Congratulations on passing your theory and hazard perception tests! Now it’s time to apply for your practical driving test.
To book, change, or cancel your practical test, simply click the link below.
The current test fee is £62.00 on weekdays and £75.00 on weekends.
About your practical test
The practical driving test assesses your ability to drive independently and safely, complete the required exercises, and show the examiner you understand the Highway Code throughout.
Feedback from your instructor
You’ll know you’re ready to book your test when you’ve reached the DVSA standard with the help of your chosen driving instructor. They’ll let you know when it’s time to book your practical test, and you have three working days to cancel if you feel you’re making too many mistakes during lessons. You’re ready when you can drive consistently well, confidently, and without needing help or guidance from your instructor.
Saving money
Waiting until you’re fully prepared will ultimately save you money. Your instructor will conduct mock tests using the same sat nav as in the real driving test, along with verbal instructions, to give you an accurate reflection of your readiness. They can also arrange for another instructor from 1st Choice Driving School to run the mock test, providing a realistic simulation of the actual practical exam.
On your driving test day
At the start of your test, you’ll need to read a vehicle’s registration plate in good daylight, using glasses or contact lenses if you normally wear them. The letters and numbers will be 79.4 millimetres high and positioned 20.5 metres away, or 20 metres for a new-style plate. If you can’t pass the eyesight check, you won’t be allowed to take the practical test, and the examiner will take your licence.
Show me Tell me questions
After reading the number plate, you’ll be asked a “show me” question, which is a safety check about your vehicle. During your driving test, the examiner will also ask you a “tell me” question. All this information can be found in the 1st Choice Show Me Tell Me link below.
On your driving test
Reverse exercises on your driving test
Once on your driving test you will be asked to carry out one of the four exercises:-
You might be asked to perform one of the following manoeuvres:
parallel park at the side of the road,
drive into a bay and reverse out,
reverse into a parking bay and drive out,
pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths,
and re-join the traffic.
The examiner will let you know which one to do.
Additionally, 1 in 7 candidates (14%) will be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
All lessons are broken down in the link below.
Changing your driving licence
Once you’ve passed your practical driving test, you’re on a two-year probation period. If you get six or more penalty points during this time, you’ll lose your licence and have to reapply for a provisional one, starting the process from scratch.
Independent drive
The independent drive has been increased from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, making up about half of the test. During this section, you’ll need to drive without any directions from the examiner.
Following a sat nav
Following directions from a sat nav (a TomTom Start 52)
During the independent driving part of the test, 4 out of 5 candidates will be asked to follow Directions will be given from a sat nav, though 1 in 5 will follow traffic signs instead, similar to a regular lesson. The examiner will supply the sat nav (TomTom Start 52) and set it up for you, with the test route already programmed in.
Speed limits
The sat nav may show the speed limit for the road you’re on, but don’t rely on it completely—always keep an eye out for road markings and signs. On new roads, be especially alert for updated signs and information.
Going the wrong way
Don’t worry if you take the wrong lane, like when you’re going straight but end up in the left lane instead of the right one marked with the straight-ahead arrow.
Simply mirror and signal left and turn left, then your examiner will put you back on course.
Reversing changes
The reverse around a corner and turn-in-the-road manoeuvres are no longer on tests, but you still will be taught them by your instructor
