What Happens During Your Driving Test?

There are 5 parts to your practical driving test:

1. An eyesight check

   This is only a brief part of the test where they will ask you to read out a license plate, a fair distance from you (either 20 or 20.5 metres depending on the license plate style)

2. "Show me, Tell me" vehicle safety questions

3. General driving ability

4. Reversing your vehicle

5. Independent driving

And you'll be driving for around 40 minutes.

"Show me, Tell me" Questions

You'll be asked the:

• 'tell me' question at the start of the test, before you begin driving

• 'show me' question while you're driving

  
  

Note - You'll get one driving fault (a minor) if you get one, or both questions wrong.

Here is a list of all the possible 'tell me' questions and their answers:

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.

Here are all the possible 'show me' questions:

1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

   
   

General Driving Ability

You'll be driving in various road and traffic conditions, whilst following the instructor's directions.

Pulling over at the side of the road:

You'll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

• Normal stops at the side of the rode (either the left or the right side)

• Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle

• A hill start

You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop

Top Tip - An emergency stop will be carried out when you're going around 30mph. You'll know your instructor is about to do it as they will warn you beforehand, and they will have a good look around before they ask you to stop.

Note - Whenever you're pulling away after one of these manoeuvres, always take a good look around before you set off again.

Reversing your vehicle

The instructor will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

• Parallel park on the side of the road

• Park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out

• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road and reverse along the curb for around 2 car lengths, and then re-join the traffic

Independent Driving

You will drive independently by either:

• Following road signs

• Following a Sat Nav

Note - Don't worry if you happen to go the wrong way, as long as you deal with it safely. The instructor will then guide you back to the route.