Driving Test
When
you have passed the Theory test you can apply for a driving test appointment.
The Driving Test lasts for about 40 minutes during which you must demonstrate
to the examiner that you have, at all times, full control of the car,
are aware of the actions of all other road users and are able to deal
with them, even in unusual or unexpected circumstances.
You will be asked two Show
& Tell questions.
You will be asked to perform two reversing manoeuvres and for
one in three candidates an emergency stop is additionally carried out.
You will be expected to drive on busy roads and dual carriageways.
The most asked question by candidates is always "How many lessons
will I Need?" There is no specific answer to this question as there
is a tremendous variation between different people in their ability
to learn the co-ordination and observational skills required to drive
safely. Factors affecting this include physical dexterity and age of
the candidate. The DSA have recently released figures and stated that
on average it is not unreasonable to have a combination of 33 professional
lessons together with 23 private lessons, a total of 56 hours. Remember
this is an average and some clients will need less and some more.
You must present, at the time of test, your Provisional Licence, Photographic
Evidence of Identity and your Theory Test Pass Certificate. Failure
to do so will result in the test being cancelled with the loss of your
test fee.
The examiner will mark your driving according to three criteria:
Dangerous faults – Faults which cause actual
danger to other road users.
Serious faults – Faults which could potentially
cause danger to other road users.
Driving faults – Faults which do not constitute
a danger to other road users.
Committing 1 Dangerous or Serious fault, or more than 16
Driving faults will result in failure.
This reflects the skills required to drive on modern roads in modern
traffic conditions, without being a danger to yourself or any other
road user. You will be given the result at the end of the test together
with an explanation of any problems that the examiner feels need highlighting.
