Practical Test Basics

The practical driving test assesses your ability to drive safely on public roads. An examiner will sit beside you while you drive, following their directions and demonstrating various maneuvers. The test covers normal driving, special maneuvers, and your response to traffic situations.

Practical tests typically last 30-45 minutes of actual driving, plus time for vehicle safety questions and paperwork. In Spain, it is about 25-30 minutes. In the UK, about 40 minutes. Total appointment time is usually about an hour.

You will answer vehicle safety questions, then drive on various road types following the examiners directions. You will demonstrate specific maneuvers and may include independent driving (following signs or sat-nav). The examiner marks any faults and gives feedback at the end.

Common maneuvers include: parallel parking, bay parking (forward and reverse), emergency stop, turning in the road, reversing around a corner, and hill starts. Not all maneuvers are tested in every test - the examiner selects from the possible options.

Minor faults are small errors that do not cause danger. Major faults are serious errors that could cause an accident or show lack of control. In most countries, you can pass with several minor faults but a single major fault means failure. Too many minor faults in one area may become a major fault.

Test centers have several pre-planned routes covering various road types and situations. The examiner selects a route on the day - you cannot choose or know in advance. Routes include urban roads, rural roads, dual carriageways, and various junction types.

The examiner assesses your driving against set standards - they are not trying to trick you or make you fail. They give clear directions, mark faults objectively, and ensure safety (they have dual controls). They cannot offer advice during the test but will explain your result at the end.

In most countries, you can use either your instructors car or your own suitable vehicle. Your car must be roadworthy, properly insured, display L-plates (where required), have valid registration, and meet size requirements. Using a familiar car can help with confidence.