What happens on the day of the test
Before attending either the theory or driving test, you need to make sure you’ve got the correct paperwork in hand or you’ll have had a wasted journey. You won’t be allowed to sit your test (and will lose your test fee) unless you take the following documents with you on the day:
- Your photo-card licence – BOTH parts. If you have the older-style paper licence, you’ll need this plus a valid passport. No other form of ID will be accepted.
- For the theory test – the confirmation letter or email you received from the DSA to confirm your booking.
- For the driving test – your theory test certificate or the letter you were issued on the day you passed it.
The Theory and Hazard Perception Test
Ensure you arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your test time. The test centre staff will register you and check your paperwork. You are not allowed to take anything into the test room, so store your personal items in the locker provided.
You will be shown through to the test room and allocated a seat in front of a computer screen. The screen will show your name and the category of test you are taking. The staff will advise you how to start the test.
In the test room you must not talk to or distract any other candidates. If you have any problems during the test, raise your hand to attract the attention of the invigilator who will come over to you.
When you have finished the test you may leave the test room, however, you will not be allowed to re-enter the room again. The test centre staff will give you the result of your test.
The Driving Test
Your DRM instructor will help to ease some of the pressure by coming to collect you an hour before the test begins to do a warm up lesson and go over any last minute details. They’ll also check that you’ve brought all the necessary paperwork.
At the test centre the examiner will check your paperwork, ask you to sign a declaration that your car insurance is in order and that you meet the residency requirements. Then they will ask if you would like your instructor to go with you on the test, sitting in the back of the car and be there at the end of the test for the result and feedback. Your instructor will discuss this with you before the test.
The test will start with the eyesight test, being carried out on the way 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.
The Show Me, Tell Me part comes next. This comprises of two questions on vehicle safety checks which you will have studied and practised with your DRM Instructor.
The main portion of the test, of your general driving ability, comes next. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate that your overall standard of driving is safe and that you have a sound knowledge of the Highway Code.
At the end of your test the examiner will give you the result, feedback on your driving performance an an explanation of the test report form. It’s a good idea to have your instructor in the car for the debrief, to ensure the best preparation for the next attempt.
Pass or Fail
Nerves can get the best of even the most prepared pupil, so try not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t manage to pass. You should then book in for another lesson with your DRM instructor to go over the things that let you down – leaving a long period between the test and your next lesson isn’t a good idea and you’ll be able to have another go at the test only 10 working days after you fail. The key thing to remember is that your DRM instructor would never have recommended you book your test if you weren’t ready, so don’t give up!
For those who have passed – congratulations. At the test the examiner will ask for your provisional licence so that an upgraded licence can be automatically sent to you in the post. You will be given a pass certificate as proof of success until you receive you new licence. If there is a specific reason for not using the automatic upgrade service you will be given your provisional licence back, with the pass certificate and you will need to post these to the DVLA and they will send out your full licence.
Please look at how DRM can help you increase your experience with an additional Pass Plus short course.
