The practical driving test will last for approximately 40 minutes, Steve generally takes his learners to test centres in Portsmouth, Chichester or Lee on the Solent.
What to expect on your driving test
The eyesight test
Read a number plate from a distance of:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
Show me, tell me questions
Two vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
You’ll be asked the:
‘Tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving
‘Show me’ question while you’re driving
Your general driving ability
You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.
The examiner will give you directions that you should follow.
Pulling over at the side of the road
You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:
Normal stops at the side of the road
Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
Hill start
You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
Independent driving
You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:
Directions from a sat nav
They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You cannot use your own sat nav.
Traffic signs
You will follow the signs as per the examiners directions.
If you cannot see traffic signs
If you cannot see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.
Going off the route
You will not get a driving fault if you take a wrong turn.
They’ll help you get back on the route if you do.
Other people at your test
Your driving examiner’s supervisor might sit in on your test to watch your examiner’s performance. If you refuse, your test can be cancelled and you’ll have to book another test and pay again.