In order to take your practical driving test you will need to ensure you have both parts of your driving licence with you along with your theory test pass certificate.
You will also be required to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you are unable to do this, your test will not go ahead and you will not be refunded for the test fee.
You will then be asked to answer one 'Show Me' and one 'Tell Me' question. Examples of these can be found below. You will get a minor fault if you answer one or both incorrectly.
You will then drive for just under 40 minutes, where you will be expected to do one manoeuvre (either turn in the road, reverse round a corner, parallel park or bay parking). You may be asked to do a emergency stop but not all tests incorporate an emergency stop. During your test you will be expected to do 10 minutes of independent driving, which may involve either following instructions provided by the Examiner or following signs to a particular place.
At the end of the test you will come back to the test centre where you will be told whether you have been successful or unsuccessful. The Examiner will also provide you with a debrief which will highlight the areas that you need to work on.
The Examiner will ask you two questions, one from each of the two categories. The questions will be based on the general maintenance and safety checks on your car.
Q. Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A. Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not ill to one side.
Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked
A. In the manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps
Q. 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
A. 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
Q. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
A. Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears
Q. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working? (No need to exit the vehicle)
A. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), get somebody to walk around the vehicle
Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
A. The ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault
Q. 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
A. Show the examiner the location of the dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers
Q. 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
A. Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings
Q. 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
A. Identify high / low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level
A. Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a level between the minimum and maximum markers on the side of the reservoir or where there is no minimum / maximum marker to keep it topped up regularly
Q. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey (note - if the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey you can do one of two simple checks)
A. 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.
Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, making sure you keep control of the vehicle
A. Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
A. Check is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working
A. Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning indicators
Q. 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)
A. Switch ignition on, operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, ask someone to help
Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers
A. Operate windscreen washer control button and then activate the windscreen wipers (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
A. Set all relevant controls including air vents at both sides to point towards the side windows, use the control switch to direct hot air onto the windscreen then operate the fan, press the heated rear screen switch to clear the rear window
Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it / them (no need to exit the vehicle)
A. Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights, check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less
Q. Show me how you would switch on your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
A. Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel
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