The Uk Practical Driving Test
What is the Practical Driving Test and why do we have it?
The UK Driving test was introduced to all drivers in 1935, prior to this it was voluntary.
The test is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of the Highway Code and demonstrate your safe driving skills.
Your driving examiner will assess you on your driving skills, safe decision making and courtesy to other road users.
Official DSA car practical test - "Are you ready?"
Click on the above link to watch a short video from the DSA about the Practical Driving Test
A regular question that I am asked is "Is the driving test hard to pass?"
The answer is always the same. The driving test is straightforward and has been designed for you to demonstrate that you can drive safely in differing road and traffic conditions. If you have been taught correctly to the DSA Syllabus and have prepared well, and drive to the required standard, you will pass your driving test.
As stated in the above video "on average a learner driver takes approximately 40 hours of professional tuition PLUS arond a further 20 hours of private practice" Therefore the average pupil will have at least 60 hours of driving experience before attempting the driving test.
As an old saying goes "FAIL TO PREPARE, PREPARE TO FAIL"
The Eyesight Check
Before you start the actual driving test, you will be required to carry out an eysight check.
This eyesight check involves reading a car number plate at a set distance.
For the old style number plate (A123 XYZ) you will be required to read from a distance of 20.5 metres.
For the new style number plate (AB61 ABC) you will be required to read from a distance of 20 metres.
The reason for the slight difference in the distance is the physical size of the letters and numbers on the car number plate.
If you need to wear spectacles or contact lenses to read a number plate at this distance, you MUST wear them whilst you drive.
If you fail the eyesight check, you fail your driving test and the remainder of the test will be terminated!
Show me Tell me Questions
You will then be asked two safety type questions, known as "Show me, Tell me" questions.
The examiner will ask you one question from each category.
One question will ask you to "Show" the examiner something (an example might be "show me where the screenwash reservoir is")
The other question would be a "Tell me" question. (an example might be "Tell me how you would check your horn is working")
If you get one or both of these questions incorrect, you will recieve one driver fault on your test sheet.
The Driving Ability Part of your Driving Test
You will actually drive for between 35 to 40 minutes. Throughout your driving test, the examiner will be assessing your overall driving standards.
During the test, your examiner will give you directions to follow in various road and traffic conditions. You may be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop, approx 1 in 3 candidates are required to carry out this excercise.
You will also be asked to carry out one of the three reversing manouevres that you will have been taught.
During the test you will be asked to carry out approximately ten minutes of "Independent Driving" During this time you may be asked to follow a series of road signs or a series of simple directions. The examiner will ensure that you understand the requirments prior to you starting the independent driving.
The independent section of the drive is to assess your ability to drive safely whilst making decisions for yourself on the move.
Your Result
If you achieve 15 or less driving faults, with NO Serious or Dangerous faults you will pass your test.
When the driving test ends, the examiner will take a few moments to complete the test sheet and then inform you of the result, Pass or Fail. It is at this point that it is advised that you have your driving instructor present to hear the result and feedback. The examiner will explain to you how you have done. If you have passed your test, he will give you a Pass Certificate and you can legally drive alone from this moment. You do not need to wait for your full driving license to arrive.
| GSM Greenway, Paul Green DSA, ADI, Willowbank Cottage, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, DG6 4PG, Tel: 0800-078-6013, 0778-608-1460, 01557-860174, GSM Greenway |
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