Everything you need to know before test day
The examiner isn’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for safe decision-making, effective observation, good vehicle control and the ability to deal with everyday driving situations responsibly.
One of the biggest reasons learners fail is taking the test before they’re truly ready. Ask yourself these questions before booking.
Prompts
Can you drive safely and confidently without regular prompts from your instructor?
Independence
Can you deal with different road types, roundabouts, junctions and traffic conditions independently?
Navigation
Are you able to follow a sat nav or road signs while continuing to drive safely?
Manoeuvres
Can you complete all of the required manoeuvres with confidence?
Awareness
Do you consistently make safe decisions and respond appropriately to other road users?
If your instructor recommends more practice before taking your test, it’s because they want you to have the best possible chance of success. Taking a few extra lessons is often far more beneficial than taking the test too early and having to book another one.
A quick overview of what to expect during your practical driving test.
Duration
An extended driving test taken after a disqualification lasts around 70 minutes.
Eyesight check
You’ll read a number plate from around 20 metres before the test begins. Glasses or contact lenses are fine.
Safety questions
One Tell Me question before you start driving, and one Show Me question while you’re driving.
Independent driving
The examiner provides and sets up the sat nav, so you don’t need to know how to operate it.
Manoeuvre
Emergency stop
If your test includes this exercise, the examiner will explain exactly what to do before asking you to perform it.
Small mistakes can happen. What matters is that you continue to drive safely and don’t put yourself or others at risk.
Driving fault
A mistake that is not potentially dangerous — such as forgetting a mirror check once. You can receive up to 15 and still pass, provided you get no serious or dangerous fault.
Serious fault
A mistake with the potential to become dangerous, such as failing to give way at a junction. One serious fault will result in a failed test.
Dangerous fault
A mistake that creates actual danger to you, the examiner, other road users or property. One dangerous fault will result in a failed test.
If the examiner has to take control using the dual controls, assist with the steering or give an immediate instruction to prevent danger, this will normally result in either a serious or dangerous fault. They will only intervene if it’s necessary to keep everyone safe.
Can you still pass if you make a mistake? Yes. Many learners make a few driving faults and still pass. If you make a mistake, stay calm and concentrate on the rest of your drive — it’s often the mistakes made after worrying about an earlier error that cause more problems than the original fault.
Published each year by the DVSA. Understanding these mistakes — and how to avoid them — can significantly improve your chances.
01
Failing to look properly before emerging from a junction is one of the most common reasons for failing.
Fix: Slow down, look carefully in all directions and only proceed when it’s safe.
02
Examiners expect mirror checks before signalling, changing speed, changing lanes or changing direction.
Fix: Make mirror checks part of your normal routine so they become automatic.
03
Before moving away you must check all around the vehicle, including your blind spot.
Fix: Always use effective all-round observation before moving off.
04
Choosing the wrong lane or poor road positioning can affect other road users.
Fix: Plan ahead, read road markings early and position the car correctly before the junction.
05
Some learners stop unnecessarily, while others continue when they should stop safely.
Fix: Look well ahead and anticipate changes in traffic lights whenever possible.
06
Inaccurate steering affects your road position, particularly on bends, roundabouts and manoeuvres.
Fix: Maintain proper control of the wheel and steer smoothly without sudden movements.
07
Driving too close to the kerb, drifting across the centre line or poor lane discipline.
Fix: Maintain a safe road position and adjust according to the road layout.
08
Missing or misunderstanding road signs and markings can lead to unsafe decisions.
Fix: Look well ahead, scan for signs regularly and always follow road markings.
09
Driving too fast for the conditions — or unnecessarily slowly — can both result in faults.
Fix: Drive at a safe, appropriate speed for the road, traffic and weather while staying within the limit.
10
Many learners either pull out when it’s unsafe or hesitate when it’s safe to go.
Fix: Take your time, assess carefully and make safe, confident decisions.
Passing isn’t about luck. It’s about being well prepared, gaining plenty of experience and consistently driving to the required standard.
Timing
Your instructor will tell you when you’re consistently driving at test standard. Waiting until you’re genuinely ready usually gives you the best chance of passing.
Experience
Rehearsal
A mock test lets your instructor assess your driving under realistic conditions and identify areas that still need work — while helping reduce nerves by making the experience familiar.
Improvement
Everyone makes mistakes while learning. The important thing is to understand why they happened and avoid repeating them.
Nerves
Feeling nervous is completely normal. The examiner is there to assess your driving fairly, not to catch you out. Concentrate on one situation at a time.
Test day
Try to get a good night’s sleep and allow plenty of time to arrive at the test centre. Rushing or feeling tired can affect your concentration and confidence.
The practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes. If you’re taking an extended driving test after a driving disqualification, it will last around 70 minutes.
You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, sometimes called minor faults, provided you do not commit any serious or dangerous faults.
A single mistake does not automatically mean you’ve failed. Many learners pass despite making a few driving faults. If you make a mistake, stay calm and continue driving safely.
Taking a wrong turning or missing a direction is not a driving fault if you do so safely. The examiner will simply guide you back onto the route.
Not always. During the independent driving part of the test, you may be asked to follow a sat nav, road signs or a combination of both. The examiner will provide and set up the sat nav if it’s used.
You’ll be asked to complete one of the following: parallel parking, forward bay parking, reverse bay parking, or pull up on the right, reverse for around two car lengths and rejoin the traffic safely.
Possibly. The emergency stop exercise is included on approximately one in seven driving tests.
Yes. You can ask for your driving instructor, a relative or a friend to sit in the back of the car during your test. The person must be aged 16 or over and cannot take any part in the test.
The examiner will explain your result and discuss any driving faults recorded. You’ll also receive your result by email. If you pass, you’ll receive a pass certificate and can usually apply for your full driving licence straight away.
The examiner will explain the areas where you need to improve. You can book another test immediately, but the new test date must be at least 10 working days after the test you did not pass.
Yes, provided it meets the DVSA’s requirements — taxed, roadworthy, insured for a driving test, valid MOT if required, no tyre damage, no safety warning lights, working passenger seatbelt and head restraint, an mph speedometer, able to reach at least 62mph, L plates front and rear, and an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner. Most learners use their instructor’s dual-controlled car.
Yes. Independent driving can now form a larger part of the test and may involve following a sat nav, traffic signs or a combination of both. The emergency stop is carried out on approximately one in seven tests, and examiners have more flexibility to include higher-speed and rural roads where available.