{"id":1272,"date":"2014-07-14T19:10:34","date_gmt":"2014-07-14T18:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/staging.ingenie.com\/young-drivers-guide\/?p=1272"},"modified":"2019-03-26T11:22:13","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T11:22:13","slug":"how-the-practical-driving-test-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ingenie.com\/young-drivers-guide\/how-the-practical-driving-test-works","title":{"rendered":"How the practical driving test works"},"content":{"rendered":"The 3-part practical driving test exists to make sure you can drive safely on various road types and follow the Highway Code<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIt's scary, sure. But your test is also about you being confident that you're a good driver. Would you really want to pass your test knowing you're not ready?\r\n\r\nIf you don't pass, you just weren't quite ready. Simple as that.\r\n
Don't forget to take your theory test pass certificate and photocard driving licence to your test.<\/blockquote>\r\n
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  1. \r\n

    Part 1: Eyesight check<\/h2>\r\n
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    \r\n\r\nYour examiner will ask you to read number plates from:<\/strong>\r\n
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    1. 20 metres for vehicles with new number plates (2 letters followed by 2 numbers)<\/li>\r\n \t
    2. 20.5 metres for vehicles with old number plates<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
      \r\n
      So if you wear glasses, make sure you double check you have them with you for your driving test!<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nUnfortunately, if you fail this part of your test, that's it. The rest of the exam won't go ahead and you'll need to book a new one. And an eye test.<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. \r\n

      Part 2: Vehicle safety test<\/h2>\r\nYour examiner will ask you 2 questions about the safety of the car:<\/strong>\r\n
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      1. The 'tell me' question<\/a> before you start driving, where you can just say the answer, for example:\"Tell me<\/strong> where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.\"<\/li>\r\n \t
      2. The 'show me' question where you need to demonstrate the answer while you're driving, for example:\"Show me<\/strong> how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.\"<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
        Check out how to answer the show me, tell me questions<\/a> so that you can make sure you're completely ready to pass this section.<\/blockquote>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t
      3. \r\n

        Part 3: Driving ability test<\/h2>\r\nThen comes the 40 minute driving test, split into 3 chunks: general ability, reversing and independent driving. The most important aspect of this test is safety<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nMy driving instructor told me recently about a student who sat in a traffic jam for half an hour of her test - and passed with flying colours. The point was that she didn't take any risks and stayed calm, which is what the examiner needs to see.\r\n\r\nIf you're at a junction and you're doing your 'Can I go, can I go, can I go, can I go?' back and forth for 10 minutes, SO BE IT. Your examiner wants you to be making good decisions based on your assessment of the risks, so if it's actually not safe for you to go then it doesn't matter how long you sit there.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

        1. General driving ability<\/h3>\r\nYour examiner will set up a satnav for you to follow for various types of road and traffic conditions. Just drive the way your instructor taught you (their voice will be ringing in your head!) and you'll be fine.\r\n\r\nYou'll be tested on:<\/strong>\r\n