The practical driving test is changing from 4th Oct 2010 to include only 1 manoeuvre and 10 minutes of independant driving. Visit this DSA Link for further details.

When you book the practical test you will be sent an appointment letter if booked by phone and an email if booked online.

Check the Date and time of your allotted test.  Check the Test Centre and the type of test i.e. Group (category) B.  Check the cancellation date. Unless a cancellation is received on or before the cancellation date you will lose your fee if you do not attend the test.

On the day of your test you must bring with you, both parts of your provisional driving licence (photo & paper counterpart), your theory test certificate & your  appointment letter.

The DSA need to confirm your identity, if you have an old style paper licence, the only acceptable photo ID to accompany your licence is a current signed passport (Doesn't have to be British). Without production of these, the test will not take place and your fee will be lost.

Arrive at the Test Centre in good time. Each examiner works to a tight schedule, with up to seven tests to conduct each day.
Lateness can mean that the test cannot be carried out and you will lose your fee.
At the time of your test, the Examiner will call your name and ask you to sign an Insurance declaration. This gives the Examiner a chance to check your signature against your provisional driving licence. The Examiner will then ask you for your Photo identity. If you are excused from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds, you should show your exemption certificate.
You could be asked whether you suffer from any physical disability that has not been declared on your application form. This is done to get an information update, since the form may have been filled in some months earlier.
When the formalities are over, the Examiner will ask you to lead the way to your car, and identify it to the Examiner. On the way to the parking area the Examiner should introduce himself and ask you what name he should refer to you as - Joe, Fred, Di, Babs that sort of thing.

At the Parking area and the Examiner knows that he is not asking you to read your own number plate the Examiner will select a vehicle at random and ask you to read the number plate out to him. Get the number plate reading wrong twice, and the Examiner will measure out the statutory distance (20.5 metres or 67 feet) using an official tape. Get the reading wrong now and you fail the whole test. You can, wear glasses when taking the eyesight test. If you do, then you must wear the same glasses throughout the rest of the test.

From September 2003 you have to answer two questions about the vehicle checks you would carry out before driving. These include such things as tyres, brakes, coolants, lights. If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly this counts as a single driving fault. More than a total of 15 driving faults and you fail.

                   www.2pass.co.uk/engine  or www.dsa.gov.uk

The Examiner will walk around your car. He will take details of the make and model on his driving test report sheet. The Examiner will also check to see if the vehicle is roadworthy. He will check for no broken lights, the windscreen wipers are in place, the tyres comply with the legal requirements. Make sure you don't have a dirty windscreen, and the 'L' plates are properly displayed. If the Examiner is happy he will join you in the car.
The Examiner will tell you that he wishes you to follow the road ahead unless traffic signs direct otherwise, or unless he asks you to turn. You will be expected to know and act on all traffic signs and signals, as well as signals given by other drivers. Then he will ask you to drive away when you are ready. Take proper precautions before starting the engine this means, making sure that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral - you are then off, for a busy 35 minutes.

At the end of the test its back to the test Centre. The moment of truth. The Examiner faces you and tells you that the test is over . Then "I'm pleased to tell you that you have passed" or "I'm sorry you haven't passed". If you have been successful  the examiner will take your licence from you and hand you a pass certificate. Your licence will be destroyed at the test centre and a new "full" licence will be sent through in approx 10 days.
If you have not been successful the examiner will hand you a copy of your driving test report and will explain the reasons for your failure. 

There is no magic formula for passing your driving test - but here's some advice that will certainly be helpful. Get a good night's sleep before the test. Make sure you eat a good breakfast. Even though you may be nervous and have lost your appetite eating breakfast is very important. Research has shown that your brain needs food to concentrate, so give yourself some food for thought! Dress comfortably - make yourself feel good. Have confidence in your ability. Arrive in plenty of time You should be present in the test centre at least ten minutes before the appointed time of your test. If you are late the test will be cancelled, and the fee will be forfeited. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions, act on them in good time, and ask for them to be repeated if necessary. Give the examiner a beautifully smooooth drive, one that both of you can enjoy. The examiner just wants to see what you would normally do - nothing that you do not already know. If you make a decision that you think could be misjudged by the examiner, explain your reasons while you drive. If you come across a new situation, hold back and assess it carefully before you decide to proceed - and be prepared to change your decision if necessary.

Show the examiner that you deserve to have those L Plates removed !!

DSA Link to Youtube on what to expect on the day of your test.

                            Richard Gillmore  - Tel : 07790 193 138  
                           Grahame Gillmore - Tel : 07791 017 342