Practical Test
There are no minimum number of lessons or hours driving tuition required before you can sit your
practical driving test. However, you are expected to show safe driving in numerous conditions,
and knowledge of the Highway Code displayed through your driving.
At Keep Calm Driving School, we take the approach that our expert should tell you how many hours
you will require and when you are ready, but the final decision will always lie with you. We
understand you have personal, social, and even financial constraints for getting through your
test, which is why it is a personal decision to be made by you.
What happens in the test?
Your driving test will start at one of the test centres, where you will undertake and eyesight
test and two vehicle safety questions, or 'show me, tell me' questions designed to ensure you
understand the car itself.
The driving element will last for approximately 40 minutes, and will encompass a variety of driving
conditions and roads. There will be a reversing maneouvre, which is designed to allow you the chance
to show you can reverse the car in a safe, controlled manner.
Independent Driving
A section of the driving will be 'independent driving', which will involve the instructor giving
you general instructions for which you are to independently follow. The purpose of this is to
assess your ability to deal with road signs, and other traffic whilst maintaining a
proper driving manner.
This is not a test of your navigational skills, it is merely your ability to drive without the
guidance of your instructor during training, or examiner during the test. Even if you do not
follow the directions of the examiner exactly, you will not automatically fail. You are not
expected to have knowledge of the local area.
Mistakes
One of the most fundamental points in relation to your test is to not panic if you make
a mistake. We all make mistakes, and a mistake does not automatically mean that you
have failed your test.
You are entitled to take someone over 16 with you during your test, usually your driving
instructor but this can also be a family or friend. This person must not take any part in the
test.
You are allowed a total of 15 driving faults, but no serious or dangerous faults. A repeated driving
fault may become a serious fault resulting in failure.
How much does it cost?
Your test will cost £62 for a weekday price, or £75 for a weekday evening, weekend,
or bank holiday test.
If you fail your test and require to resit it, you will have to pay the full amount again.
We strongly advise using the official booking service, as other websites may charge more for the
same service. You can book your official test at
www.gov.uk/book-practical-driving-test
