, washers. Practice these beforehand. Wrong answers add a minor fault but won't fail you alone.

You'll drive on various roads demonstrating safe, legal, and confident driving. Use mirrors effectively, signal appropriately, maintain proper lane position, observe speed limits, and respond correctly to signs and road markings. The examiner marks driving faults and serious/dangerous faults.

For about 20 minutes, you'll drive independently following a sat-nav or road signs. This tests your ability to drive without constant instruction. Making a wrong turn isn't penalized unless you do so unsafely. Stay calm and focus on driving safely regardless of route.

You'll perform one reversing maneuver: parallel parking, bay parking (forward or reverse), or pulling up on the right and reversing. Practice all of them. Control, observation, and accuracy matter. Take your time - there's no rush.

Driving faults (minors) are small errors that don't compromise safety. You can accumulate up to 15. Serious faults are potentially dangerous. Dangerous faults involve actual danger. One serious or dangerous fault means failure. Understanding this helps you prioritize safety.