The practical driving test

A learner car waiting in a driving test centre car park

The practical test lasts about 40 minutes. The examiner wants to see that you can drive safely and independently in a range of road and traffic conditions. You don't need to be perfect.

What happens on the day

Eyesight check. You read a number plate from a set distance. If you can't, the test ends there.
"Tell me" question. Before you set off, you're asked one vehicle safety question. See show me, tell me.
General driving. You drive on different types of road, following the examiner's directions.
Reversing exercise. You'll be asked to do one manoeuvre. See test manoeuvres.
Possible emergency stop. Not every test includes one.
Independent driving. For about 20 minutes you follow a sat nav or traffic signs without turn-by-turn directions.
"Show me" question. While you're driving, you're asked to show how you'd operate something, such as the rear demister.

How faults are marked

Examiners record three kinds of fault:

Driving fault: not dangerous on its own, but repeated driving faults can become serious.
Serious fault: something potentially dangerous.
Dangerous fault: involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.

You pass with no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. You can ask for your instructor to sit in and listen to the debrief.

Using your own car

You can use your instructor's car or your own, but your own car must meet the test rules, for example being taxed, insured for a driving test and roadworthy, and having an extra interior mirror for the examiner and L plates. The full list is on GOV.UK: using your own car for your driving test.

Calming test-day nerves

Have a lesson just before the test so you're warmed up.
If you make a mistake, put it behind you; one fault rarely fails a test on its own.
If you don't hear an instruction, ask the examiner to repeat it.
If you go the wrong way on independent driving, that isn't a fault if you do it safely.

Next step: practise the test manoeuvres

Last reviewed: November 2026