Passing your driving test is a major life milestone, but it can also feel incredibly nerve-wracking if you're not sure what to expect. In this guide, we'll walk you through every stage of the UK practical driving test, including the 'show me, tell me' questions, the different test components, and what happens after your test result.

Whether you're preparing for your test or just curious about the process, this guide will ensure you're fully informed and ready to succeed.

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🚗 1. Overview of the UK Driving Test

The UK driving test is designed to assess whether you can drive safely, confidently, and independently across various road types and traffic conditions.

The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars and consists of five key parts:

1. An eyesight check
2. ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
3. General driving ability
4. Reversing manoeuvres
5. Independent driving

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🕒 2. How Long Does the Driving Test Last?

• Standard Driving Test: Around 40 minutes.
• Extended Driving Test: Around 70 minutes (for those who have been previously banned from driving).

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👀 3. Eyesight Check Explained

At the start of your test, the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from:

• 20 metres for new-style number plates (e.g., AB51 ABC).
• 20.5 metres for old-style number plates.

Important: Failing the eyesight check means an automatic failure and the test will end immediately.

Pro Tip: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, don’t forget to bring them!

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🛠️ 4. ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions

During your test, the examiner will ask you two safety questions:

• ‘Tell me’ Question: Asked before you start driving. You’ll explain how you’d carry out a safety task.
• ‘Show me’ Question: Asked while you’re driving. You’ll demonstrate a safety task.

🔗 Watch the official DVSA ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions on YouTube

🚦 Complete List of 'Tell Me' Questions and Answers

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

   • Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

   • Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

   • The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe.

   • No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

5. Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.

   • Operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle.

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

   • A warning light would illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.

   • Operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) and walk around the vehicle.

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.

   • Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

   • Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started should result in slight movement.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

• Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.

11. Tell me how you’d switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

• Operate the switch (with ignition on if necessary), check main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

• Identify dipstick/oil level indicator and check oil level against the min/max markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine coolant.

• Identify high/low level markings on the header tank or radiator cap.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the brake fluid level.

• Identify reservoir and check against high/low markings.

🚦 Complete List of 'Show Me' Questions

1. When safe, wash and clean the rear windscreen.
2. When safe, wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. When safe, switch on dipped headlights.
4. When safe, set the rear demister.
5. When safe, operate the horn.
6. When safe, demist the front windscreen.
7. When safe, open and close the side window.

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🚦 5. Your General Driving Ability

During this part of the test, you’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, excluding motorways. The examiner will provide you with directions to follow, and you’ll need to demonstrate safe and competent driving skills throughout.

🚘 Key Elements of General Driving Ability:

1. Pulling Over Safely:

   • You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away several times, including:
     • Normal stops at the side of the road.
     • Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle.
     • A hill start.

2. Emergency Stop (Optional):

   • About one in three tests includes an emergency stop.
   • The examiner will instruct you when to perform it.

📌 What the Examiner is Looking For:

• Smooth and confident control of the vehicle.
• Correct use of mirrors and signals.
• Observing and reacting appropriately to hazards.
• Following road signs and markings accurately.

Tip: Stay calm and focused. If you miss a direction, ask the examiner to repeat it—they won’t penalise you for this.

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🔄 6. Reversing Manoeuvres

You’ll be asked to complete one reversing exercise from the following options:

1. Parallel Park at the Side of the Road:

   • Park parallel to the kerb behind a parked car.

2. Bay Parking:

   • Either drive into a parking bay and reverse out, or reverse into a bay and drive out.
   • The examiner will specify which method to use.

3. Pull Up on the Right-Hand Side:

   • Pull up on the right-hand side of the road.
   • Reverse for around two car lengths.
   • Rejoin the traffic safely.

📌 What the Examiner is Looking For:

• Accuracy and control during the manoeuvre.
• Awareness of surroundings (using mirrors and checking blind spots).
• Safe execution without endangering other road users.

Tip: Take your time—precision matters more than speed.

