Learn to Drive Northamptonshire, The Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test is your opportunity to show the examiner that you are safe on the road, in control of the vehicle and aware of your surroundings. Everyone on the road, including the instructor and examiner have sat where you will be and understand the effects of nerves.

It's best to arrive in plenty of time; your instructor will usually ensure there is plenty of time from collecting you, directing you to the test centre and through the registration process.

During the test several items will be checked.

Eyesight Test

The first thing to be tested is your eyesight. You'll be asked to read a car number plate from the required minimum distance.

Show Me, Tell Me

Following the eyesight test, your examiner will lead you through a "show me, tell me" test. During this the examiner will ask you two questions about vehicle safety - one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. This questions are simply to ensure you know how to check that your car is safe to drive and will about what's under the bonnet, what's inside the car, the lights and the tyres. You'll need to answer both questions correctly or the examiner will record a fault.

The driving test show me, tell questions and responses are available from our site and your instructor will be happy to take you through each question and response.

The driving!

During the test, the examiner will assess your ability to drive competently and safely and test you on most of the skills you've covered in your lessons. Your instructor will make sure you're fully prepared and that you're familiar with the range of manoeuvres.

Committing more than 15 driving faults, or one serious or dangerous fault, will result in a fail.

Some do's, dont's and things to remember

• Do not panic! if you feel you have made an error carry on, otherwise you could make it worse,
• Stalling the car is not a reason to pack up, go home and come back another day, just demonstrate you know the process and can carry on,
• Observe, observe, observe; show the examiner you are looking in the mirrors, using your eyes and are aware of the surroundings,
• Good speed control at all times; not too slow, but below the speed limit remember,
• Road positioning and progress; keep good road position and make progress and good speed - observing the speed limits and maintaining control,