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Everything you need to prepare for your practical and theory driving tests. Get AI help, use our interactive checklist, and explore our test preparation resources.
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What to Expect on Test Day
Eyesight Check
You'll need to read a number plate from 20.5 metres. Bring glasses if you need them — failing this means the test ends immediately.
Show Me, Tell Me
You'll be asked one 'tell me' question at the start and one 'show me' question while driving. Learn the vehicle safety questions beforehand.
Test Duration
The practical test lasts about 40 minutes, including 20 minutes of independent driving following a sat nav or road signs.
Your Test Day Timeline
Know exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at the test centre to the moment you get your result.
Eyesight Check
Read a number plate from 20.5 metres. Fail this and the test ends immediately — so bring glasses if you need them.
Tell Me Question
One vehicle safety question answered verbally before you start driving — e.g. how to check tyre tread depth.
General Driving
Driving in various road and traffic conditions, following the examiner's directions. Normal everyday driving.
Manoeuvre
One reversing exercise: parallel park, bay park (reversing in or out), or pulling up on the right and reversing.
Independent Driving
20 minutes following a sat nav (set by the examiner) or road signs. Going the wrong way isn't a fault — safe driving is what matters.
Show Me Question
One vehicle safety question answered while driving — e.g. how to clean the windscreen using the controls.
Test Complete
Return to the test centre. The examiner tells you the result and goes through any faults on your driving test report.
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Manoeuvres Guide
You'll be asked to do one reversing manoeuvre on your test. Learn all four — tap through each to see tips and what the examiner is looking for.
Parallel Park
Park behind a parked car
You'll pull up alongside a parked car, then reverse into the space behind it. The examiner will ask you to stop within a reasonable distance of the car in front, without touching the kerb.
- Use your mirrors before starting
- Take it slow — speed control is key
- Reference points help you judge the space
- Look around for other road users throughout
Show Me, Tell Me Questions
You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions on your driving test. Learn all the official DVSA questions and answers here.
About the questions
You'll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.
- 'Tell me'question (where you explain how you'd carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- 'Show me'question (where you show how you'd carry out a safety task) while you're driving
You'll get one driving fault (sometimes called a 'minor') if you get one or both questions wrong. You'll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the 'show me' question.
'Tell me' questions
Asked at the start before you drive
'Show me' questions
Asked while you're driving
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Independent Driving
For 20 minutes of your test, you'll drive without step-by-step directions — either following a sat nav or road signs.
Sat Nav Followed
The examiner sets a destination on a sat nav (their own TomTom Start 52). You follow it for roughly 20 minutes.
Or Road Signs
About 1 in 5 tests follow traffic signs instead of a sat nav — e.g. 'follow signs to the city centre'.
20 Minutes Long
The independent driving section lasts about 20 minutes — that's half the test. So practice is essential.
Wrong Way Is Fine
Going the wrong way isn't a fault. The examiner will redirect you. What matters is that you drive safely.
How the Test Is Marked
Understand the three fault types and the most common reasons people fail — so you can avoid them.
Minor (Driving) Fault
A small mistake that doesn't significantly affect safety. You can get up to 15 of these and still pass.
Up to 15 allowedSerious Fault
A potentially dangerous situation or repeated driving fault. One of these means you fail the test.
0 allowedDangerous Fault
Actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property. The examiner may have to intervene. Instant fail.
0 allowedTop 10 Reasons for Failing
Based on DVSA national statistics — know these before your test.
Driving Test Checklist
Make sure you're fully prepared. Tick off each item — your progress is saved automatically.
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