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/drivingtest 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 feel 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, four (painless) things will happen:

1. Provisional Licence, address and identity check (you are who you say you are).
2. Asked if you would like your Instructor to sit in the back of the car during your test and to listen to the debrief at the end.
3. Eye sight test (read a car number plate).
4. Answer two 'show me, tell me' questions concerning basic safety checks on the car you are taking your test in (further information below).

During the driving test:

You will be asked to do one reversing manoeuver 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 into a parking space at the Test Centre).

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

The test route will 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 time allocated for driving on the driving test is 40 minutes. For about 30 minutes of tat time, you will be directed where to go, e.g. "At the end of the road, turn left".

A further 10 minutes will be what is called the Independent Drive. For example: 'Follow the signs to Sleaford' or 'follow the signs to Skegness.' Or the examiner will show you a diagram of the route of 3 or 4 turns he wants you to take.

The idea is 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

You are allowed to check with the examiner which way to go e.g. it is turn right here isn't it? The examiner will either say yes or correct you. You will not fail just because you have forgotten which way to go or have asked. It is how you drive that matters. We, at L on Wheels, will fully train you to cope with the independent drive element of the practical test. The route tend to be easy therefore the driving is easy.

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. 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.

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."

We will go through all 19 questions and answers before your test.