The purpose of the practical driving test is to determine whether you can drive safely on the roads without supervision. You must demonstrate to the examiner that you have this ability; otherwise, you will not pass the test.

What happens on the day of your test?

On the day of your test, you will need to bring your valid provisional driving licence (including the paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence). Try to stay calm and wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for driving.

During the test

The practical driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes, starting and finishing at the test centre. If you learn with me, James ADI, you will be using James’s car for the test. An examiner will be with you the entire time. Before the test begins, you will sign a form, show proof of identity, and confirm the car you are using. You’ll also read a number plate from the required distance to check your eyesight. After that, you’ll answer two "show me, tell me" vehicle safety questions. If you answer incorrectly, you will incur one driving fault. Here is the current Show Me Tell Me question bank.

During the drive, you must follow the law and adapt to the conditions. You’ll drive on a variety of roads, layouts, and speed limits, confidently managing major junctions. You will perform a hill start, an angle start, and you have a one-in-seven chance of being asked to perform a controlled stop. You will also complete one of the following reversing exercises: parallel parking at the roadside, bay parking (as instructed), or pulling up on the right, reversing about two car lengths, and rejoining traffic.

The cost of the test is £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekends and bank holidays.

The Theory Test

You must take a theory test if you are learning to drive for the first time or for a new category of licence. It has two parts: multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test.

Part one - Multiple Choice Questions

At the test centre, you will use a touch screen computer. After instructions and a practice session, you will answer 50 questions in 57 minutes. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. Once completed, you have a short break before Part Two.

Part Two - Hazard Perception

You will watch 14 video clips and must click as soon as you spot a developing hazard. One clip will contain two hazards. Each hazard can earn up to five points. You cannot review your answers. You need a minimum score of 44 out of 75 to pass.