UK Driving Test: What to Expect on Your Test Day (DT1)
This step-by-step guide will take you through everything the examiner will do during the test. Follow these details closely to help your learners prepare.
1. Pre-Test Requirements:
Before the test begins, the examiner will ask you to:
• Show your provisional driving licence.
• Show proof of your theory test certificate (if applicable).
• Check your vehicle: Ensure the vehicle you are using is roadworthy and that all documents (insurance, tax, MOT) are up to date. You will also need to check that your vehicle is in good condition for the test.
Examiner’s instructions:
• “Please show me your driving license and your theory test certificate (if applicable).”
• “Can you confirm that the vehicle is insured, taxed, and roadworthy?”
2. Eyesight Test:
The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from 20 meters away (20.5 meters for older plates). If you cannot read the number plate, the test will be cancelled.
Examiner’s instructions:
• “Please read the number plate on that vehicle. It must be read from a distance of 20 meters.”
3. Vehicle Safety Questions:
This part involves two types of questions:
• Tell Me: The examiner will ask you to explain how you would carry out a specific safety check.
• Show Me: The examiner will ask you to show how you would perform a specific vehicle check while driving.
Examples of Tell Me questions:
• “Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.”
• “Tell me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working.”
Examples of Show Me questions (while driving):
• “Show me how you would operate the windscreen wipers.”
• “Show me how you would use the horn.”
Car 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
4. The Driving Test:
Once the pre-test checks are complete, the actual driving portion begins. The examiner will guide you through the drive, assessing your skills.
Examiner’s instructions during driving:
• “Please follow the road ahead unless signs indicate otherwise.”
• “Turn left/right at the next junction.”
• “Follow the road signs to [destination].”
• “Take the next exit at the roundabout.”
5. Types of Road Involvement:
You’ll be asked to drive on different types of roads, such as:
• Urban roads (within towns and cities).
• Rural roads (with varying speed limits).
• Dual carriageways (if the route requires it).
The examiner will be assessing your ability to drive on each of these road types safely and in compliance with road laws.
6. Specific Driving Skills Assessed:
Your examiner will evaluate how well you demonstrate the following:
• Use of mirrors: Checking mirrors regularly and before any change in speed or direction.
• Signals: Using indicators clearly and at the correct time.
• Speed control: Maintaining appropriate speed for the road conditions.
• Positioning on the road: Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and staying in lane.
• Observation: Constantly scanning the road for potential hazards.
• Judgement: Making safe and informed decisions about overtaking, stopping, or turning.
7. Manoeuvres:
The examiner will ask you to complete one of the following manoeuvres:
• Parallel parking: Parking alongside a parked vehicle (either to the left or right of the road).
• Bay parking: Parking in a marked bay (usually in a car park).
• Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road: You’ll be asked to pull up to the right of the road, reverse, and rejoin the traffic.
• Reversing around a corner: A precise, controlled reverse turn at a junction.
The examiner will explain which manoeuvre you need to perform. For example:
Examiner’s instructions:
• “Please pull up alongside the kerb in a position where it’s safe to carry out the parking exercise.”
• “Now, reverse around the corner into the next road, observing all around you.”
8. Independent Driving (20 minutes):
For around 20 minutes of the test, you will drive independently. During this time:
• You will either follow a satnav or be asked to follow road signs.
• The examiner will not give any directions during this period unless necessary to prevent danger.
Examiner’s instructions:
• “I’ll give you directions using a satnav, or you can follow the road signs to your destination. Just drive safely and follow the instructions.”
• “You’re required to drive independently for the next 20 minutes. Please follow the road signs to [destination].”
9. Emergency Stop (Optional):
The examiner may ask you to perform an emergency stop, where you must stop the car as quickly as possible while maintaining control.
Examiner’s instructions:
• “When I say stop, please bring the car to a safe, controlled stop as quickly as you can.”
10. Test Completion:
Once the driving portion is over, the examiner will give you feedback. They’ll either pass or fail you based on the criteria outlined. You will be informed of the result, and any faults made during the test will be discussed.
Examiner’s instructions:
• “Your test has now finished. I’ll let you know the result. If you have passed, I will explain the next steps.”
• “Unfortunately, you’ve failed the test. Here are the reasons why…”
Pass or Fail:
• Pass: If you demonstrate safe driving with minor faults, you’ll pass and receive advice for the next steps, including how to apply for your full driving licence.
• Fail: If you make a serious or dangerous fault, you’ll fail the test. The examiner will give you feedback on the areas you need to improve, and you can rebook the test after further practice.
Test Outcome:
The examiner will confirm the result and provide feedback on any faults made during the test. This feedback will guide you in the areas where further practice is needed before your next attempt.
Test Summary:
• Eyesight check.
• Vehicle safety questions (Show Me, Tell Me).
• On-road driving assessment.
• Manoeuvres.
• Independent driving.
• Emergency stop (optional).
• Test result.
***Source: This guide is based on the official guidelines from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the government body responsible for driving tests in Great Britain. For more information, visit the official DVSA website.***