Rachel MacKay Miller

What happens on the day of the practical test?

Before your test you will have an hour's lesson with your driving instructor. This helps to calm you and correct any faults you have developed due to nerves (almost everyone's driving changes slightly on the day of their test). The lesson normally gives you a chance to have a final practice of each of the manoeuvres including hill starts and emergency stops. At the beginning of the lesson you should mention anything you are feeling apprehensive or worried about such as certain areas of town. (A favourite seems to be Walthal Street in Crewe)

You will finish your lesson at the test centre where you will have a few minutes to collect your thoughts. The examiner will meet you in the waiting room where they will check your licence and ask you to sign a declaration on the test sheet. Once this is done they will ask you to take them to your car. When you are outside they will ask you to read a number plate that is 20.5 metres for old style number plates and 20 metres for new style. They will also ask you to answer two show me tell me questions before asking you to make yourself comfortable.

The test lasts for about 40 minutes during which you will be asked to perform two manoeuvres and several stops on the left, including one uphill. You may also be asked to perform an Emergency Stop. The test routes can take in all types of roads from country lanes to dual carriageways but not Motorways.

The test will finish back at the test centre where the examiner will take a few moments to add up your marks and fill in the rest of the test sheet. They will then give you your result.

Whether you pass or fail you will then be driven home. This is because you will either be too excited from passing or a bit wound up if you don't so your driving is unlikely to be of a high standard.

When should you book your test?

This should be a joint decision between you and your instructor. If you feel that you are near test standard you can ask your instructor to do a mock test with you to give you an idea of how close you really are.

What happens when you pass?

The examiner will take your licence and give you a pass certificate. They will send off your licence along with your test sheet and you will receive you full licence in two to three weeks.

If you have access to a car it is not advisable to go straight out on your own. Allow yourself to calm down for a few hours at least. It is also a good idea to take a sensible passenger with you for your first few journeys. This helps you stay calm and means there is someone to ask if you are unsure of a situation.

Make sure you inform your insurance company.

You should also consider taking Pass Plus to help develop your skill level further.