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🛤️ 7. Independent Driving

For approximately 20 minutes, you’ll drive independently by following either:

1. Directions from a Sat Nav:

   • The examiner will set up the Sat Nav for you.
   • You cannot use your own device.

2. Traffic Signs:

   • Follow road signs to a specific location.

📌 Key Points to Remember:

• Don’t panic if you miss a direction—the examiner will help you get back on track.
• You will not be penalised for taking a wrong turn, as long as you remain safe and follow the rules of the road.
• Focus on observation, mirror use, and correct positioning.

Tip: During independent driving, your ability to handle real-world driving scenarios is being assessed. Stay calm and trust your preparation.

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❌ 8. What Happens if You Make Mistakes?

Mistakes happen, but not every error will result in failure.

⚠️ Fault Categories:

1. Dangerous Fault: Immediate danger to you, the examiner, the public, or property.
2. Serious Fault: Something potentially dangerous.
3. Driving Fault (Minor): Not dangerous, but repeated faults can add up.

📝 Pass/Fail Criteria:

• You’ll pass if you make no more than 15 minor faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
• A single serious or dangerous fault will result in failure.

🚦 If You Make a Mistake:

• Stay calm and carry on driving.
• One mistake doesn’t mean you’ve failed—your overall driving ability is what matters.

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👥 9. Who Can Sit in on Your Driving Test?

You have the option to have someone accompany you during your test. This is usually your driving instructor, but it can also be a friend or family member.

📌 Rules for Accompanying Persons:

• They must be over 16 years old.
• They cannot take any part in the test.
• They must follow the rules about observing tests.

📝 Examiner’s Supervisor:

Occasionally, a driving examiner's supervisor might sit in the back to monitor the examiner’s performance.

Important: If you refuse to let a supervisor sit in, your test could be cancelled, and you’ll need to rebook and repay.

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📝 10. Understanding Driving Test Faults and Results

At the end of your test, your examiner will:

• Tell you if you passed or failed.
• Provide feedback on any faults you made.
• Offer advice on improving your driving skills.

✅ If You Pass:

• You’ll receive a pass certificate.
• The examiner will ask if you want your full driving licence sent automatically.
• You can start driving immediately—you don’t need to wait for your physical licence.

❌ If You Fail:

• The examiner will explain the faults that led to failure.
• You’ll need to book another test at least 10 working days later.
• Take the feedback as constructive advice for improvement.

⚖️ Appealing a Driving Test Result:

• You can appeal your result if you believe the examiner didn’t follow the rules.
• Appeals must be made within:
  • 6 months in England and Wales.
  • 21 days in Scotland.
• Appeals can result in a refund or a free retest, but not a change in your result.

More info: Official DVSA Guidance on Appeals

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🌦️ 11. What Happens if Your Test is Cancelled?

📌 Common Reasons for Cancellation:

• Bad weather (e.g., snow, fog, flooding).
• Examiner illness or unavailability.
• Vehicle faults (if using your own car).

🚗 Your Options:

• Your test will be rescheduled for free.
• You may be eligible for out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., lost earnings).

Tip: Always check the weather forecast and ensure your vehicle is in full working condition.

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🗝️ 12. Final Tips for Test Day Success

1. Get a good night’s sleep before your test.
2. Eat a healthy meal to stay energised.
3. Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
4. Bring your provisional licence and any required documents.
5. Stay calm and focused—confidence is key!

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❓ 13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many minor faults can you make and still pass?

You can make up to 15 minor faults, but no serious or dangerous faults.

Q2: Can you fail for going the wrong way during independent driving?

No, as long as you remain safe and follow the rules of the road.

Q3: Can I use my own car for the test?

Yes, but it must meet the DVSA’s safety requirements.

Q4: What happens if I fail the eyesight test?

The test will end immediately, and you’ll need to rebook.

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Ready for your test? Plan, prepare, and stay confident. Best of luck! 🚗✨

Visit the DVSA Website for More Information