The Practical Test

Practical tests are generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.

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

After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

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

What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

After the practical test
When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass...
If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.

If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within four weeks of you passing your practical test.

If you fail...
If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your car or motorcycle test.

Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.

Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.

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?