The Driving Test
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Are You
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Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions (available at the bottom of the page). You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
The practical driving test (car) The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.
Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on a reversing exercise. The reversing exercise will be chosen from:
Vehicle safety questions These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
You can find source material in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
What happens during the test? During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. At some point in the test you will have to drive independently for about 10 minutes, you will be asked to follow soem road signs or given a series of directions in one go, with the aid of a simple map. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
After the practical test When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass... If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
If you fail... If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your car or motorcycle test.
Driving test standards All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.
If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.
Pass Plus The DSA recommends that new car drivers who have just passed their practical test consider taking Pass Plus. Pass Plus is a course of six extra modules taken with a driving instructor after passing your test.
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
The practical driving test (car) The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.
Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:
- can drive safely
- know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on a reversing exercise. The reversing exercise will be chosen from:
- reversing around a corner
- turning in the road
- reverse parking
Vehicle safety questions These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
You can find source material in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
What happens during the test? During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. At some point in the test you will have to drive independently for about 10 minutes, you will be asked to follow soem road signs or given a series of directions in one go, with the aid of a simple map. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
After the practical test When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass... If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.
If you fail... If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your car or motorcycle test.
Driving test standards All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.
Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.
If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.
Pass Plus The DSA recommends that new car drivers who have just passed their practical test consider taking Pass Plus. Pass Plus is a course of six extra modules taken with a driving instructor after passing your test.
Show Me - Tell Me Questions
Q1 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A1 Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers
Q2 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
A2 Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how you would top up to correct level
Q3 Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A3 Identify reservoir, check level against high/low level markings.
Q4 Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A4 Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q5 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
A5 Operate the wash wipe - turn on the ignition if required
Q6 Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting the journey.
A6 Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you move off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q7 Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A7 APPLY THE FOOTBRAKE AND THEN - Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is no at the end of its working travel.
Q8 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your ABS.
A8 Explain that the orange ABS warning light should show
Q9 Tell me how you would find information for the recommended tyre pressure on this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A9 Manufacture’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the valve dust caps.
Q10 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road
A10 No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre around the whole circumference.
Q11 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A11 Applying the indicators or the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Q12 Tell me how you would check the headlights and taillights are working. (no need to exit the car)
A12 Explain how you would operate the switch then walk around the vehicle checking all lights are working
Q1 Show me how you switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them
A13 Operate the headlight switch and then the fog light switch point out the warning light Explain that fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 Mts
Q14 Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on
A14 Switch on the headlights then operate the main beam - explain the blue warning light
Q15 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.(I can assist you, if you Need to switch the ignition on please do not start the engine)
A15 Ask the Examiner to check the brake lights at the rear of the car whilst you operate the brake pedal, explain that this check can be done by making use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc.
Q16 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and back windscreens
A16 Set all the controls - A/C, Circulation, Rear Screen Heater, Temp, Fan Speed & Direction
Q17 Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting your journey.
A17 If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning
Q18 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road)
A18 Check is carried out by using control (turn ignition on if necessary
Q19 Tell me how you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides best protection in the event of an accident
A19 The restraint should be set to give maximum support - the nose should be level with the centre of the restraint.
A1 Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers
Q2 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
A2 Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how you would top up to correct level
Q3 Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A3 Identify reservoir, check level against high/low level markings.
Q4 Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A4 Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q5 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
A5 Operate the wash wipe - turn on the ignition if required
Q6 Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting the journey.
A6 Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you move off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q7 Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A7 APPLY THE FOOTBRAKE AND THEN - Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is no at the end of its working travel.
Q8 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your ABS.
A8 Explain that the orange ABS warning light should show
Q9 Tell me how you would find information for the recommended tyre pressure on this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A9 Manufacture’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the valve dust caps.
Q10 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road
A10 No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre around the whole circumference.
Q11 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A11 Applying the indicators or the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Q12 Tell me how you would check the headlights and taillights are working. (no need to exit the car)
A12 Explain how you would operate the switch then walk around the vehicle checking all lights are working
Q1 Show me how you switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them
A13 Operate the headlight switch and then the fog light switch point out the warning light Explain that fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 Mts
Q14 Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on
A14 Switch on the headlights then operate the main beam - explain the blue warning light
Q15 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.(I can assist you, if you Need to switch the ignition on please do not start the engine)
A15 Ask the Examiner to check the brake lights at the rear of the car whilst you operate the brake pedal, explain that this check can be done by making use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc.
Q16 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and back windscreens
A16 Set all the controls - A/C, Circulation, Rear Screen Heater, Temp, Fan Speed & Direction
Q17 Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting your journey.
A17 If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning
Q18 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road)
A18 Check is carried out by using control (turn ignition on if necessary
Q19 Tell me how you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides best protection in the event of an accident
A19 The restraint should be set to give maximum support - the nose should be level with the centre of the restraint.
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Here is a downloadable copy of the Show Me - Tell Me questions .......
Please feel free to use them |
Show Me - Tell Me Questions Click Here |
Disclaimer: the PDIA accept no responsibility for any changes to the questions made by the DSA that are not reflected on this file…
