The car driving test in Great Britain has four parts: an eyesight check, “show me, tell me” vehicle safety questions, general driving including independent driving, and a reversing exercise. GOV.UK says you will drive for around 35 minutes, and for around 65 minutes if it is an extended test after a ban. The test is the same shape for manual and automatic cars. This is the Great Britain process. Northern Ireland publishes its own version.
Key takeaway. Learn the order of the test so the format is not a surprise. The roads on the day still will be.
Arriving and the eyesight check
You need your licence and the car has to be roadworthy, with L plates while you are a learner. The examiner asks you to read a number plate from 20 metres if it is a new-style plate, or 20.5 metres if it is an old-style plate. If you cannot do that, you fail and the test ends. Wear the glasses or lenses you use for driving.
Show me, tell me
You are asked two questions. The “tell me” question is at the start, before you drive: you explain a safety check. The “show me” question is while you are driving: you do a check when it is safe. GOV.UK says one or both wrong answers count as one driving fault. If your driving is dangerous while you answer the “show me” question, you can fail.
The drive
You drive in different road and traffic conditions, not on motorways. For 20 to 35 minutes you drive independently, following a sat nav the examiner sets, or traffic signs, or both. You cannot use your own sat nav. If you cannot see a sign, the examiner directs you until you can. A wrong turning is not itself a fault. They help you back to the route.
You will pull up and move off, including from behind a parked car and on a hill. You might be asked for an emergency stop. It is not guaranteed.
The reversing exercise and the result
The examiner asks for one of these: parallel park, bay park (they tell you whether you drive in and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out), or pull up on the right, reverse about two car lengths, and rejoin the traffic.
DVSA’s mock-test guidance describes a pass as no serious or dangerous fault and no more than 15 driving faults. You can continue after a mistake if it is not serious. The examiner stops the test if your driving is a danger. At the end you are told the result. You can usually have your instructor or another person over 16 in the car, if they take no part. If you fail, you can book again at least 10 working days later and you pay again.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the driving test?
GOV.UK says you drive for around 35 minutes on a standard car test, and around 65 minutes on an extended test after a ban.
Do I have to follow a sat nav?
Sometimes. The examiner decides whether you follow their sat nav, signs, or both.
Is the emergency stop every time?
No. GOV.UK says you might be asked to do one.
Can I take the test in my own car?
Yes, if it meets the rules for a test car, including insurance and L plates while you are learning. Your instructor’s car is the usual choice because it is set up for tuition.
What happens immediately after I pass?
GOV.UK says you can drive straight away, and you must have insurance that covers you without a supervisor.
Sources and further reading
Related reading
Prepare with what to work on before the test and a plan for nerves.
No comments yet — start the conversation.