The Practical Driving Test

You must have passed your theory test before you can apply to take your practical driving test. As professional Instructors, we will arrange your driving test appointment for you when we both agree that you are good enough and confident enough to pass.

The practical test fee is advised on the web site: www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtestfees or you can ask us. The waiting list varies, but it is usually around three to six weeks. You will take your test in the same car as the one you have used for your driving lessons - not the Examiner's. On the day of your test, it is normal to have a lesson before your test to get rid of any last minute gremlins and get yourself psyched up (focused). Remember, it is normal to be nervous about a driving test. Having butterflies in your stomach is okay, as long as they all fly in formation! At the very beginning of your test, before you actually get driving, three (painless) things will happen:

1. Provisional Licence and identity check (you are who you say you are).
2. Eye sight test (read a car number plate).
3. Answer two 'show me, tell me' questions concerning basic safety checks on the car you are taking your test in (further information below).

The whole driving test takes about 40 to 45 minutes, during which you will drive about 10 miles.

You will be asked to do two reversing maneuvers out of a possible 4.

1. Turn in the road (the old fashioned 3 point turn).
2. Reverse around a corner to the left.
3. Reverse parallel park (by the side of the curb behind another parked car).
4. Reverse bay park (reversing the car into one parking space).

You will also probably be asked to do an emergency stop and certainly move off and park several times.

The test route will also include testing your abilities to drive at higher speeds (50 + MPH) along main roads and driving on country roads.

There are many different driving test routes that have been designed by the Examiners. They are all of equal difficulty. We cannot say which route you will go on. Only you will know where you have been when you have got back!

The Examiners - we won't know which examiner you will get beforehand. They are all trained professionals, just doing their job. They will not be nasty to you, in fact they go out of their way to make you feel as relaxed as possible, because they know that everybody is nervous on their driving test and they want you to drive the best you can.

Short of taking the actual test for you, we will help you through every step of the way.

The 'L' on Wheels Instructors fee on the day of your test will be the fee equivalent to a 2¼ - 2½ hour driving lesson. The exact time and money involved will depend upon your pick up and drop off points. The fee will cover the cost of a pre-test lesson, the hire of the school car for your test and the Instructor's time during your test.

As at October 2010
Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in October 2010. This means that you will be asked to drive for about 10 minutes either following a series of directions or traffic signs or a combination of both.

For example: "Follow the signs to Sleaford" or "Follow the signs to Skegness until I tell you otherwise." To help you be clear about where you are going, the examiner can / will show you a diagram of the route. The idea is also to simulate a driver (you) pulling up and asking a stranger how to get to a particular destination. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. Trials with a large number of participants show no significant fall in the pass rare because of independent drive.

We at 'L' on Wheels will fully train you to cope with the independent drive element of the practical test.

The Good News! - By including the independent drive, you will be asked to do only one of the four reversing maneuver (instead of the current two).

YouTube.com
The Driving Standards Agency has put three good, short video clips on to YouTube.com explaining more about the practical driving test. They are worth a look at. Search for:

• Official DSA car practical test - Are you ready? (part 2 of 5)
• Take your instructor on your test
• Independent driving in the driving test: what is it?

Show me, Tell me questions
Before you get into the car at the beginning of your practical test, the Examiner will ask you two 'show me tell me' questions about the basic safety mechanical checks you should make before driving.

The questions are not rocket science, but your answers can effect the outcome of your driving test.

There are 19 questions from which the Examiner will choose two. Example:

• "Show me and explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting a journey."

Don't worry, we will go through all 19 questions and answers before your test.