Test Tips

Go For It's Lucky 7 tips on how to Pass your Driving Test (from 4/12/17)!
By Rob Hulley, Grade A DVSA Approved Driving Instructor

Rob's tips - Theory & Hazard PerceptionTest


  1. Read the Highway Code and Driving the Essential Skills thoroughly.  All the answers are in these books.
  2. Practice tests at home.  Answer correctly over 46 (out of 50) consistently and over 55 (our of 75) Hazard Perception points.
  3. Make notes of any questions you don't understand and discuss with your driving instructor.
  4. An example of what the exam room looks like is pictured right.  It's not scary!
  5. Arrive at the test centre 20 minutes early and go to the toilet before you report to reception. 
  6. Take a bag with you and empty your pockets into it. A storage locker will be available to you.  You don't want to be fiddling with this just before your test.
  7. Don't forget your photocard.  Without it you can't take your test and you will lose your test fee.






GOOD LUCK!

Go For It

When you have passed the theory test, you can book your practical test.


Click here to book your theory test.


The Theory Test is in 2 parts.  A theory test where you must answer 43 of the 50 questions correctly.  A Hazard Perception Test where you must score 44 points out of 75.


The Test is in English or Welsh languages. 

Rob's tips - Practical Driving Test


  1. Never book a driving test without discussing it with your driving instructor.
  2. Practice practice and practice. 
  3. If your instructor is still instructing you, you are not ready.
  4. Discuss pre-test routines for you (thinking time, smoking time).
  5. Don't look at the Examiners Assessment Sheet. It will put you off!
  6. Don't forget your photocard.  No test without it and you will lose your fee.
  7. Watch test videos from the DVSA youtube channel.


The Examiner will ask you:


  •     to sign an occupancy and insurance declaration.
  •     if you would like your instructor to join you.
  •     to read a number plate 20 metres away.
  •     2 safety check questions.  1 at the Test Centre.  1 on the move (below)
  •     to follow the road ahead unless the road or they direct you otherwise.
  •     to perform 1 manoeuvre - parallel park, bay park forwards or reverse, park on the right, reverse, then rejoin traffic.
  •     to drive independently for  20 mins using satnav or following directions.
  •     to perform an Emergency Stop - 1 in 3 chance.
Go For It

Can you drive safely on differing road and traffic conditions?  Can you complete your manoeuvres.


Click here to book your practical test.


If you score less than 16 driving faults and commit no serious or dangerous faults you will pass.


The Test is in English or Welsh languages. 

SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS


You will be asked a number of "Show me tell me" vehicle safety check questions.  The tell question is asked at the test centre.  The show question is asked whilst you are on the move.   Below are a selection of questions you may be asked.  Boost your confidence and make certain you can answer these.



AT THE TEST CENTRE…TELL ME


BRAKES


Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.  Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.


Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.


LIGHTS


Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).


Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

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


Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

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


Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle


Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.


TYRES


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

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.


Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

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.


HEAD RESTRAINT


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

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.


POWER STEERING


Tell me how you’d check the power steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.


OPEN THE BONNET


Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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


Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

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


Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.




ON THE MOVE…WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO


Can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?


Can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?


Can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?


Can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?


Can you show me how you’d operate the horn?


Can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?


Can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?