FAQs - Driving Test
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When can I book my driving test?
You can book your driving test once you’ve passed your theory test. You’ll need your theory test pass certificate number when booking.
Can I start taking driving lessons before I pass my theory test?
Yes, you can start driving lessons before passing your theory test, as long as you have a provisional driving licence.
Do I need to pass another theory test if I’m upgrading from an automatic to a manual licence later at some point after gaining experience?
You do not need to take another theory test when upgrading from an automatic car licence to a manual car licence.
How long is my theory test pass valid for?
Your theory test pass certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you passed. You must pass your practical driving test within this period.
What happens if my theory test certificate expires before I pass my practical test?
If your theory test certificate expires, you’ll need to retake and pass the theory test before booking another practical driving test.
Can I book my driving test online?
Yes, you can book your driving test online through the official GOV.UK website. Make sure you have your provisional driving licence number and your theory test pass certificate number ready.
Can I take my practical driving test in my own car?
Yes, you can take your driving test in your own car instead of your driving instructor’s car — but it must meet specific rules and safety requirements set by the DVSA.
Can I use a hired or borrowed car for my driving test?
You can, as long as the car meets all DVSA rules and is properly insured for a practical driving test. Make sure the insurance policy covers you for test use.
What happens if my car doesn’t meet the rules on the day?
If your car doesn’t meet the DVSA requirements, your test will be cancelled, and you’ll lose your fee — so it’s important to check everything in advance.
What do I need to bring to my driving test?
Read and follow the instructions in the email, you have received as booking confirmation. In general, you must bring the following items to your driving test:
- Your UK driving licence (photocard licence)
- Your theory test pass certificate (if you have it)
- A car to take the test
What are the main parts of the driving test?
There are 5 parts to the practical driving test:
- An eyesight check
- ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
- General driving ability
- Reversing your vehicle
- Independent driving
The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.
How long does the practical driving test last?
The standard driving test lasts around 40 minutes.
If you’re taking an extended driving test (for example, after a driving ban), it lasts around 70 minutes.
What happens during the eyesight check?
You’ll need to read a number plate from:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
If you fail the eyesight check, the test will end immediately.
What are the ‘show me, tell me’ questions?
A ‘tell me’ question before you start driving (for example, explaining how to check tyres).
A ‘show me’ question while you’re driving (for example, showing how to wash the windscreen).
What does the general driving part involve?
Pull over and move off several times, including:
- Normal stops
- Pulling out from behind a parked car
- A hill start
Possibly carry out an emergency stop
What are the reversing exercises?
You’ll be asked to complete one of the following:
- Parallel park at the side of the road
- Park in a bay (either drive in and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out)
- Pull up on the right-hand side, reverse for about 2 car lengths, then rejoin traffic
What happens during the independent driving section?
You’ll drive for about 20 minutes while following:
- Directions from a sat nav, or
- Traffic signs
The examiner will tell you which one to follow and will set up the sat nav for you. You cannot use your own sat nav.
If you miss a sign or go the wrong way, don’t worry — it’s not a fault unless you drive unsafely.
What if I make a mistake during the test?
You can keep going if you make a mistake — it might not affect your result if it’s not serious.
The examiner will only stop the test if they believe your driving is dangerous.
Who else can be at my test?
A supervisor may sit in to monitor the examiner
You can ask someone (like your instructor, friend, or relative aged 16 or over) to sit in
Someone sitting in the car cannot take part in the test.
What types of faults can I make during the driving test?
There are three types of faults you can make:
- Dangerous fault – involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property.
- Serious fault – something that is potentially dangerous.
Driving fault (also called a minor fault) – not dangerous on its own, but if you repeat it often, it could become a serious fault.
How many serious or dangerous faults can I make and still pass?
You’ll fail if you make 1 serious or dangerous fault
What happens if I pass my driving test?
If you pass, the examiner will:
- Tell you what faults you made (if any).
- Give you a pass certificate.
Ask if you want your full driving licence to be sent automatically — if so, hand over your provisional licence.
When can I start driving after I pass?
You can start driving straight away — you do not need to wait for your full licence to arrive.
If your full licence hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks, contact the DVLA to check the status.
What happens if I do not pass the test?
If you don’t pass:
- The examiner will explain which faults caused you to fail.
- You’ll need to book another test and pay again.
Union Driving School
The Circle
33 Rockingham Lane
Sheffield
S1 4FW
Phone: 07825512569
DVSA approved driving instructors
