Your test appointment

The purpose of the driving test is to make sure that you are safe to drive on your own, it is effectively, your first 'solo' drive.

Your examiner has a difficult job to do. People who fail the test blame the examiner or the route or the weather.

Bearing this in mind, the examiner has to try not to influence the test in any way.

The easiest way to give a test that is fair and equal for everyone, is to take a formal approach; after all, if the examiner was too friendly and chatty, some people would complain that they failed because they were distracted!

To ensure that everyone gets a fair test, the examiners are regularly 'tested' themselves!

You might have a senior Driving Standards Agency (DSA) officer in the back of the car during your test; he/she will be there to make sure that your examiner conducts the test in a fair and appropriate manner.

Your test starts in the waiting room. Make sure that you arrive on time, otherwise you might lose your test and the fee.

The examiner will come out and ask you to sign a form; he/she will check your theory test certificate and photographic evidence of identity.

Your provisional licence will also be checked to ensure that it is current and valid for the vehicle that you are being tested in.

You will then be asked to lead the way to your car. On the way your eyesight will be tested (you have to read a car number plate) and then the examiner will make a note the make and registration number of your vehicle and will check that it complies with the regulations.

The test will start with a short 'Show Me, Tell Me' session, in which the examiner will ask you to explain and demonstrate some simple vehicle checks.

He/she will then get into the car and briefly explain the test procedure to you.

Follow the road ahead please ...

"You should drive in your normal manner. Follow the road ahead unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise or unless I ask you to turn right or left."

This simply means that you should drive normally, as you have been taught, following all the relevant rules.

Expect the examiner’s language to be formal, but polite. For example: "Take the first road on the left, please", "I would like you to turn your car around in the road to face the opposite direction", "I’m pleased to tell you that you have passed", etc.

If you are unsure about any instruction, ask for it to be repeated.

Be aware, however, that if you ask about how you should drive the car, you will get a polite "Do what you would normally do" or something similar.

You can take along an interpreter if you do not speak English, but he/she can not help with the test.

The test will last for about 40 minutes (re-tests for traffic offenders are approximately double length); at the end, the examiner will tell you the result and briefly discuss your drive.

The outcome ...

Whether you pass or fail you will be given a report form showing the mistakes that you made during the drive. This will help both you and your instructor to improve your future driving performance.

During the test the examiner will watch you closely. This is done to help you, by making sure you are a safe driver. All the skills needed to drive safely and pass are covered in the SmartLearners Online Course...

If you would like your driving instructor, or a friend to sit in on the test, they can do so. It is important, however, that they take no part in the test - they must not interfere in any way- otherwise the test may be terminated and you will not pass. (Young people under 16 years of age are not allowed to sit in)

Anyone sitting in the rear of your car during test must wear a seatbelt.