Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test has 3 elements; an eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue), 2 questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks and your driving ability.

The eyesight test will be carried out before you get to the car.  If you  require glasses or contact lenses, it is ESSENTIAL that you remember to wear them.  You will be given 3 chances at reading a number plate and if you don’t manage it, the test will go no further and your test fee is spent (there will be no refund).

The Show Me, Tell Me part comes next.  This comprises of two questions on vehicle safety checks and being a DRM pupil, you will have had the help of the unique DRM Training Formula to get you through this part.  Our pack includes a study sheet that gives you a comprehensive overview of the questions you could be asked and your DRM instructor will have practised these with you.

The driving part lasts about 40 minutes examining your general driving, independent driving and reversing exercises.  Some candidates will be asked to carry out the emergency stop exercise.

Although it is impossible to anticipate exactly what route you will be taken during your test, your DRM instructor will have had you driving in the  general test area and covered any junctions/roundabouts, etc. that are particular to the test centre and require special instruction.

The examiner can record 3 types of fault.  A driving fault – a less serious fault assessed as such due to the circumstances at that time.  An accumulation of more than 15 driving faults will result in failure.  A serious fault – when a potentially dangerous incident has occurred or a habitual driving fault indicates a serious weakness in the candidates driving.  A dangerous fault – when a fault is assessed as having caused actual danger during the test, and the test will be stopped.  A serious or dangerous fault will result in a failed test.

The practical driving test can only be booked once you have passed the Theory and Hazard Perception test. Depending on the area and season the waiting time for a practical test can be between 3 to 8 weeks.

Your DRM instructor will let you know when you are at a suitable standard of driving to book your test.  Mock driving tests will be carried out by your instructor in order to assess your test readiness. This means that, in the event of a failure of the mock test, you will have sufficient time to postpone your practical test without losing the test fee.

You are strongly advised NOT to book your test until your DRM instructor advises you to do so. DRM instructors reserve the right not to present a pupil for test if they consider that the pupil is not ready and may pose a danger to the public during the test.

Test centres in west central Scotland and Fife currently covered by DRM instructors

DRM can book the driving test for you if you are learning with a DRM instructor.

Alternatively you can book online at www.direct.gov.uk or on the telephone – 0300 200 1122.