The Practical Driving Test
The driving test is designed for you to show your practical skills and understanding of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely.
Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you
can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions and
know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving ability
So long as you show the standard required, you'll pass your driving test.
There are no pass or fail quotas.
When you go for your practical driving test you must take certain documents with you. You must also bring an appropriately insured and licensed vehicle suitable for the test.
You must bring an appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L-plates (except for taxi and approved driving instructor (ADI) part two tests).
The vehicle must be suitable for the purpose of the test.
If your vehicle doesn't meet the rules:
- your test will be cancelled
- you may lose your fee
Most learner drivers take their practical test in their driving instructor's car.
However, you can take the test in your own vehicle if it meets certain rules.
Using a manual or automatic vehicle
You can take your driving test in either a manual or automatic vehicle. However, if you pass your test in an automatic you'll only get a licence to drive an automatic.
Documents you must take to the test
You must take the following documents with you. If you do not bring the right documents:
the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test you may lose your fee
Take both parts of your driving licence
You must bring your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you are not exempt.
You must also bring both parts of your driving licence - the photocard and the paper counterpart.
If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and you must also bring a valid passport.
No other form of photographic identification will be accepted.
Independent Driving Test
The DVSA have introduced a section of the practical driving test to demonstrate your capability to drive independently - without instruction and be able to follow directions / signs or a sat nav.
Taking someone on test with you
(usually your driving instructor)
The DVSA now encourages you to take someone on your driving test with you, in order to help you after the test to advise how you performed or where you went right or wrong.
Booking your Practical Driving Test
The quickest and easiest way to book your official Driving Standards Agency (DSA) practical driving test is online. When you book using this official service, you only pay the cost of the test (currently £62 for tests Mon to Fri daytime or £75 for evening and weekend tests) – there is no extra booking fee when booking through DSA.
You can book online between 6.00 am and midnight
Follow link below to DVSA Book Practical Test online:
Click here to be directed to the Official DVSA Online Practical Driving Test Booking
To book your practical test by phone call DVSA on 0300 200 1122.
To book your practical test online you need:
- Your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number
- Your credit or debit card details
- A theory test pass date and certificate number (if appropriate)