The Practical Driving Test

Eyesight Requirements

You must be able to read a standard number plate (with glasses or corrective lenses if necessary), in good daylight, from 20.5m (67 feet). This will be tested before commencing your Practical Examination.

"Show Me, Tell Me"

Before you comment the driving part of you Practical Test, you will be asked two questions on Basic Car Maintenance. The questions could either be "Show Me" or "Tell Me".

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
You may need to open the bonnet of the car but you will not be asked to touch anything underneath the bonnet.

A list of example questions is below, and you will of course be guided through this part of the test as part of your driving tuition:

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine had the correct level.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Show me how you would check the handbrake for excessive wear.

Practical Examination

Once the eyesight and vehicle safety questions are complete, you will commence the driving part of your Practical test, which will consist of a drive along a test route and the completion of a set of maneuvers.

You will pass your driving test if you can demonstrate to your examiner the following skills:

The ability to drive safely
Complete the examiners instructions and maneuver exercises
Know the Highway Code, and demostrate this through your driving

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the driving test. However, making one serious or dangerous fault will cause you to fail the test.