The Driving Test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long. During this time the examiner will:
- Check your eyesight by getting you to read a number plate at the required distance.
- Ask you to show or tell them how to conduct certain vehicle safety checks.
- Direct you to drive around a test route while incorporating two of the following set manoeuvres and sometimes an emergency stop.
Set manoeuvres:
- Reverse parking behind a parked car or into a parking bay.
- Reversing round a corner.
- Turn in the road.
Booking the driving test
To book the test, telephone the driving test enquiry line on 0870 0101 372 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. If you are able to pay by credit or debit card you can book a driving test appointment over the phone or online without the need to complete an application form. You will, however, need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving licence; your theory test pass certificate number and your driving school code, if you are being trained by a professional driving instructor. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card as confirmation within a few days.
Cancelling a test
You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of the test and can get a doctor to verify this, the DSA will refund the test fee.
At the test centre
You must take the following items with you to the test centre:
- Your theory test pass certificate.
- Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence.
It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.
Your test vehicle
The vehicle you intend to drive must be legally roadworthy, have a current MOT certificate if over the prescribed age and be fully covered by insurance for its’ present use and for you to drive. The driver will be asked to sign a declaration that the car’s insurance is in order. The test will not be conducted if you are unwilling to do this. Hire cars are unlikely to be insured for this purpose.
Your test vehicle should also display a valid tax disc and L-plates to the front and the rear. Your vehicle must also have a properly fitted head restraint and a fully functioning seat belt fitted to the front passenger seat, and an additional interior rear-view mirror for suitable use by the examiner. If you overlook any of the above, your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.
Test costs The combined theory and hazard perception test currently costs £31.00
A weekday practical test costs £62.00 Evening or weekend tests cost £75.00
Call free on
0800 56 77 507
