Booking Your Test
You can book your test by phone, post or online. You can also cancel or rebook your test without losing your fee as long as you give 3 clear working days notice. To book, you will need your UK Provisional Driving Licence, your Theory Test Certificate Number and a valid Debit or Credit Card for payment.
The telephone number for booking is 0300 200 1122. You can find further information here.
Your Test Vehicle
Typically you’ll take your test in my car, however if you decide to use another, you’ll have to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
This means it has to be legally roadworthy and fully insured for you to drive.
You’ll also need to display L-plates front and rear and have an additional interior rear-view mirror for use by the examiner.
If any of the details are missed then your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee. Find full details here.
Driving Faults
During your test any faults you commit will be noted down by the examiner.
These are divided into minor, serious and dangerous. You are allowed a maximum of 15 minor faults. 16 minor faults, 1 serious or 1 dangerous and you will fail your test.
You will only be told whether you’ve passed or failed at the end, so don’t give up if you think you may have failed!
When the test has finished the examiner will go through your faults, this will give you some indication as to which area of your driving you particularly need to work on.
The Driving Test
You must take the correct documents with you to the test centre or you may be refused to take your test.
- Your Provisional Driving License Photocard, or your old style driving licence and Photo ID.
- Your theory test certificate.
- Your appointment letter.
You’ll be introduced to your examiner who will ask to see your license and to sign the Driving Test Report (DL25). The examiner will explain the basics of the test on the way to your vehicle and check your eyesight. You’ll also be asked 2 vehicle safety check questions.
- the ‘tell me’ question before you start driving
- the ‘show me’ question whilst your driving
The DSA Driving Test lasts approximately 40 minutes, during which you’ll be expected to cover a variety of roads.
A section of the test will include 20 minutes of independent driving. You’ll have to drive independently by following either:
- Directions from a sat nav
- Traffic signs
- Find more information on the Independent section of the test.
You’ll also be expected to undertake 1 of the following manoeuvres, possibly including the emergency stop.
- Reverse parallel park
- Reverse bay park
- Forwards bay park
- Pull up on the right and reverse 2 car lengths
During the test the examiner will tell you, in good time, which way to go. If you do go the wrong way then don’t worry. You are not being tested on your ability to follow directions, only on your driving.
Good luck, and safe driving!
