The Practical Driving Test
The practical driving test is final part to passing your test. This is where all the practical skills you’ve learned in your driving lessons will come in handy. Observed by an examiner you will be expected to demonstrate both competent and safe driving techniques and ensure that you can deal with various driving conditions. At first you will be asked to answer 2 out of 19 questions about vehicle safety checks in the form of a ‘Show and Tell’.
All candidates are given 40 minutes. You could be required to complete a maximum of two out of six manouvers as practiced with your instructor. In order to succeed the test you must do so without any serious faults and no more than 15 minor errors .
Weekday tests are currently £62.00 and evening and weekend tests are £75.00.
Independent driving explained
Your practical driving test will include approximately 10 minutes of independent driving.
During your test you’ll have to drive independently by either following:
• traffic signs
• a series of directions
• a combination of both
To help you understand where you are going when following verbal directions, the examiner will show you a diagram.
It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.
Book your practical test online
According to the driving standards agency, on average, most people currently need at least 45 hours of tuition with a qualified driving instructor, plus an additional 20 hours of private practice before they are ready to take their test. However, this should only act as a guide and should be discussed with your driving instructor after your first few lessons.
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