Complete Practical Test Guide
Everything you need to know to pass your practical driving test
The practical driving test is the final hurdle before getting your license. This comprehensive guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and techniques for demonstrating your driving skills confidently. With proper preparation, you can pass your test and become a licensed driver.
AutoviaTest Editorial Team
Driving Education Experts
In This Guide
1. Test Structure Overview
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.
2. Before You Book
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.
3. Required Documents
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.
4. Eyesight Check
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.
5. Vehicle Safety Questions
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.
6. General Driving Assessment
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.
7. Independent Driving
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.
8. Reversing Maneuvers
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.
9. Understanding Faults
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.
Key Takeaways
- The test assesses safe, legal driving - not perfection
- Independent driving isn't about navigation - wrong turns are fine if driven safely
- One serious fault fails the test; up to 15 minor faults is acceptable
- Preparation and confidence are key - book when truly ready
Pro Tips
Book your test at a quieter time of day if possible to reduce traffic stress
Drive the local test routes with your instructor beforehand
On test day, treat it like any other driving lesson to reduce pressure
If you make a mistake, continue calmly - it might only be a minor fault
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking before being genuinely ready, leading to nervousness and failure
- Overthinking during independent driving and making unsafe lane changes
- Rushing maneuvers instead of taking time to execute them properly
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