Driver Training
Tel: 0800 61 23 593
Safe Driving For Life
The Practical Test
What is involved in the practical test?
• Your driving test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue), some vehicle safety questions (two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me') and some specific manoeuvres
• The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes
• 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
• The driving test has been designed to see if you can drive safely; know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving test
• When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test
• You can ask for your instructor to be present during the test and/or at the post test debrief
Can I drive my own car for the test?
• You can drive any roadworthy car for the practical test
• You must be aware that there are a number of vehicles that can't be used for a practical driving test for safety reasons. These vehicles have either been recalled, or a safety notice issued, because a fault has been identified which needs to be corrected by the manufacturer or a dealer. For further information visit the DSA website
What happens after I have passed the test?
• If you have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within four weeks of you passing your practical test
• If you do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence
• Your driving instructor will drive you home or to your drop off point
What happens if I fail the test?
• You should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your failed test
• Your driving instructor will drive you home or to your drop off point
What happens if I have special needs?
• You should let the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) know when you book your practical test if you have any hearing problems, language difficulties, movement restrictions or adaptations fitted to your vehicle.
• For further information click here
How do I book a practical test?
• You can book your practical test online; by phone or by post
Where is my nearest test centre?
• There are 4 test centres in the local area; Southampton (Forest Hills); Southampton (Maybush);
Portsmouth; Winchester
What is involved in the practical test?
• Your driving test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue), some vehicle safety questions (two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me') and some specific manoeuvres
• The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes
• 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
• The driving test has been designed to see if you can drive safely; know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving test
• When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test
• You can ask for your instructor to be present during the test and/or at the post test debrief
Can I drive my own car for the test?
• You can drive any roadworthy car for the practical test
• You must be aware that there are a number of vehicles that can't be used for a practical driving test for safety reasons. These vehicles have either been recalled, or a safety notice issued, because a fault has been identified which needs to be corrected by the manufacturer or a dealer. For further information visit the DSA website
What happens after I have passed the test?
• If you have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within four weeks of you passing your practical test
• If you do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence
• Your driving instructor will drive you home or to your drop off point
What happens if I fail the test?
• You should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your failed test
• Your driving instructor will drive you home or to your drop off point
What happens if I have special needs?
• You should let the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) know when you book your practical test if you have any hearing problems, language difficulties, movement restrictions or adaptations fitted to your vehicle.
• For further information click here
How do I book a practical test?
• You can book your practical test online; by phone or by post
Where is my nearest test centre?
• There are 4 test centres in the local area; Southampton (Forest Hills); Southampton (Maybush);
Portsmouth; Winchester
The Practical Driving Test
