Once you’ve passed your theory test, your instructor will tell you how ready you are for your practical test. Naturally, we want you to pass first time. So here are a few ways we can give you that extra edge.
Your “Track Record” keeps tabs on your progress – showing you where your strengths are and what skills you’ll need to brush up on. You’ll also be able to track your total score out of 100%. A score around 95% is suitable to attempt the driving test assuming that all areas of your driving are also of a safe standard to be on the roads by yourself.
Make the most of your practice.
We recommend plenty of practice between lessons. Ask your instructor which manoeuvres you should run through; and remember, if you’re practising with friends or family; make sure you’re covered on their car insurance policy.
Take a mock practical test
A Jamie Almond Driving mock test shares exactly the same format as the real thing – think of it as a trial run.
Top 10 things to look out for
The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) regularly publish the top 10 reasons why learners fail their practical test. To maximise your chances of passing first time, here are some of the big things to look out for:
- Look carefully to judge when best to come out of side roads
- Use the controls correctly and demonstrate good observation when reverse parking
- Use the mirrors effectively long before you change direction or slow down
- Use signals correctly, including how to cancel them and not give misleading ones
- Move away correctly from stationary positions, including good observation
- Use the correct road position, particularly on bends, and show good lane discipline on roundabouts
- Have good steering control, when making left or right turns for example
- Get in the correct position when turning right
- Don’t hesitate or cause delay. Always pull out promptly at junctions.
Booking your driving test
If you’re with Jamie Almond Driving, we can book your test for you and handle all the details. Your instructor will let you know which one of our UK driving test centres is best for you. When booking check with your instructor that they’re available on the day and give yourself three hours for a warm-up lesson, the test itself and the journey home. Call 07985 146 045 or fill in the handy form below.
You must take:
- your UK driving licence
- your theory test pass certificate
- a car – most people use their driving instructor’s, but you can use your own car if it meets the rules.
What happens during the test
There are 5 parts to the driving test:
- an eyesight check
- ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
- general driving ability
- reversing your vehicle
- independent driving
The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.
How long the test lasts
You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.
You’ll drive for around 70 minutes if you’re taking an extended driving test because you’ve been banned from driving.
Eyesight check
You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:
- 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
- 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.
You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.
‘Show me, tell me’ questions
You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
You’ll be asked the:
- ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving
- ‘show me’ question while you’re driving
Your general driving ability
You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.
The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes aren’t published, so you can’t check them before your test.
Pulling over at the side of the road
You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:
- normal stops at the side of the road
- pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
- a hill start
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Reversing your vehicle
The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:
- parallel park at the side of the road
- park in a parking bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
- pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic
Independent driving
You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:
- directions from a sat nav
- traffic signs
The examiner will tell you which you have to follow.
They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You can’t use your own sat nav.
If you can’t see traffic signs
If you can’t see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.
Going off the route
The examiner won’t give you a fault for taking a wrong turning.
They’ll help you get back on the route if you do.
If you make mistakes during your test
You can carry on if you make a mistake. It might not affect your test result if it’s not serious.
The examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.
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