Test Day

What To Expect

Well done you, you've made it through all your driver training, all that stands between you and that shiny new pink licence is a trip out around the block with a friendly examiner, don't worry they don't bite. They are not looking for a perfect drive, they are looking for a safe drive....if your going for test you have the ability to drive safe and pass this test...if you didn't you wouldn't be taking the test. 

Think positive, go out and show them what you can do! 

Have a read through the rest of the page for a few ideas and tips. 

Test checklist

Bring your licence and glasses if needed? 

Have something to eat beforehand! Bananas are recommended.

Feel free to bring a drink with you.


The test 

Your Examiner will come out to introduce themselves. They will ask you to sign the test agreement and check your licence. 

Your test will probably show my email address, its fine to leave it I always forward this to you.

You will be asked if you would like your instructor to accompany you on your test. Please Please say NO, I can't sit still and I struggle to be quiet & I'm not allowed to help, anyway your probably sick of the sight of me by now.  

They will ask if you would like your instructor present at the end, please say yes.

Once outside you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of around 20 metres.

They will ask you to get into your vehicle but DO NOT start the engine. 

You will be asked one ‘tell me’ question, if its an under bonnet question you will get this before entering the car. 

All Questions Here

Your Examiner will explain how test works and what to expect. 

The test will last 38-40 mins, and will feature 20 mins of independent driving using either a pre-programmed satnav, or by following road signs.

The examiner will give you directions after that in the same way I have done on our lessons.

When following traffic signs its important to listen to the examiner throughout the drive as the destination will often change.

Example can you follow signs to Darlington / Bishop Auckland / Spennymoor Town Centre / Town Centre 


When following a sat nav for your independent driving  DO NOT USE THE SPEED LIMITS INDICATED BY THE SATNAV THESES ARE OFTEN INCORRECT AND WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF YOUR TEST


Test tips

Pull up on the left

Expect up to 3 to 5 pull up on the left requests where the examiner will be looking for how safely you can pull over and then re-join the flow of traffic as we do in your lessons. Remember don't stop opposite a junction or bus stop, do carry out full observations and look fully over your right shoulder each time before you move. Remember to signal only as the vehicle creating the gap your moving into starts to pass you. 

TIP FROM EXAMINER :-

When carrying out the pull up on the left manoeuvre your examiner will ask you to drive on when you are ready just as the car stops. 

This does not mean instantly move off, examiners advice is stop the car - handbrake - out of gear - cancel signal.  

DO NOT take it as "I have to go now" when they ask you to move when you are ready. 

Examiner says - Take a deep breath and then reset the car so its ready to move off. Take as long as you need.


Manoeuvres 

You will be asked to perform one reversing manoeuvre:-

* *  At the end of the manoeuvre put your hand break on and wait for next instruction. * * 

* * when carrying out a manoeuvre take your time, look how the car is reacting to your steering, slow speed gives you time to do constant observations and the space to carry out corrections on your first attempt. 

* * If you need to change direction to correct it make sure you do all round checks before you move* *

* * Remember safety comes from observations, that's what they are looking for....head on a stick, count to 2 look somewhere else  * *  

After the manoeuvre remember blind spot checks before moving off again. 


Emergency stop

You may be asked to perform an emergency stop, a quick reaction and a controlled stop. REMEMBER break before clutch. 

Imagine your dog / cat / mam / dad gran just stepped out in front of you.

Handbrake and neutral once stopped. Remember to check mirrors and both blind spots before moving off again. 


General Driving 

On roundabouts count the exits on your way round. 

While driving, you will be asked to demonstrate one of the ‘show me’ questions, make sure its safe before you carry this out. All Questions Here

The route will be designed to get you back to the test centre within about 40 minutes, forget about the time and  don't rush it, if your over time because of traffic that's not a problem. If you have to wait a long time to safely turn at a junction its fine don't try to fit in a gap that isn't there.

Clearance 

When passing parked cars or oncoming vehicles there must be a safe gap between you and the other vehicle. Parked cars you need to keep a car doors length (1 meter) between you and the car your passing. If its under 1m then your speed should between 10 and 20 MPH. 

If it looks tight or uncomfortable do not proceed just wait till there is a safe clear space for you to continue

Useful tips

Keep an eye on the weather during your test, if it starts raining remember to put wipers on and increase you following distance to 4 seconds. 

Don’t second guess the result! What you think is a fail may not be in the examiner’s eyes.

Think safe! The examiner does not expect a perfect drive, but they do expect you to drive safely. 

Always ask yourself, ‘is what I’m about to do safe, and/or necessary? If the answer is no to either, don’t do it!

Observe, observe, observe! You can’t place too much emphasis on using mirrors and looking all around you on manoeuvres.

Speed up centre right, slow down centre mirror before break.


Early Moring or afternoon tests

8.10 , 2.32 & 3.29 test, be aware of school lights flashing for 20 MPH areas, most schools have crossing patrol operators or as we know it the lollipop man/woman. Click here to watch the video to clearly understand what that lollipop sick means 

Speeds on the school bords are advisory speeds. Slow down to 20 for the sign then if there is kids around or parked cars restricting your view keep the 20mph until you have passed the school and it look safe to return to the original limit. It costs noting to be cautious, if the area is clear and its safe to do the normal limit then do the limit.

Don’t rush! 

Give yourself planning time, don’t rush manoeuvres. Take time to safely readjust if you need to, again if you do need to readjust use all the space you have available to you and check both blind spots before moving.

Remember, if you take a wrong turn go with it, they'll just redirect you its not a problem if you do it safely. 

 Got into the wrong lane, keep going the way the lane takes you. That’s always much safer than trying to change it at the last second, again your examiner will redirect you.

Observe the speed limit at all times, make reasonable progress when and if the road conditions allow.

Continually check you have a safe gap in front of you, "1 Mississippi 2 Mississippi" or "only a fool breaks the 2 second rule" will keep you a safe gap, if its raining you need 4 second gap.


This is YOUR test. If you need to take a breather at any time just ask, you are perfectly entitled to as long as you find somewhere safe, legal and convenient to stop.


At the end of your test your examiner will ask if you would like your instructor present for the debrief, please agree to my attendance. 

Your examiner will then give you your result, a copy of the result will also be emailed to you or me.

They will also offer to send off for your new licence, this is the quickest way to get your new licence. 


Relax! Think of it as a lesson with a different Instructor. You are only being asked to show that you are a safe driver not a pro driver.

Use the experience to improve your driving regardless of the outcome, most of all 

GOOD LUCK! 

YOU GOT THIS!

Mike.