Mike will advise you when you are ready to book your practical driving test ~ normally we would book it for you so we can ensure the car is available for your use. We charge a flat fee for our Test sessions which includes plenty of time for a pre-test lesson, getting to the test centre in plenty of time, the test, a debrief session with Mike after leaving the test centre and dropping you back safely so you can celebrate!

Click to check current test fees

BOOKING THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

The quickest and easiest way to book your car practical driving test is to discuss with Mike when you are ready, then coordinate with Helen at the office, to actually book the exam:

• your choice of test centre
• the time and date you would like your test

AT THE TEST CENTRE

You must bring the following with you. If you do not, the Driving Examiner (the D.E.) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.

• an appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L- Plates, that is suitable for the purpose of the test (Don't worry about this as we ensure the Xpert Driver Training car is well prepared for your test!)
• the appropriate theory test pass certificate
• your appointment letter
• both parts of your photo card licence. If you do not take both parts of your licence your test will not take place and you will lose your fee
• if you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted

The Driving Test

Your examiner will ask if you would like your driving instructor to sit in the back of the car during your test. Some learners find this reassuring and it can be beneficial for feedback during your debrief session with Mike after leaving the test centre.

The first thing the examiner will do is check your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate on a stationary vehicle about 20 metres away. Make sure to take and wear your glasses if you need them to drive. (If you fail this, your test will not continue.)

You will then be asked two vehicle safety questions. One 'Show Me' and one ' Tell Me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly with result in one driving fault being recorded.

Your practical driving test will then commence.

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises and a working knowledge of the Highway Code.

During the test you will be required to do a reversing manoeuvre from the following:

• Reversing around a corner (left or right)
• Turning in the road
• Reverse Parking (Parallel)
• Reverse Parking (Bay)

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

Independent Drive

From 4th October 2010 your practical driving test will include a section of independent driving

• You have to drive by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both, for about ten minutes.
• If you're asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you'll be shown a diagram to help you.
• It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you're going!

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You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

AFTER THE PRACTICAL TEST

The examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed. We recommend you request that Mike is there for your debrief as you should request feedback on your test from the examiner.

WHEN YOU PASS

WELL DONE! You can now drive on your own!

Although you have passed your test you still have not had the opportunity to experience all the different driving situations you will find yourself in over time - It would be a good idea and can save you money on car insurance if you take your Pass Plus which prepares you for real life driving 24/7 365 days of the year!

IF YOU FAIL

You are not alone. We cannot pass all exams the first time we sit them. Learn from your experience and focus on the areas that were highlighted as needing improvement from your fail sheet and the test debrief with the examiner. You can re-sit your practical test as soon as 10 days later .

One of the most common reasons for failing is nerves. Be assured that at Xpert Driver Training you will be more than prepared for the practical driving test and we will do all that we can to help you overcome those nerves!

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Last Updated on Saturday, 25 June 2011 14:23