Practical Driving Test for Cars

Once you have taken and passed your Theory Test and your Hazard Perception Test your next step is to prepare yourself for and finally take your practical driving test

What is the Practical Driving Test?

The Practical Driving Test is – just as the name would suggest – the final part of the learning to drive process in which you, as the driver, will go out onto the road in a vehicle with a qualified examiner who will observe and assess your ability to drive a vehicle with the ultimate aim of achieving a pass.

What does the Practical Driving Test Consist of?

The test proper consists of driving on roads – not motorways – under the supervision of your examiner who will give you instructions as to what route to take. Basically you are required to navigate a particular route – known as the Test Route – along which there may already be hazards that the examiner will be aware of. The aim of this is to determine whether or not you are a competent enough driver to be allowed to drive alone as a qualified driver.

During the course of the test you will be asked to:

• Negotiate junctions
• Use a roundabout
• Understand and show understanding of road markings and signs
• Show an understanding of speed limits on varying types of road
• Demonstrate how to park and reverse park
• Perform a turn in the road (formerly known as the 3-point turn)
• Prepare to drive your vehicle
• Display an understanding of mirror, signal and manoeuvre
• Perform an emergency stop

There may be other requirements but this is dependent on the instructor; the aforementioned list is designed as a guide and your driving instructor will go into more depth as to the actual overall requirements for your test.

Preparing for the Practical Driving Test

The one and only sure fire way of preparing for your Practical Driving Test is to have as much time behind the wheel of a car as you can. Obviously this is not always practical for those people who work or have families to look after but where possible spend as much time driving in as many different conditions and roads (but not motorways) as you can. The more time you have behind the wheel of a car the more confidence you will become and the more proficient a driver you will be.

On the day of the test you should try and book an additional lesson – or perhaps a block of several hours – with your instructor before the test proper. He or she will give you some last minute advice as well as taking you along the test route in order for you to establish how the route is laid out. Many consider this to be cheating but it is not. It is common practice for driving instructors in an area where a test route is always the same to take their pupils around the test route in an effort to familiarise them with the road layout.

The Highway Code

As well as brushing up on your practical driving you should brush up – and continually be aware – of the Highway Code. During the course of the Practical Driving Test your examiner may well ask you questions relating to speeds on certain stretches of road, road markings and signs, and how the law dictates certain motoring situations should be handled.

Take a copy of the Highway Code with you to the Test Centre (although you will not be allowed it with you in the car) and read up on it whilst you are waiting for your test to begin. Your instructor will also spend time going through it with you while you wait.

Finally the most important piece of advice any qualified driver can give a learner driver when it comes to taking their test is: Don’t panic! The test may sound daunting and for some – may indeed be daunting – but keeping a level head and maintaining your composure throughout will help you no end.