The Car Practical Driving Test

The driving test is designed so you can demonstrate that you know and understand the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.

Watch a video about the practical driving test

• Practical test for cars explained Opens new window

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions

• know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving

After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:

• an eyesight check – if you fail this, your test will not continue

• your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks

You'll be asked one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded. You can find source material in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'The official guide to driving - the essential skills' and 'The official DSA guide to learning to drive'.
Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's
handbook. But your Driving Instructor should be helping you practice.