Practical Driving Test
Your local driving school with a reputation for promoting safe driving!
DSA Driving Examiners conduct the practical test, which is an agency of the Department of Transport. The test last's about 40 minutes covering different road situations.
The 'L' Test Syllabus
Eyesight
At the start of the test the examiner will ask you to read a numberplate at the prescribed distance.
Safety Questions
Before starting the on road part of the test the examiner will ask you two questions, as covered in the show tell me questions.
Safety Precautions
Doors, seat, seatbelt, mirror, handbrake one and gear lever in neutral.
Controls
All main controls should be handled smoothly. This includes accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, handbrake and steering.
Moving Away
Moving away safely, under control with correct observation.
Emergency Stop
Even and progressive braking, avoid locking wheels.
Reverse to the Left or Right
Under full control and with reasonable accuracy. Good all around observation and correct response to others.
Turn in the Road
Smooth control with full all around observation. Correct responses to other road users.
Reverse Parking
Either reversing behind a parked car on the road, or reversing into a parking bay in the test centre car park. This exercise can be done at the start, during or at the end of the test. Smooth control and good observation throughout.
Use of Mirrors
Mirrors should be used regularly and you should be aware of the presence of others and react properly to the situation. Early use should be made before signalling, changing direction and changing speed.
Signaling
Give signals in good time to warn other road users of your intention and not to cause confusion.
Respond to Signs and Signals
Understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings.
Use of Speed
Safe and reasonable progress should be made according to the road and weather conditions.
Following Distance
Maintain a safe distance at all times from the vehicle ahead, including when stopping in traffic queues.
Maintaining Progress
Driving at the appropriate speed for the type of road, without being over cautious and making progress at all safe opportunities at road junctions.
Junctions
Apply the correct procedure to all types of junctions, mirror, ignal, position, speed, and look.
Judgement
Correct responses when dealing with, overtaking, meeting oncoming traffic and turning across traffic. Other road users should not be made to slow down, swerve or stop.
Positioning
Maintain correct position at all times according to the type of road.
Clearance to Obstructions
Allow plenty of room when passing stationery vehicles and other obstructions.
Pedestrian Crossing
Recognize and respond correctly to the different types of crossings.
Position for Normal Stops
Choose a safe and legal places to stop without causing inconvenience or obstruction to others.
Awareness and Planning
Think and plan ahead and antipate the action of other road users.
Ancillary Controls
Understand the function of all controls and switches.
Test Prices
Theory Test
Practical Test
Saturday Practical Test
Extended Test
Extended Saturday Test |
£31.00
£62.00
£72.00
£124.00
£150.00 |
To book a test go to www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
When booking please quote ADI number 153453
The Theory Test must be passed before applying for your practical test.
The Theory Test is valid for two years, if you do not pass your practical test within that time, you will have to re-take the Theory Test.
Show Me, Tell Me.
DSA Questions and responses
All driving test candidates will be required to answer two questions concerning the operation and maintenance of their vehicle, one explanatory and the other demonstrative. Here we print the full list of DSA Show Me (shown in blue) – Tell Me (shown in red) questions for car tests, together with the required responses.
Car Tests
- Show me/explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting a journey.
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 immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
- 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.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min max markers.
- Open the bonnet, identifying where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.
- Show me how you would check the parking break for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer lever.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
- 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.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
- Show me how you would check the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary)
- Show me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
- Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) walk around vehicle.
- Show me how you would check the brake lights are working in this car..
Ask the examiner to stand behind the car, switch on the ignition DO NOT START THE ENGINE, and operate the brake pedal.
- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.|
Turn on the ignition DO NOT START THE ENGINE, operate the windscreen washer.
- Show how you set the demister controls to clear the window effectively; this should be both front and rear.
set all relevant controls including; fan temperature and rear demister.
- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog and explain when you would use them.
Turn the lights on operate rear fog light and explain that you use them visibility is less than 100 meters.
- Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflectors in windows, garage doors, etc or ask someone to help.
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how they should be checked.
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.
- 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.
No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
- Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
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.
- Tell me how you would know if there is a prolem with your anti lock brake system.
The warning light will come on.
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