Practical test information
What to expect
Information video

When you are approaching the required standard I will advise you on how to make a test booking with the DSA, taking into account the current waiting time (normally around 4-8 weeks). The easiest way to make a booking is using the DSA's online booking system. The current price for practical tests is £62. The test centre we would normally use is Portsmouth, but tests can also be arranged in Chichester, Winchester, Farnborough, Basingstoke, or Guildford.

See below for a video explaining the practical test.

On average, successful pupils have had around 45hrs of lessons with an approved driving instructor and 20hrs private driving practise, however, this can vary greatly between pupils. (By using the supplied home study material you can minimise the number of lessons needed)

The test will take place in the driving school car. On the day of the test, I will collect you at least an hour before your scheduled appointment, giving us plenty of time to get to the test centre and go over any questions you have. Around 10mins before your appointment time we will park at the test centre and enter the waiting room. The examiner will introduce themselves, and will ask to see your driving licence (both parts), and possibly your theory test certificate and booking confirmation.

You will be led out to the car park where the test will begin by testing your eyesight - you will be asked to read a number plate from around 20m. You will then be asked two safety questions about the car - your instructor will have fully prepared you on these.

After getting in the car, you will be asked to move off and follow the directions given by the examiner. The driving part of the test will last around 40mins, starting and finishing in the test centre car park, and will include two reversing manoeuvres and a range of road and traffic conditions. It's important that you drive as you normally would. You can make up to 15 driving mistakes and still pass the test. However, if you make a serious or dangerous mistake you will fail (but the test is likely to continue).

You are allowed to take anybody over the age of 16 with you on the test, but they must not interfere with the test in any way. It is often helpful to have the instructor in the car, so if you don't pass the test this time it is easier to work on the necessary improvements - however, this is entirely up to you on the day.

At the end of the test, the examiner will spend a moment evaluating the result of the test. You will then be informed whether you have passed on this occasion.

If you have passed you will given a pass certificate. The examiner can arrange for your new licence to be sent to you automatically.

If you are unsuccessful, you (and the instructor) should listen to the debrief given by the examiner so you know which areas need more work. You can take another practical test a minimum of 10 working days later.

Practical Test Video: