Practical Test With Miles Ahead Driving School

Practical test

Provisional licence:
Before you learn to drive you will need to obtain a Provisional Driving Licence. You can apply for one at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) using an Application Form (Form D1) which is available from your local Post Office. You can also apply online, just click on the DVLA.

Minimum Age:
Currently in the UK you have to be 17 years of age to drive a car, apply for your provisional licence before your 17th birthday to ensure you are ready for your 1st lesson.
(unless in receipt of a full disability allowance, then you can obtain a Provisional Licence at 16 years of age).

Eyesight Requirements:
Before the Practical Driving Test, the examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle. The distance requirement for the old style number plate (e.g. A635 WYT) is 20.5 metres and 20 metres for the new style (e.g. XY57 FDE).

The Practical Driving Test:
When you go for your Practical Test you must take:-
An appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L-Plates, that's suitable for the test.
Your Theory Test pass certificate.
Your appointment letter confirming your test time and date.
Both parts of your photo card licence.

Before you do any driving you'll be asked to perform an eyesight check and then be asked some vehicle safety questions known as "Show Me, Tell Me".

What Happens Next

You'll then be tested on your general driving ability, including two reversing exercises.

The Practical Driving Test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout your test the examiner will be looking for evidence you've reached an overall safe standard of driving. There will be no surprises and the examiner will not try to catch you out, he or she will be looking at your general driving skills and your ability to carry out two of the four set manoeuvres.

Reverse bay parking, parallel parking, turn in the road or reversing around a corner.

You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. However, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you'll fail the test automatically.

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TIPS FOR YOUR TEST

Get a good nights sleep the night before your test
Dress comfortably
Try and relax
Have confidence in your ability
Give the examiner a smooth controlled drive that you can both enjoy

Last Updated (Thursday, 24 June 2010 21:59)