What to expect on your driving test
Taking your driving test can feel nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what happens on the day can help calm your nerves, boost your confidence, and significantly increase your chances of passing.
At 5Day, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide so you know exactly what to expect on your UK driving test, step by step.
What Happens on the Day of Your Driving Test?
Before the Test, make sure you have everything you need:
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Provisional driving licence – You must bring this. Without it, you won’t be allowed to take the test.
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Theory test pass certificate – Not always checked, but bring it just in case.
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Car for the test – Usually your instructor’s car or your own insured and roadworthy vehicle.
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Decide if your instructor will sit in during the test (optional).
Arrive Early for Your Driving Test Appointment
Make sure to arrive at your driving test centre at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Double and triple-check the exact time, date and location of your test in advance. Arriving at the wrong test centre will result in an automatic fail and no refund.
What to Expect at the Driving Test Centre
Once you arrive, wait with your driving instructor in the designated waiting area. Your driving examiner will come to greet you shortly. You’ll be asked to sign a few forms before heading outside to start your practical driving test.
The Structure of the Driving Test
The practical driving test in the UK is divided into five key parts:
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Eyesight check
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‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
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General driving ability
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One reversing manoeuvre
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Independent driving section
Let’s break each part down:
Eyesight Test
The first thing you’ll do is a simple vision check. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 metres away (around five car lengths)
Failing the eyesight check ends your test immediately, so make sure your vision meets DVSA standards. Wear your glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions
These test your knowledge of basic car maintenance and road safety:
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Tell me question – Asked before driving begins. You’ll explain how to perform a safety check, like checking tyre pressure or testing brakes.
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Show me question – Asked while you’re driving. You’ll demonstrate an action, like using windscreen wipers or demisting the window.
This part also assesses your ability to multitask safely while driving.
The Practical Driving Test: What to Expect on the Road
Once the formalities are complete, your real driving test begins. You’ll drive for approximately 20 minutes, following verbal instructions from your driving examiner. During this time, you’ll encounter a variety of road types and traffic conditions designed to assess your overall driving ability.
Key Elements of the Driving Test Route Include:
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Urban and residential areas – You’ll need to demonstrate safe speed control, hazard awareness and good observation skills in built-up environments.
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Junctions – Expect to navigate roundabouts, T-junctions and crossroads. These test your ability to make safe and timely decisions.
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Dual carriageways – Your examiner will assess how you handle higher-speed driving. Note: You won’t be tested on motorways.
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Pulling over and moving off – You’ll be asked to pull over and move off at least twice, demonstrating control, observation and awareness of other road users.
Hill starts – You’ll be tested on your ability to move off safely and smoothly on an incline.
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Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle – This checks your ability to safely rejoin traffic while maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
You’ll also be asked to:
Emergency stop:
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About 1 in 3 candidates will be asked to perform an emergency stop. The examiner will give you a clear warning beforehand, so you’re not caught off guard.
Reversing Manoeuvres:
During your practical driving test, you’ll be asked to carry out one of three reversing manoeuvres. These are designed to test your control, accuracy, and awareness in tighter spaces.
You may be asked to pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for about two car lengths and then safely rejoin traffic. Another possible manoeuvre is bay parking, which involves either driving into a parking bay and reversing out or reversing into a bay and driving forward out of it, usually in a car park. The third option is parallel parking, where you’ll be required to reverse and park behind a stationary vehicle on the side of the road while keeping close to the kerb.
Each of these tasks assesses how well you can handle the vehicle safely and confidently in everyday driving situations.
Independent Driving Section
As part of your driving test, you’ll complete a 20 minute independent driving section. During this part, you’ll be expected to follow directions either from a sat nav or by using road signs without step-by-step instructions from your examiner. This section is designed to assess your ability to make safe decisions and navigate independently, just as you would when driving on your own after passing your test.
There are two formats of independent driving. In most driving tests, you’ll be asked to follow directions from a sat nav provided by the examiner. In some cases, you may be asked to follow road signs to reach a specific destination instead.
If you take a wrong turn or miss a direction, don’t panic! It won’t result in a test fail unless it leads to a driving fault or puts safety at risk. The focus is on your ability to stay calm, drive safely, and make good decisions when navigating.
End of the Test: Results & Feedback
You’ll return to the test centre and park. The examiner will:
- Complete a feedback form (DL25)
- Count up your driving faults
How to Pass:
- 0 major faults
- No more than 15 minor faults
If you pass, you’ll get your pass certificate on the spot and your full driving licence will be sent out automatically.
If you don’t pass, don’t be discouraged. The examiner’s feedback will highlight areas to work on for next time. Use it to focus your practice and come back stronger.
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Ready to Pass Your Driving Test?
Now that you know exactly what to expect on your driving test, it’s time to take the wheel with confidence! At 5Day, we specialise in helping learner drivers pass first time, but we also understand that things don’t always go perfectly. That’s why we offer free, unlimited correctional lessons if you’re unsuccessful on your first attempt.
✅ No extra cost
✅ Unlimited support until you pass
✅ Tailored feedback-based practice with expert instructors
Book your intensive driving course with 5Day today and get on the road faster, with the support you need every step of the way.