What To Expect On The Day Of Your Practical Test

If you’re worried about your upcoming practical driving test, it may help you to know what happens on the day.

Unlike most tests you will have taken before, the practical driving test involves performing under real-life conditions which can be unpredictable – so, it’s normal to be a little anxious. Whether you’re concerned about making a mistake, or failing, the important thing to know is that not everyone passes first time and that’s OK!

However, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare yourself for the big day! Revising and practicing are both important, but also familiarising yourself with what to expect on the day of your practical test can really help.

At GoGoGo our team of professional driving instructors will run through several mock practical exams with you until you’re confident and ready to take your real test. Our fast-track driving course is designed to give you the best chance at passing your test, and with above average pass rates, we’re probably doing something right!

What To Expect On The Day Of Your Practical Driving Test

1. Eyesight Check

At the beginning of your test you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance. This is not designed to trip you up, it is simply to check that your eyesight is good enough for the road. So our advice is to make sure you remember to take your glasses or contact lenses if you need them.

2. ‘Show me, tell me’ Questions

Before you hit the road, your examiner will ask you one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’ question. These are taken from a set list of questions, so if you take the time to revise them there shouldn’t be any surprises.

The ‘show me’ question will involve performing a simple action, such as switching on your dipped headlights or opening and closing your window. The ‘tell me’ question will involve you talking through how to do something, such as checking your engine oil level or tyre pressure.

3. General Driving

The main part of your driving test will simply involve driving on the roads, following your examiners instructions. At some point you will be asked to pull over and pull away which could be in the form of a normal stop at the side of the road or a hill start.

4. Reversing Manoeuvres

You will be asked to complete one of the following reversing manoeuvres, each of which you should be familiar with from your lessons and mock practical exams.

• Parallel park
• Park in a parking bay
• Reversing for around two car lengths, and rejoining the traffic

5. Independent Driving

This is a chance for you to follow traffic signs or a sat-nav. Your examiner will tell you a place name they want you to travel to and will set up the sat-nav for you if necessary.

Your test should last around 40 minutes, which can go pretty quickly when you’re wrapped up on the roads in front of you. We hope this learning article will clear your mind on what to expect on the day of your practical driving test. Our main advice is to be prepared and give it your best shot – that’s really all you can do. But now you’ve read this article, you’re one step closer to acing your test!

If you’re searching for a driving school near me and live in the Peterborough area, why not give us a go? Check out our website to find out more about how our 5-day intensive driving course works and how it could help you get on the roads in no time.