Practical Driving Test – Complete Guide for Learners
When the Examiner Comes Out
The examiner will call your name and ask to see your provisional licence. You will confirm your details and sign a declaration on the examiner’s iPad confirming insurance, residency requirements and consent to share your result.
Why Your Signature Must Match
The signature you provide on the iPad must match the one on your licence. This confirms your identity and protects against fraud. If it does not match, the test may not continue.
The Eyesight Check
You must read a number plate from 20 metres. Good eyesight is essential for spotting hazards, reading signs and keeping others safe. If you cannot read the plate, the test cannot continue.
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
You will be asked one ‘Tell Me’ question at the start of the test and one ‘Show Me’ question while driving.
Independent Driving Section
This lasts around 20 minutes. You will follow either sat nav directions or road signs. This is part of the test and does NOT mean the test ends when it finishes. If you go the wrong way but do so safely, you will not fail for that alone.
Manoeuvres
You will complete ONE reversing manoeuvre during the test. This may include parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right and reversing.
During the Test
The examiner is assessing safe driving, observation, control, awareness of other road users and decision-making. They are not looking for perfection — they are looking for safety and competence.
At the End of the Test
Once parked at the test centre, the examiner will tell you the result and explain any faults. If you pass, your full licence will be processed automatically.
