Use Instructor’s Car for Your Driving Test
We provide a complete test-day service where your instructor will collect you from home around 1 hour before your driving test. You will complete a pre-test warm-up in a fully insured, test-ready vehicle, designed to improve confidence, reduce nerves, and maximise your chances of success.
60-minute pre-test lesson
Instructor’s car included for test day
Pick-up and drop-off service included
Full 3-hour test package
Warm-Up Lesson:
Before your driving test, you will receive a 1-hour pre-test warm-up lesson in your instructor’s fully insured, test-ready vehicle. This focused session is designed to refine your driving skills, reinforce safe driving habits, and build confidence before your exam. Your instructor will guide you through key areas such as observation, manoeuvres, and test routes, helping you reduce nerves and arrive at the test centre fully prepared to perform at your best.
Eyesight check
You will need to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres for new-style plates, or 20.5 metres for old-style plates. New-style number plates start with two letters followed by two numbers, for example AB51 ABC.
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What happens during your driving test
Your practical driving test consists of four parts: an eyesight check, ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions, general driving (including independent driving), and a reversing manoeuvre. The test format is the same for both manual and automatic cars.
How long the test lasts
A standard driving test lasts approximately 35 minutes. If you are taking an extended driving test following a driving disqualification, the test will last around 65 minutes.
General Driving Ability & Independent Driving
During your test, you will drive in various road and traffic conditions (motorways are not included). You will also complete around 20–35 minutes of independent driving, following either a sat nav, traffic signs, or both. The examiner will set up the sat nav and tell you what to follow. You cannot use your own device.
If you miss a sign or take a wrong turn, the examiner will guide you and help you rejoin the correct route. Any mistakes will not automatically result in a fault.
You may also receive turn-by-turn directions when not following a sat nav or road signs. Test routes are not published, so they cannot be practised in advance.
During the test, you will be asked to pull over and move off in different situations, such as stopping at the side of the road, moving out from behind a parked vehicle, and performing a hill start. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Reversing Manoeuvres in the Driving Test
During your driving test, you will be asked to complete one reversing manoeuvre. This may include parallel parking, bay parking (reversing in or driving in), or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and reversing around 2 car lengths.
The examiner will give clear instructions before the exercise. You will be assessed on your control of the vehicle, observation skills, mirror checks, and overall safety while carrying out the manoeuvre.
This part of the test is designed to show that you can safely control the car in real road situations.
What happens if you make a mistake during your driving test
If you make a mistake during your practical driving test, you can still continue the test as normal. Not every mistake will affect your result, especially if it is not serious or does not pose a safety risk.
The driving examiner will assess the overall safety and standard of your driving throughout the test. Only serious or dangerous faults will result in a failed test.
Your test will only be stopped if the examiner believes your driving is unsafe or could put other road users at risk.
The focus is on safe, consistent driving rather than perfection, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your overall driving ability with confidence.
Who May Be Present During Your Test
In some cases, a driving examiner’s supervisor may observe your test to monitor the examiner’s performance. This is a standard part of quality control.
Before your test begins, the examiner will ask if you would like anyone to accompany you during the test or for the result and feedback at the end. This is usually your driving instructor, but you may also choose a friend or family member.
Any accompanying person will sit in the back of the vehicle and must not take any part in the test.
What Happens After Your Driving Test
Passing your driving test means you will receive a pass certificate from the examiner and can apply for your full UK driving licence. You are legally allowed to start driving straight away after passing your test. If you fail your driving test, the examiner will provide feedback on your faults and you can book a new driving test after 10 working days.
