Practical Test

About the DSA Practical Driving Test for Cars - The practical test is designed to assess your ability to drive safely and apply your knowledge of the Highway Code. Before you get behind the wheel, the examiner will begin by checking your eyesight.  You will be asked to read a number plate located around 20m away. Wear your glasses if you normally do so. If you fail the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to continue. - click here for more

Manouevres - There are three standard and one optional reverse manoeuvres that you will be required to know how to perform. You will be asked to perform one of them as part of your driving test, with the option of the additional one - click here for more

Under The Bonnet - DSA Form DL26 – the driving test application form – is available from your driving instructor or any theory or practical test centre - click here for more

Failing the Practical Test - The first thing to remember is that most people do fail their driving test! The current national pass rate only stands at around 43% and for first-timers this figure drops even further. The average learner driver needs 2-3 attempts at the test before they achieve their license - click here for more

How to Book your Practical Driving Test - You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from your driving instructor, any driving or theory test centre or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line - click here for more

What to Expect - The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) practical driving test is designed to test your ability to control the vehicle and to ensure what you have learnt over your lessons has stuck with you - click here for more

Test Day Tips - Nerves and confidence are major determining factors when it comes to success or failure in the practical driving test - click here for more

P Plates - After passing your test, driving alone all of a sudden may seem a little daunting. Until now, you have had another driver watching you, checking junctions, and reassuring you when you may not be totally confident - click here for more

Driving Faults - Any driving faults you commit during your practical test will be logged on form DL25 - an A4-sized document that is completed by your examiner - click here for more

Driving Test Trivia - From Mr Beene to record-low pass rates, here are some fun facts and anecdotes celebrating 70 years of the Great British driving test - click here for more