Clear 2 Go Driver Training

The Practical Test

The driving test is designed for you to show your practical skills and understanding of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely.

Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving. Find out about the different parts of your driving test.

The car practical driving test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving ability

So long as you show the standard required, you'll pass your driving test. There are no pass or fail quotas.

What you need to take to your driving test

You need to bring Your Photocard Driving Licence and Paper Counterpart Licence and your Theory Pass Certificate to your driving test. You also need to bring a car that can be used for the test.

Before you start the driving ability part of your test

Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you'll have an eyesight check and be asked two vehicle safety questions.

The eyesight check

The examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle to test your eyesight. If you fail the check, your driving test won't continue.

Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me'

You'll be asked two vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the 'show me, tell me' questions.

The examiner will ask you one 'show me' question, where you'll have to show them how you'd carry out a vehicle safety check. You'll also be asked one 'tell me' question, where you'll have to explain to the examiner how you'd carry out the check.

If you give the wrong answer for one or both questions, you'll be marked with one driving fault

The driving ability part of your driving test

If you make a mistake

Don't worry if you make a mistake - it might be a less serious driving fault and might not affect your result

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

Your general driving ability

During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions. You should drive in the way your instructor has trained you.

You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Your ability to reverse your vehicle safely

You'll be asked to complete an exercise to show how well you can reverse your vehicle. The examiner will choose one exercise from:

reversing around a corner
turning in the road

reverse parking - either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road

Independent driving section of the driving test

If you make a mistake during your test

If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less serious driving fault and might not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers your driving to be a danger to other road users they will stop your test.

Your driving test result

Your result

You'll pass your test if you make:

15 or less driving faults
no serious or dangerous faults

When the driving test has ended, you can call your instructor over if they didn't go with you on your test. This is so they can listen to the result and feedback with you.

The examiner will:

tell you whether you passed or not

explain how you did during the test

The different types of faults that can be marked

There are three types of faults that can be marked:

a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous

a driving fault - not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault

The pass mark for the driving test

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won't pass your test.

If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.

If you pass your test

If you pass your test the examiner will give you a pass certificate. They will also ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically. You can find out more about this service by clicking on the link below.

Once you have passed you test you can start driving straight away - you don't need to wait for your full licence to arrive

Taking another test if you don't pass

Feedback on how eco-efficient your driving is

When driving tests are cancelled or stopped

Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.

Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

SEE BELOW FOR FULL LIST OF SHOW ME TELL ME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Below is a list of the Show / Tell Question & Answers, as you will see the Questions and answers are grouped together with ONE Show me Question & ONE Tell me Question in each group.

Please note these groupings are for guidance ONLY and Questions asked by your examiner may be in different combinations.

Category B Combinations from 01/07/2008

Question 1 B08 Show
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Answer: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Question 1 B10 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 2 B05 Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Answer: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Question 2 B09 Show
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)

Answer: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Question 3 B02 Show
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started,should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Question 3 B12 Tell
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Answer: 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.

Question B04 Show
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle

Answer: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Question 4 B05 Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Answer: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Question 5 B01 Show
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Answer: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check
of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Question 5 B12 Tell
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Answer: 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.

Question 6 B03 Show
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Answer: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Question 6 B18 Tell
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

Answer: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

Question 7 B07 Show
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Answer: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Question 7 B13 Tell
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Question 8 B06 Show
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Answer: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Question 8 B13 Tell
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ü of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Question 9 B10 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 9 B14 Show
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

Answer: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

Question 10 B11 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically
check the lights.)

Question 10 B15 Show
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

Answer: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to
be started for this demonstration

Question 11 B16 Show
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Question 11 B19 Tell
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system

Answer: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system

Question 12 B09 Show
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)

Answer: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on DO NOT start engine)

Question 12 B11 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Question 13 B17 Show
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?

Answer: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

Question 13 B19 Tell
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system?