Euroschool Practical Test
The Practical Test
Once you have passed your theory test, your instructor will advise you about when you should apply for your practical driving test. It will take approximately 2 weeks to receive a test date - your instructor will help you with your test application form.
The driving test takes approximately 40-45 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. Most test routes involve town driving and if possible, single and dual carriageway roads outside 30mph speed limits.
On the day of your test you need to bring:
- your test appointment card
- your driving licence
- photographic id
On leaving the test centre the examiner will ask you which car is yours and then ask you to read a car number plate.
In 2003 'show me, tell me' was added to the practical test. Before getting into the car the examiner will ask you two questions relating to vehicle safety and maintenance. If one or both questions are answered incorrectly, one driving fault will be recorded. The questions fit into four categories:
- under the bonnet
- inside the car
- lights
- tyres
The examiner will sit in the front passenger seat and explain how the driving test will work. You will be asked to start the car and move away. During your test you will complete some of the following manoeuvres:
- an emergency stop
- reverse parking manoeuvres(paralell and bay parking)
- 2 of the possible 3 slow manoeuvers(reverse parking, reverse round a corner, turn in the road)
- hill start and angled start
- general driving on the chosen test route
The examiner is looking for a competent and safe driver, but 15 driving faults(errors that do not create an actual or potential danger to other road users) are permitted. The examiner records these faults and if you make 16 or more you will fail the test. If you make a mistake, continue driving and don't worry, it may only be a minor error and may not affect your result. However if you make a serious or dangerous error you will fail automatically. If you fail the examiner will briefly explain why you failed. You can reapply to take your test again straight away, but you cannot retake the test within 10 days.
If you pass you will be given a pass certificate. Remember to send it to the DVLA to get your full driving licence as soon as possible.
At present the practical driving test costs £56.50 for weekday tests and £67 for weekday evening and weekend tests.
You can book your practical test via the internet, phone or post. Go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022539
To book a practical driving test call: 0870 0101 372