Practical test
What does the practical test involve?
The practical test is an on the road assessment of your driving. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and watch you drive for about 45 minutes. Practical tests are different to lessons for several reasons. Firstly, the examiner is quiet on your test to allow you to concentrate. Secondly, as you drive along the examiner puts down marks on a report sheet, which can be disconcerting. To help concentration and nerves, look for hazards and problems on the road ahead and then remember how you’ve been taught to deal with them. If you think you’ve made a mistake don’t allow yourself to be distracted and lose concentration, keep focused on what’s happening on the road ahead.
When will I be ready to take the test?
The best way to check that you are ready for your practical test is to have a trial run. When your driving is at test standard, we will do a few mock tests. I will make the mock tests replicate as closely as possible the real test. It will allow us to see how you are likely to perform on the real test and we can then plan how to improve any areas of weakness. Mock tests are also a good way to help you cope with driving test nerves, but many driving instructors do not do them.
You must pass your theory test first, before you can book a practical test.
Booking a test in winter
If you are booking a test in winter, bad weather may cause it to be cancelled. To reduce the chances of this happening, do not book the test for early morning. Ideally book the test for the afternoon or middle of the day. This gives the sun a chance to melt snow and ice on the road or to burn off fog.