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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 DSA website.
Or 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 and 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:
- Provisional Licence and identity check (you are who you say
you are).
- Eye sight test (read a car number plate).
- 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 11 miles.
You will be asked to do two reversing manoeuvres out
of a possible 4.
- Turn in the road (the old fashioned 3 point turn).
- Reverse around a corner to the left.
- Reverse parallel park (by the side of the curb behind another
parked car).
- 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.
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 13 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 13 questions and answers before
your test.
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