Practical Driving Test Overview
1. Eyesight Check
You’ll be asked 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
If you fail the eyesight check, the test will end immediately.
2. ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Vehicle Safety Questions
- 1 “Tell Me” question at the start of your test
- 1 “Show Me” question during your drive
Practise these questions to improve your confidence and make a good impression.
3. General Driving Ability
You’ll drive in a variety of road and traffic conditions. Motorways will not be included. The examiner will give you directions throughout this part.
4. Reversing Manoeuvres
You’ll be asked to perform one of the following:
- Parallel park at the side of the road
- Forward bay park
- Reverse bay park
- Pull up on the right, reverse 2 car lengths, and rejoin traffic
5. Independent Driving
You’ll drive for around 20 minutes by following either:
- Directions from a TomTom sat nav (provided and set up by the examiner)
- Traffic signs (e.g., “Follow signs for Musselburgh”)
Note: You cannot use your own in-car sat nav.
Long Wait Times for Tests
It can often take a long time to get a driving test appointment. I recommend using the service Driving Test Cancellation 4 All to help you find an earlier test date.
Many of my students have successfully used this service to reschedule their tests sooner.
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