DRIVING TEST! WHAT TO EXPECT?

 The driving test, which is required to obtain a driver's license, consists of several components that assess your ability to drive safely and legally on the road. Here’s an overview of what the driving test typically includes:

1. Theory Test

• Multiple-Choice Questions: The theory test includes a set of multiple-choice questions on various topics related to driving, such as road signs, rules of the road, and safe driving practices. You must pass this section to move on to the practical test.

• Hazard Perception: This part of the test evaluates your ability to recognize and respond to potential hazards on the road. You’ll watch a series of video clips and identify developing hazards by clicking the mouse.

2. Practical Driving Test

• Eyesight Check: Before the test begins, the examiner will ask you to read a car number plate from a specific distance (usually 20 meters). Failing this part means the test cannot proceed.

• Vehicle Safety Questions ("Show Me, Tell Me"): You'll be asked one "show me" and one "tell me" question. For example, you might be asked to show how to check the car's indicators or tell how to check that the brakes are working.

• General Driving: The main part of the practical test involves driving on various types of roads either with the examiner's direction or following a sat navigation system. You'll be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the car, follow road rules, and drive safely in different conditions.

• Manoeuvres: You will be required to perform one specific reverse manoeuvre. These may include:

  • Parallel parking at the side of the road.

  • Parking in a bay (either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out).

  • Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for two car lengths, and rejoining traffic.

• Independent Driving: For about 20 minutes, you’ll be asked to drive independently, either by following road signs, a series of verbal directions, or using a sat-nav provided by the examiner.

• Emergency Stop: In some tests, you may be asked to perform an emergency stop to demonstrate your ability to stop the car quickly and safely.

3. Assessment Criteria

• The examiner will assess your driving throughout the test, looking for how you handle the vehicle, your awareness of other road users, your ability to make decisions, and your adherence to road rules.

• Mistakes are categorized as:

  • Minor Fault: A driving fault is not potentially dangerous but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.

  • Serious Fault: A serious fault is something that has the potential to be dangerous. You will fail your test if you make any serious faults. 

  • Dangerous Fault: Poses an immediate danger to others or requires dual controls to be used, resulting in an immediate fail and possible test termination.

4. Test Result

• At the end of the practical driving test, the examiner will tell you if you passed or failed. If you pass, you can start driving immediately with a full license. If you fail, the examiner will explain the reasons, and you'll need to retake the test.

The test aims to ensure that new drivers can operate a vehicle correctly, assess surroundings safely, follow the rules of the road and under various conditions.