What Happens on the Driving Test?

Adrian
Feb 26
3 min read

One of the most common anxieties that pupils who are completing their driving lessons have is surrounding what happens on the driving test.

It's a perfectly understandable concern, and it's important to understand what will happen on such an important day.

With knowledge comes power, and knowing what to expect during the driving test will allow you to be better prepared, both mentally and practically, and hopefully, nothing will be a surprise!

Each test centre across the country will have a slightly different layout regarding the waiting room and the car park, but the structure of the driving test will remain the same.

This guide more specifically relates to driving tests in Lowestoft, but the principle remains the same throughout the country.

Arriving at the Test Centre

The last thing you want to do for your driving test is arrive late! The examiners may give late-arrivals a short grace period, but it's important to remember that any tests that run late will have a knock-on effect for the tests which follow.

You should aim to arrive about 10-minutes before your start time, ensuring you don't arrive too early as this may interfere with other tests taking place.

If you haven't gone to your test with an instructor, ensure that the vehicle you are using is reversed into one of the designated bays, which may be marked up for use by the DVSA. Have your 'L' plates attached to the vehicle (front and rear) and have the examiner's eye mirror attached to the windscreen, ready for their use.

Make your way to the designated waiting room with your driver's license.

Test Time

Once it is time for your test to begin, the examiner will enter the waiting room and call your name.

You will be asked to hand over your license and to read a declaration before you sign it.

The examiner will then lead you to the car park and offer you the opportunity for them to explain a little about what the driving test will involve.

It will be at this point when the examiner conducts an eyesight test, asking you to read a number plate of a nearby car or a sign which they may have installed for the eyesight test.

Next, you will be asked a 'tell me' question. The full list can be found HERE.

You'll then make your way to your car whilst the examiner conducts a visual check of the car. Further details about the vehicles you can use on test can be found HERE.

It'll then be time to show the examiner you are a safe, competent driver...

The Driving Test Structure

The driving test will last approximately 40-minutes
It will cover various roads and conditions
You will complete one reversing manoeuvre
1 in 7 driving tests will include an emergency stop
You will be asked to park on the left on several occasions
You will be asked to drive independently, following a sat-nav, signs, or both

Whilst driving, the examiner will observe your driving abilities. Some examiners are quite chatty, whilst others, mostly, are very quiet. Don't be afraid to chat to them, or politely inform them you prefer not to speak whilst driving. Either is absolutely fine, and they will be perfectly happy with either, as they understand it's an important day for you!

During the test, the examiner will give you various directions. These will include providing directions where they want you to drive, asking you to park, asking you a 'show me' question, or advising you of the manoeuvre they want you to complete.

You will always be made aware of what is happening, but if you're unsure, never be afraid to ask!

Concluding the Test

Once you arrive back at the test centre, the examiner will complete their paperwork and then inform you of the result.

If you have been unsuccessful, they will explain why.

If successful, they may explain any faults that occurred. They will, with your permission, take your provisional licence from you and send it off, and you will receive your full driving license through the post.