The Driving Tests

There are now three parts to the driving test. Before you can sit the practical test, you must have passed a multiple choice touch-screen Theory Test and video clip Hazard Perception Test.

Once you have passed both of these you can sit the practical test which also includes a 'Show Me, Tell Me' vehicle maintenance section.

This means the number of lessons needed to pass the test has increased dramatically - all aiming to prepare you for today's road conditions.

About The DSA's Driving Theory Test

In your driving theory test, you will be assessed on your driving attitude, traffic signs and regulations, safety in vehicles and how the environment affects driving conditions, plus the effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on drivers.

The DSA theory test is split into two sections:

     •     50 multiple choice questions - from a bank of 1,257 to test your road safety knowledge.
           You be given 57 minutes to answer the 50 questions. The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
           People with special needs have additional time allowed.

     •     14 video clips - to test your hazard perception skills.
           You will use a mouse to indicate when you spot a potential hazard. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.
           The quicker you are, the higher your score.

You will to need pass both of these before you can take your practical test. If you fail either section, you will need to retake the whole test again.

Your driving theory test will take place at your nearest DSA Theory Test Centre..

About The DSA's Practical Driving Test

When you have passed your theory test, at an appropriate time, your instructor will advise you when you should apply for your practical driving test and the earliest date you should book. Your instructor will help or can arrange this on your behalf if required. It is important you do not book your test before speaking to your instructor to ensure the training vehicle and instructor are available.

Your driving test will take about 40-45 minutes and it is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. Most of the test routes involve town driving and if possible, single and dual carriageway roads outside 30 mph limits.

On the day of your test, you will need the documents listed below:

     •     Your test appointment card
     •     Your theory test pass certificate
     •     Your driving licence (both parts on new style licenses)
     •     Photographic ID (if you do not have the new photographic driving license)

On leaving the driving test centre, your examiner will ask which car is yours and then ask you to read a car number plate from at least the required minimum distance. In 2003 a new section was added to the practical driving test - 'Show Me, Tell Me'. Before getting into the car the examiner will ask two questions relating to vehicle safety and maintenance. If one or both questions are answered incorrectly, one driving fault will be recorded. The questions fit into 4 catagories:

     •     Under the bonnet
     •     Inside the car
     •     Lights
     •     Tyres

More information on 'Show Me, Tell Me' can be found below.

The examiner will sit in the front passenger's seat and explain how the driving test will work. You will be asked to start the car and move away.

The examiner will be looking for a competent and safe driver, but some minor driving faults are permitted. Minor faults are errors that do not create an actual or potential danger to other road users. The examiner records these mistakes and if you make sixteen or more of these, you will fail the test. If you make a mistake, continue driving and don't worry. It may only be a minor error and it may not affect your result. You will, however, automatically fail if you make a serious or dangerous error. If you fail, the examiner will explain briefly why you failed. You can re-apply to take your test again straight away, but you cannot retake the test within ten days.

If you pass, you will be given a pass certificate. Remember to send it to the DVLA to get your full driving licence as soon as possible.

About 'Show Me, Tell Me'

As part of your practical test, you will be asked to show or tell how you would carry out safety and maintenance checks on your car. You will need to answer two questions correctly.

Remember, answering one or both of your questions incorrectly will count as one driving fault in your test.

Below is a full list the examiner will choose their two questions from. You instructor will go through these with you. You should learn all of them with either your instructor or a suitable relative/friend. They will be very valuable to you in your future driving.

Q1: 'Show me' Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Open the bonnet, identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. (item 2 on engine pic - view)

Q2: 'Show me' Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q3: 'Show me' Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

A: Open the bonnet, identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. (item 4 on engine pic - view)

Q4: 'Show me' Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

A: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q5: 'Tell me' Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A: Open the bonnet, identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this. (item 3 on engine pic - view).

Q6: 'Show me' Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q7: 'Show me' Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Open the bonnet, identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. (item 1 on engine pic - view)

Q8: 'Show me' Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A: Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and walk round the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q9: 'Show me' Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)

A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt - do not start engine)

Q10: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q11: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

A: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Q12: 'Tell me' Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q13: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: No cuts and bulges, minimum 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q14: 'Show me' Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

Q15: 'Show me' Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

A: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Q16: 'Show me' Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use (Highway Code Rules 114, 226, 236).

Q17: 'Show me' Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Q18: 'Tell me' Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q19: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system

A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT START THE ENGINE FOR ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS