Driving Test

We will arrive at the test centre 5-10 minutes before your test, this gives us time to park and try to relax in the waiting room. You are welcome to use the facilities while we wait.

The examiners will call you by name and ask you to read and sign the declaration on the driving test report form. While you do this they will check your theory certificate and driving licence. You will then be asked to lead the way to your car.

Your test will start with an eyesight check. You should be able to read a number plate from 20.5 meters, if you fail this the examiner will not continue with the test.

You will then be asked two vehicle safety questions. These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. As vehicle technology advances some vehicles are fitted with electronic diagnostic systems which will inform you of engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It is acceptable to refer to the diagnostic system(if fitted)when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures

Once in the car the examiner will give you a very brief explanation of the test and you are ready to go.

What the test includes

The driving part of the test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for a overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out a manoeuvre. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more will result in failure). However if you commit one SERIOUS or DANGEROUS fault you will fail the test. During the test the examiner will direct you, if at any point you are unsure where to go just ASK. It is your test and you are PAYING for it, make the most of the time available to show the examiner how good you are.

Independent Driving Section

At some point during your test the examiner will ask you to park, they will then explain the independent driving section of your test.

You will either be asked to follow the road signs and markings to a destination of the examiners choice or the examiner will show you a diagram of where they want you to go at the next 3 roundabouts for example.

This is not a test of your local knowledge of the area, you simply just follow the signs for the destination the examiner has chosen, if the examiner wants to change the destination you are following they will tell you in good time. If the road signs are poor or not clearly visible the examiner will help you.

If there are no signs for your destination follow the road ahead or the all routes signs.

If you get lost the examiner will direct you back on route again.

If you are unsure where to go or have simply forgotten just ASK the examiner to repeat the destination, if you know you are going the wrong way and its to late to change course go the wrong way. Just tell the examiner you are sorry but you have gone the wrong way and they will direct you back on course.

You will not fail for going the wrong way, the only thing you will get marked on throughout the whole test is any driver faults you commit.

When you book your practical test there is a section to fill if you have any special needs for this part of the test.

Examiners are very experienced at their job and will adapt the test to your needs.

Manoeuvres

You will be asked to do one of the following : Turn in the road Left reverse Parallel parking Bay parking (this is always done in the test centre car park) You have to show all round observation and control of the car whilst completing the manoeuvre.

You will also be asked to either carry out an emergency stop or to move off at an angle from behind a parked car. At some point throughout your test the examiner will stop you and brief you on this before you are asked to carry out the emergency stop or the examiner will ask you to stop reasonably close to a parked car then move off again.

Throughout the test you should drive the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake don't worry it may only be a minor fault. Continue with the test and take it 1 minute at a time. Before you know it you will be back at the test centre and hopefully passed

At the end of the test

When the test is over the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request a debrief, the examiner will then go through you performance during the test.

The standard to pass the test

All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard. There are no pass or fail quotas. As long as you drive to the standard required you will PASS.

Price - £62

Location - Our nearest test centre is in Newton Abbot