What happens on the UK driving test: a step-by-step guide

Before you drive: eyesight check

At the start, the examiner asks you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle from 20 metres (20.5 metres for an old-style plate). If you can't read it, you fail and the test doesn't go ahead.

'Show me, tell me' questions

You are asked two vehicle safety questions: a 'tell me' question before you start driving, where you explain how you'd carry out a check, and a 'show me' question while you're driving, such as working the rear heated screen. Getting one or both wrong counts as a driving fault. DVSA publishes the full list of questions.

General driving

You drive on a range of roads and in different traffic, but not on motorways. Along the way the examiner can ask you to:

• pull over at the side of the road
• pull out from behind a parked vehicle
• do a hill start
• do an emergency stop (not on every test)

One reversing manoeuvre

You'll be asked to do one of these:

• parallel park at the side of the road
• park in a parking bay, either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out
• pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for about two car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Independent driving (part of general driving)

For 20 to 35 minutes you drive without turn-by-turn instructions from the examiner. You follow a sat nav (the examiner provides it and sets it up), road signs, or a combination of both; the examiner tells you which. If you can't see a sign, the examiner gives you directions until you can see the next one. Taking a wrong turn isn't a fault: the examiner helps you get back on the route.

This is the part where knowing the roads near your centre helps most. See how to practise driving test routes.

How you pass

You pass if you make no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called minors) and no serious or dangerous faults (majors). One serious or dangerous fault is a fail. At the end the examiner tells you the result and the faults you made.

The official description is on GOV.UK: what happens during the driving test.

Questions

How long is the UK car driving test?

You drive for about 35 minutes (about 65 for an extended test). Allow longer at the centre for the eyesight check, paperwork and the result at the end.

How many minors can you get and still pass?

Up to 15 driving faults, as long as you have no serious or dangerous faults. A single serious or dangerous fault is a fail.

Will I have to do an emergency stop?

Not always. The examiner may ask for one on some tests.

What happens if I go the wrong way during independent driving?

The examiner won't give you a fault for taking a wrong turning, and will help you get back on the route. Faults come from how you drive, not from where you go.

Do I go on the motorway in my driving test?

No. The test doesn't include motorways, though it can include fast dual carriageways if there are any near the centre.