How to Book Your Practical Driving Test?

Are you a learner feeling ready to hit the road full-time? If so, maybe you have a lot of questions about how to book a practical driving test and what it entails.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to ensure that you are prepared for one of the biggest tests of your life.

What is a practical driving test?

The practical driving test is conducted by an authorised Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner, who accompanies the learner driver on the roads to evaluate their adherence to traffic regulations and their ability to perform specific manoeuvres.

What does it consist of?

According to the DVLA, there are 5 main parts to a practical test. These are:

• Eyesight check
• Vehicle safety questions
• Driving ability
• Reversing your vehicle
• Independent driving

In order to get your driving licence, you must pass all 5 steps. During the general driving of your test, your examiner will ask you to undertake several manoeuvres such as parallel parking, bay parking, lane changing and emergency stop. These manoeuvres are designed to test your ability to react in a timely manner and to apply technique to parking tasks.

How to book my practical test?

If you are confident that you can master all the above, then you will need to book your test by visiting the Government website. You will also need to locate a test centre nearby and book for the test online by choosing a convenient time and date.

It is important to note that you will need to apply for a provisional driving licence before taking a practical one. For extra preparation, you can book your test up to 18 weeks in advance.

How much does it cost?

The price of a driving test booking is determined by the day and time selected for the test. Whether booking a manual or automatic driving test, the cost remains the same.

The current fee for a DVSA practical driving test is £62 for a weekday appointment and £75 for an evening, weekend, or bank holiday slot.*

How to change the test date?

If you have booked your test and realised that you are not yet ready, don’t panic. You can easily change your date for free by visiting the Gov.uk website. You can even change the date up to 8 times. However, if you need to completely cancel your test, you will need to do so with 3 working days in advance. Monday to Saturday count as working days according to the DVLA.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You must arrive in plenty of time, approximately 15 minutes before the test starts, for good practice. To prepare for your driving test, you must bring:

• UK driving licence
• Theory test pass certificate
• A car (Can either be yours or your driving instructors’)

For your driving licence, you must bring your photo card and if you do not have that, a copy of your passport and paper licence will suffice.

How to pass my driving test?

To pass your driving test, you must avoid major faults and limit minor faults to 15 or fewer. Failing will result in a serious fault. It is crucial to keep in mind that the driving test evaluates your safe and responsible driving skills. Be thoroughly prepared before attempting the test to ensure success.

How to prepare for my test?

Other than the necessary documents and knowledge needed for the practical test, it is important that you feel confident enough to give it a go. There is no rush to pass this test, and it is essential that you take the test at your own pace with the right amount of confidence than to take it earlier and fail. This will not only knock your confidence but will mean you will have to pay more money to get it rebooked.

How long is a practical driving test?

The duration of the test typically ranges from 40 to 70 minutes, during which the examiner assesses the learner’s proficiency in driving, parking, and handling various road scenarios in a safe and lawful manner.

It is imperative for drivers to adhere to speed limits and interpret road signs accurately, while also following the instructions provided by the examiner.

Furthermore, the examiner evaluates the driver’s use of signals, braking technique, and vigilance in checking mirrors and blind spots. These factors are crucial in determining the driver’s readiness to operate a vehicle responsibly on public roads.

If you need some more advice or tips on how to pass your practical driving test, visit our blog on How To Pass Your Driving Test First Time.

*All information correct at the time of writing.