The Practical Test
Prepare with our Mock Driving Tests in Chelmsford
Ask your Driving Instructor if You're Ready
If you have passed the theory test you can apply for your practical driving test. But first please ask your instructor whether it is time for you to apply.
If you can drive and control your car safely and smoothly, with full awareness of other road users and consideration for the road, weather and traffic conditions, and can competently perform all the slow manoeuvres with only the minimum of help from your instructor then the answer is probably 'yes'.
The car you use for the driving test must be fitted with the appropriate mirrors, head-restraints, L-plates, Tax, and the appropriate Insurance. The vehicle also needs to be in a clean and good working condition capable of normal performance for that type of vehicle.
If you are learning with SMART Driver Training School you will normally take the test in your instructor's car.
Documents to take with you:
- Your signed provisional driving licence, both the photocard and the paper counterpart.
- Your theory test pass certificate.
- An acceptable document* that includes your photograph and signature.
- If you don't have the new new photo driving licence, then take another form of photo id.
(*i.e., a passport)
On the Day
Arrive at the test centre in plenty of time and try to relax - do not turn the examiner into some mystical monster. If you have trained with SMART Driver Training School, you will already be to a good standard so have confidence in yourself. All the examiner wants to see you do is drive without being a hazard to any other road user.
After a brief introduction the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance. The examiner will then run through the 'show me, tell me' questions and then do a spot check around the vehicle, and get into the front passenger's seat, and explain briefly to you how the test works. You'll be asked to start the car and move away, and you're off!
You have about 35-45 minutes in the car; that time includes two of the four possible slow manoeuvres, (i) turn in the road, (ii) reversing round a corner, (iii) reverse parallel parking behind a car or reverse bay parking, (iv) emergency stop.
During the test it is also likely that you will be asked to demonstrate a hill-start and an angled start. The rest of the time is taken up with general driving on the chosen test route.
You will be expected to deal competently and safely with every situation that you find, but some minor driving faults are permitted. These are errors that do not in themselves create an actual or potential danger to other road users. They are recorded on the examiner's test form (see above), and if you make 16 or more of these driving faults you will not pass the test. You will also fail if you make a 1 serious or dangerous error.
This may sound an awful lot to do but if you have been trained to a good standard most of the above will be second nature.
When you have switched the engine off the examiner will tell you if you have passed.
Congratulations, You've Passed!
If you've kept your head and remembered what your SMART instructor has taught you, your driving licence will be needed for the examiner to fill in the pass certificate. Usually the examiner keeps your provisional licence, and you will receive your new full licence in a few days.
You can drive on your own in the meantime providing you keep a record of your 'Driver Number'.