GREG LAMB

SCHOOL OF MOTORING

Telephone: 01925 606040

The driving test was initially introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1935.

During the intervening years several amendments have been made to the test to keep it up-to-date and make it relevant to producing drivers capable of being safe road users in the 21st century.
 

Once you have passed the on screen theory test you can apply for the practical driving test. However, you must be able to drive with minimal assistance from your driving instructor before you take the test. The purpose of the practical Driving Test is to find out whether you can drive safely, without supervision, on the roads. You will not pass unless you can show the examiner that you have this ability.

• Am I ready for the test?

• Preparation for the test?

• Taking the test

• Show me, tell me

• At the end of the test

• Test Fees

Am I ready for the test?
You should be able to 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.

Take your instructor's advice on whether you are ready. Normally you will have the use of your instructor's car for the test and this is the best option as you will be familiar with the vehicle.

You should be able to drive with minimal assistance from your driving instructor, apart from his or her directions on where to go.

Don’t be tempted to take your test before you are ready, as you will simply waste your money.

All Greg Lamb School of Motoring instructors are able to book your test for you.

Provided you give three clear working days notice, you can cancel your test appointment without losing your fee.

Preparation for the Test

You should ensure that you have the following documentation with you:

• Your test appointment letter

• Your driving licence (Photocard AND Paper counterpart)

It is advisable to dress comfortably for the test and have confidence in yourself.

If you intend to take the test in your own car:

It is essential that the test vehicle meets the requirements. It must be legally roadworthy, have a current MOT certificate (if over 3 years old), must be covered by insurance for you to drive for the purpose of the test.

The examiner will ask you to sign a declaration that your insurance is in order. The test will not be cancelled and your fee forfeited if you are unable/unwilling to do so.

Your vehicle should display a valid tax disc (unless exempt) and regulation size L plates front and rear.

Your car must be fitted with a fully functional front passenger seat belt, head restraint and an additional interior rear-view mirror for the examiner to use.

If your car does not comply, your test will be cancelled and your fee forfeited.

If you take a test in an instructor of Greg Lamb School of Motoring, all of this is taken care of for you.

See latest DSA requirements

Most learners have at least an hours tuition with our instructors immediately before they take their test. This helps the pupil to relax and feel comfortable in the car. Our instructors will ensure that you arrive in good time for your test.

Taking the Test

The Practical Driving Test is straightforward. It lasts approximately 38-40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. The examiner will appear, call out your name and ask you to sign against it on a form. The examiner will also ask you to show proof of identity. You will then be asked which car is yours and asked to read a car number plate from at least the required minimum distance.

There has been a new section added to the Practical Driving Test. It is generally known as the Show me, tell me section. See show me tell me.

During the test the examiner assesses your ability to drive competently and safely and tests you on most of the topics you have covered in your lessons. In addition to failing for committing a serious or dangerous fault, you can fail if you commit more than 15 driving faults.

Examiners can also halt the test if they feel that you have driven dangerously.

Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

Show me, Tell me Questions

As a responsible car driver, you are expected to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vehicle and your ability to do this must now be demonstrated on the driving test.

From September 2003 there has been a new section added to the Practical Driving Test. It is generally known as the Show me, tell me section. Before getting into the car at the start of the Test, the examiner will ask two questions relating to vehicle safety and maintenance. Candidates will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’.

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded before you have started driving.

Click here for a list of some of the questions that you may be asked.

At the end of the test

If you have passed

The examiner will ask you for your driving licence and complete a pass certificate. The examiner will then send off your licence to have the appropriate category added.

If you fail

You'll be given an explanation of all areas shown on the driving test report. The examiner will also spend a few moments explaining why you failed.

This will help you in overcoming any weaknesses that have been identified during the test. You can reapply straight away but you must wait at least 10 working days before you retake.

Driving Test Fees

Please click here to see the current fees for taking your driving test.

Your Greg Lamb School of Motoring driving instructor will be able to book your Driving test for you. To find your nearest driving test centre, please click here.

Other useful topics

Disqualification and extended driving tests.