Practical Driving Test
Our instructors throughout Essex, Kent and East London, are trained to teach all aspects of the syllabus required to pass the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) Practical Driving Test. Although our instructors are teaching you the skills for “Safe Driving for Life” they will also teach you to prepare properly for you Practical Test. Which includes teaching you basic vehicle safety checks required by the “Show me, Tell me” element of the test. Although some checks may involve you opening the bonnet, you will not be required to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
You must also be aware that at the start of the test your eyesight will be tested, you are legally required to read a car number plate at a distance of 20.5m (75ft). So if you are unsure, now may be a good time to visit your optician. If you fail the eyesight test then your test will not continue and will be classed as a fail.
During your practical test you will have 40-45 minutes to demonstrate everything you have learned in your driving lessons. At the start of your test you will be asked to answer two vehicle safety check questions, one “show me” and one “tell me”. Once you are in the vehicle you need to show you can drive competently and safely in all kinds of driving situations. You'll be asked to show that you can perform the required exercises correctly without inconveniencing other road users. You may also be asked to show that you are able to stop safely in an emergency.
To pass your driving test you can make up to 15 minor driver faults, however if you make any serious or dangerous faults you will fail your test.
The current national average practical pass rate is only 42%, so it makes sense to be as prepared as possible. Your instructor will advise you when you are ready for the practical test and help you understand the main reasons people fail.
The ten most common reasons for failing your test are:
- Observation at junction – Ineffective observation and judgment
- Reverse parking – Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy
- Use of mirrors – Not checking or not acting on the information
- Moving away – Ineffective observation or control
- Use of Signals – Not given, not cancelled or misleading signals
- Incorrect positioning – At roundabouts, lanes and bends
- Reversing around a corner – Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy
- Lack of steering control – Steering too early or leaving it too late
- Turn round in road – Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy
- Inappropriate speed – Travelling too slowly
Practical Test Fee
A weekday practical test costs £62.
Evening or weekend tests cost £75
Book your practical driving test online