How the test is carried out
The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if they:
• Can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
• Know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving
After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:
• An eyesight check – if you fail this, your test will not continue
• Your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks
The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. You’ll be examined on your general driving and ability to reverse your vehicle safely. One exercise will be chosen from:
• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking
• You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
• Your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently
It is good practice to accompany your pupil on test and The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) encourages learners to let someone accompany them. They:
• will usually be the person who has taught you to drive
• could be a relative or friend
• must be over 16 years old
• cannot take any part in the test
• will be able to see how they perform during the test
Sometimes a second supervising examiner sits in on the test too. It is good practice to let your pupils know this in case it happens and throws them. This is nothing for the pupil to worry about and ensure standardisation of test marking etc.
The debrief
When the driving test has ended, if they didn’t go with your pupil on your test you should at least listen to the debrief. This is so you can listen to the result and feedback with your pupil. The examiner will say whether they passed or failed and will explain how their driving was during the test. They will also give helpful feedback about how eco-efficient their driving was.
When they pass
If their photo card driving licence was issued after 1 March 2004, they’ll be given the option to have their full licence issued electronically. The examiner will take the licence off them, scan the details and send them electronically to DVLA. They’ll be given a pass certificate, as proof of passing, and DVLA will send the full licence to them within four weeks of you passing your practical test.
When they fail
Drive them home and discuss what it was they would do better next time. Do not blame the examiner or the route as you are setting them up for a fail next time if they get the same examiner or route. Be positive and remind them how they do not usually do that on lessons etc. If they fail you have to wait ten working days before they sit another test. Book another lesson and tell them you will book their next test for them and they will pay you on the next lesson for this test. Let them know you will work on the weaknesses of the test and how easy it will be. Keep their confidence up.
