Practical Test
Once you've booked your test
you will be sent an appointment letter. Check the
date,
time and
location of your allotted
test.
On the day of your test
you will need to bring with you the
appointment letter, both
parts of your driving licence
(photocard & counterpart) as well as your theory
certificate. Without production of these to the
examiner you will not be allowed to take the test, and your fee will be
lost.
Arrive at the test centre in good time,
as an examiner will conduct up to seven tests each day, and so if you are
late the test will probably be cancelled, and again you will lose your fee.
At the time of your test,
the examiner will call your name, and ask you to sign the insurance and
residency declaration, thus giving them time to check your signature and
photo id. You will then be asked to lead the way to your car. The examiner
will then get you to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5m, and ask
you two Show Me/Tell Me questions relating to the car.
The examiner will then
explain the test to you
and once any questions have been asked, will ask you to move away when
ready. The test will last for approximately 38 minutes, and you will end the
test back at the test centre, ready for the de-brief and test result.
At the end of the test,
the examiner will total up the faults and then inform you as to whether you
have passed or failed. Throughout your drive you are allowed to commit a
total of 15 Driver Faults,
16 and you fail. You must also avoid making either a
Serious or
Dangerous fault as this
would also indicate a fail.
It is advisable
that your instructor sits in the car for the de-brief, as they will have a
clearer head and probably more understanding of the faults explained.
If you've
passed the test,
you will be issued with a pass certificate, along with a few other leaflets
and booklets relating to driving. They will then offer to keep your
provisional licence and have an automatic upgrade issued.
If you've
failed
the test, the examiner
will explain the faults in detail and give you some pointers toward passing
next time.
Whether you've passed or failed,
your instructor will drive you home, giving you chance to phone family and
friends, as well as discuss what comes next.