Test price
A weekly practical test costs £62. Evening or weekend tests cost £75.
The driving test consists of tests of eyesight, safety questions and driving technique. The test will last 40 minutes. You must pass all parts of the test at the same time.
The eyesight test
You must be able to read in good daylight with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn, a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures:
79 millimetres in height and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 20 metres – or – 79 millimetres in height and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 20.5 metres.
If you do not pass the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test. The test will be marked as a fail.
Safety Questions
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions:
- “tell me” question before you begin driving, requiring you to explain how you’d perform a safety task
- “show me” question while driving, asking you to demonstrate a safety check
The Driving Assessment
Following the safety questions, the examiner will assess your general driving and require you to perform one reversing manoeuvre from the following:
- Either reverse into a parking bay and drive out, or drive in and reverse out safely
- Reverse park behind a vehicle using no more than two car lengths
- Pull over on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back a short distance, and rejoin traffic safely
An emergency stop exercise may also be part of your test.
The test includes around 20 minutes of independent driving, either by following traffic signs or directions via a sat nav. The remaining time will involve direct instructions from the examiner. Routes are designed to include varied traffic and road types.
Ready to book your first lesson?
Independent Driving
During this section, you’ll drive without constant guidance. You may follow:
- Road signs to a specific location, or
- Directions from a sat nav (provided and set up by the examiner)
Going the wrong way won’t result in failure—this part of the test focuses on driving safely while making independent decisions, not navigation skills.
Driving Standards and Faults
You’ll be expected to drive just as you’ve been taught by your instructor. If you make a mistake, continue calmly—it might not be serious.
You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass. One serious or dangerous fault will result in failure. If the examiner believes you pose a risk to others at any point, the test will be terminated.
You may bring someone with you on the test, provided they are over 16 and remain silent throughout.
After the Test
If You Pass:
The examiner will let you know the result immediately. If you have a photocard licence issued after 1 March 2004 and you agree, your details will be sent electronically to the DVLA, and your full licence will be posted to you within four weeks. You’ll also receive a pass certificate on the day.
If your licence was issued before March 2004 or you prefer to handle it manually, the examiner will still give you a pass certificate and explain how to apply for your full licence via post.
If You Fail:
The examiner will give you feedback and a driving report form detailing any errors. You must wait at least 10 working days before retaking the test.