When can I book my Practical Driving Test?-You can book your test when you can drive safely in various road and traffic conditions
-You know the highway code and can show this through your driving
-You can take driving lessons before you pass your Theory Test but you cannot book your Practical Driving Test until you have passed your Theory Test
How many lessons do I need to take to book my Practical Driving Test?-There is no set limit of how many driving lessons you need to take to book your Practical Driving Test.
-Once you have passed your Theory Test and you are able to show that you can drive safely in various road and traffic conditions you can book here
What if I have special needs that need accommodating on my test day?When you book your test you'll be asked if you'll be bringing a sign language interpreter with you.
You'll also be asked if you have:
- any condition which affects your movement
- any missing limbs
- any special learning needs
- arthritis
- dyslexia
- epilepsy
- paraplegia
- any other special needs
You'll also be asked if you're:
- deaf - either profoundly or not
- heavily pregnant
Appropriate measures will be taken depending on the need. However all special requirements need to be expressed when booking the test.
What do I need on the day on my test?-You must bring you Theory Test Pass certificate
(if you have lost your certificate Contact DVSA with your name and driving licence number. DVSA doesn't issue replacement certificates, but will send you a letter containing your certificate number).
-You need both parts of your Driving Licence - Photocard and paper counterpart
If you have a old style paper licence you must bring your signed driving licence and a valid passport.
(if you have lost your licence you will need to apply for a replacement and can take up to 15 days)
-You must bring suitable vehicle to take your test in. Your test will be cancelled and you will loose your fee if your car doesn't comply to the following rules:
Your vehicle must:
- be properly insured and taxed
- be roadworthy and have a current MOT if it needs one
- be checked and fixed if it has a known safety fault
- have a seatbelt for the examiner
- have an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner (these are available from most motor stores)
- have a proper passenger head restraint (not a slip-on type)
- be a smoke-free environment (you can't smoke in the vehicle just before or during the test)
- have 4 wheels
- be able to reach at least 62mph
- have a speedometer measuring speed in mph
- have no warning lights showing - for example, the airbag warning light
- have L-plates (L or D plates in Wales) on the front and rear
- have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kilograms
Using a hire car
Hire cars can only be used in tests if they're fitted with dual controls and meet all the other driving test vehicle rules.
Space-saver tyres
In some cars the spare tyre is a space-saver and only supposed to be for temporary use. Vehicles with space-saver tyres in use can't be used for a test.
Electronic parking brakes
Vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake can be used for a test.
Vehicles with 'hill-start assist'
Vehicles with hill-start assist can be used for a test. Hill-start assist is a feature that stops vehicles rolling back when they start on steep slopes.
Can I still take the test if I fail to bring the right documents?No, if you fail to bring the required documents your test will be cancelled and you will forfeit your fee.
Can I book more than one Practical Driving Test at a time?No only one test can be booked at any one time.
What can I expect to happen during my practical driving test?The test can be broken down into three parts. Firstly, you will be tested on your eyesight as you will be asked to read the number plate of vehicle from a distance of 20 metres. Secondly you will be asked two vehicle safety questions also known as the show me, tell me questions. After this you will start the driving part of the test which lasts for 40 minutes and will include 10 minutes of independent driving.
Can I Use a Sat-Nav during my test?No, the test is designed to measure your driving ability and to see how you make your own decisions.
Can I take someone with me during my Practical Driving Test?Yes, you will be asked if you would like someone to sit in the back of the car during your test. This can either be your instructor or a relative or friend. However, this person must be over the age of 16 and must not take any part in the test.
I've just failed my test can I take another one straight away?No, if you fail your test you must wait at least 10 working days before you can take another.
Can I start driving straight away if I pass my test?Yes if you pass you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner and you can start driving straight away.
I'm pregnant can I still take the test?Yes you can take the test at any stage of pregnancy as long you're prepared to perform an emergency stop.
How will I be marked on the test?You will be marked on the number of faults you make during the test. There are three types of fault; dangerous, serious and driving. Dangerous faults occur when actual danger is imposed on you, the examiner, the public or property. Serious faults are those that could potentially be dangerous. Driving faults are those that are not potentially dangerous although if the same fault is repeated throughout the test it could become a serious fault. You will pass your test if you make no dangerous or serious faults and if you make 15 or fewer driving faults.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my test?Your test will not be held if the weather is particularly dangerous, for example if there is flooding, thick fog or icy roads. Your test will be rebooked for you free of charge and a new appointment will be sent to you within 3 working days.
What does the administration fee include?The administration fee includes extra services that we provide to our customers. For example we change and cancel tests on our customer’s behalf. The administration fee also includes our cancellation finder service where we will check for earlier dates if you have requested us to do so.
Why have I not got the date I requested?We ask that you provide as much information as possible as to when you are both available and unavailable to take your test. This will help to ensure that we provide a test date that is suitable for you. All dates are subject to availability and there is no guarantee that you will receive the test date you have requested. This can be due to test centres being fully booked because of very high demand or if your driver license is expiring soon. Please note that test centres have different opening times and some do not open at weekends.
What is the average wait for a test date?The average wait for a test is between 2 to 15 weeks depending on the test centre.
How do I change my date?To change your test date you can email us with alternative dates that are more suitable and then we will make the changes on your behalf. Please note that we require at least 5 working days notice before the date of your test to be able to make any amendments.
What if I want to cancel?If you want to cancel your test you must notify us at least 5 working days (excluding weekends and bank holidays) in advance or you will forfeit your fee. If you give us the required notice we will refund your fee minus an administration charge of £10.
How long does it take to receive my refund?A refund will take up to 5 working days to reach your account.
How does your cancellation finder work?We offer a cancellation finder service where we strive to find you an earlier test date than the one that you have currently got. To use this service we require that you must already have a test date booked and that you provide a range of earlier dates and times that are convenient for you. We offer to check for earlier dates everyday and will notify you by email when we have found a suitable date.
Why do we charge an administration fee?We are an independent company and charge an administration fee because we offer extra services in addition to booking driving tests.
What value do I get for my money?Whether it's finding a cancellation or changing your test date we aim to make it as easy as possible to book and manage your driving test. As some test centres a fully booked months in advance it can be hard to find a test date as soon as you would like. We strive to find you an earlier date if you feel that you are ready for your test and do not want to wait months before you can take it.
Is there any guarantee that I will get the date I want?We ask that you provide a range of dates that you are available so that we can book a suitable time for you. We also ask that you provide dates and times that you are unavailable so that we ensure that we don't book your test on a day that you cannot do. We cannot guarantee that you will get the test date that you request as there can be a very high demand at test centres. Also you may not receive the requested date if your driver license is expiring soon. Please note that some test centres do not open at weekends and your test date and time will be subject to the opening hours of the selected test centre.
Why have I been charged a cancellation fee?To cover the administration cost of providing our services you will be charged a small fee for cancelling your booking. If you want to cancel and provide the required notice you will be charged a £10 fee which will be deducted from your refund.