Driving Tests

Theory Test

The Theory Test consists of two parts;

The first part is a multiple-choice 50-question test, where you will need to score at least 43 out of 50.
You are allowed 57 minutes for this part of the Test.

The second part of the test is a "Hazard Perception" test, using video clips, where you will need to identify developing moving-traffic hazards by clicking a mouse button.
You will be shown 14 clips, one of which contains two scoring hazards, and each scoring hazard has a 5-second "window" during which you must click. The sooner within the "window" you click the higher your score.
You will need to score a minimum of 44 out of a possible 75 points.

Both parts are carried out on a computer, and you will need to sit, and pass, both parts at the same time.

Practical Test

The Practical Driving Test will last around 45 minutes, and will be carried out by a DSA Driving Examiner.
At the start of your test, the examiner will check your eye-sight, and ask you a couple of questions* on basic checks and car maintainance, after which you will set off On Test.
On Test you will be expected to follow the road ahead, or follow directions given by road signs and markings. If your examiner wants you to turn at junctions, or to park, he will ask you to do this in good time. When you park, the engine should normally be left running.
The test route may cover residential and busy in-town areas, and out of town roads including country roads and Dual Carriageways. You will be asked to carry out two or three special exercises, such as parallel parking.

*See "Show and Tell" in module 3 of the study section.

The result of the test (pass/fail) will depend on the number and nature of the driving faults the examiner notes during the drive.
You are allowed up to 15 "Driving Faults" (also known as minor faults), but 16 or more will result in a "Fail".
You will also fail if you are given just one "Serious" fault or one "Dangerous" fault.

Your Driving Examiner will give you the result at the end of your Test, and will explain any fault markings to you if required. You will be given a copy of the Test Report Form.
If you are successful your examiner may offer to arrange to have your full licence sent to you, and you may drive straight away...you don't have to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Eco-Safe Driving

During your test, your examiner will assess your driving for 'eco-safe' driving techniques. This is the ability to drive in an environmentally friendly and fuel efficient way.
The main elements of this are smooth and gentle use of the controls particularly when moving away and accelerating, how you use the gears (normally using the highest appropriate gear) and driving at an appropriate speed.
Good planning of the drive is essential, also.
Although now an integral part of the Driving Test, you will not 'fail' for poor 'eco-safe' technique, but your examiner may discuss aspects of this with you at the end of your Test.

More information can be found at direct.gov.uk and a downloadable PDF file is available as well.

Independent Driving

From 4th October 2010, your driving test will contain an 'Independent Driving' component.
For about 10 minutes your examiner will ask you to either follow road signs to a destination, or give you a series of instructions to be followed (eg "Turn left at the next roundabout, then take the fourth road on the right and turn right again at the T-junction at the end of the road". You may also get a combination of these types of directions. The purpose of this is to show that you can follow a route independently, without the examiner guiding you at every junction.
This is a very useful skill as you will need to be able to navigate for yourself once you have passed your test, but more importantly it shows your examiner that you are able to make decisions for yourself.

Your Instructor will be able to guide you in preparing for this element of the Test, and there is more information, including a video and PDF on the DirectGov Independent Driving page.

Car Driving Test fees

Theory Test: £31.00

Practical Test: £62.00

Prices correct as of:
5th October, 2009.

Click on this link for a
Full list of Test fees