Driving Test, your Frequently asked Questions Answered.
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Driving Test FAQ
Q: Is it true that Driving Test examiners have quotas for the number of candidates that can pass a Driving Test each week?
A: In a word: no! This myth has been around for years and years now and it’s not true. DVSA Driving Test Examiners are themselves examined by their supervisors to ensure that tests are scored consistently.
Q: Will the Driving Test Examiner ask a candidate to do an Emergency Stop?
A: Yes, possibly although they now call it a Controlled Stop. However unlike in the past where every driving test candidate had to carry out this type of stop, only 1 in 3 Driving Test candidates is asked to perform one on test today.
Q: Am I allowed to take a friend with me on a Driving Test?
A: Yes, you are permitted to take someone on test, however they must be over 16 years old and play no part in the test.
Q: How many lessons will I need to pass a Driving Test?
A: This is the million-dollar question and virtually impossible to answer, as there are so many variables. DVSA statistics show that on average it takes about 45 hours of professional driving instruction, plus around 20 hours’ private practice.
Q: I have seen an advertisement for a Driving School that will guarantee a Driving Test pass?
A: We have seen similar advertisements, which are gimmicky and misleading. If you carry on taking driving lessons forever, of course you will pass!!
Q: If I want to do private practice as a learner driver, who is permitted to accompany me in the vehicle?
A: Both the DVSA and Pro Coach Driving School encourage private practice. The accompanying driver, must have held a UK Driving License for the category of vehicle being driven for a 3 year period and be over the age of 21. The accompanying driver must also comply with the intoxication and mobile phone rules.
Learner drivers must display regulation size ‘L’ plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) in a conspicuous position, so that they can be seen from the front and rear of the vehicle. The “L” plates must be removed, when not driven by a learner driver (Except Driving Schools)
Q: Where do I take the DVSA Driving Theory Test?
A: The Driving Theory Test is taken at “Pearson” centres which are validated by the DVSA. There are lots of them and there should be one near you.
Here is a link for you that will help: https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
Q: I have heard that the Driving Theory test is difficult; what’s the pass mark?
A: Like any test the Driving Theory Test will be difficult if you don’t know the answers!! The trick is to prepare using the right resources in terms of content and your style of learning. As most people have smart phones these days, it’s good to use an app, as a sneaky look can be taken anytime as people glue these devises to themselves.
Q: Can I change the date of my Driving Test once booked?
A: You can use the DVSA booking system to change the date, however you will need to give a minimum of three working days, or you will have to pay an additional fee.
Q: If I fail my Driving Test, is there a period that I have to wait before retaking?
A: Should you fail your Driving Test, it is possible to take another after waiting just 10 working days. As the DVSA does Driving Tests on Saturday’s at some test centres, Saturday is classed as a working day.
This will help you:
https://www.drivingtestsuccess.com/collections/apps
You will be asked 50 multiple choice questions on subjects such as safety, road procedure, dealing with accidents and the Law. The pass mark is 86%, that’s 43 out of 50. There is also a Hazard Perception Test, based on a digital simulation of potential dangerous situations. You will be shown 14 simulations and the pass mark is 44 out of a potential 75. Just to make this clear, you do have to pass both the Multiple Choice Driving Theory Test and the Hazard Perception. An excess mark in one, does not count against the other!
Q: What does the Practical Driving test consist of these days?
The practical Driving Test consists of an eyesight check, fail this and it’s over before you start!
You will then be asked some vehicle safety questions, such as “how would you know that the Head Restraint is correctly adjusted” and a 40-45-minute drive, which will include a specific maneuver.
1 in 3 must carry out a controlled stop (emergency stop).
There is a 20 minute “independent driving” section of the test, where 4 out of 5 candidates will be asked to safely follow directions given by a Sat Nav device.
If the Driving Examiner chooses not to use a Sat Nav, the candidate will be asked to follow road signs to a particular destination.
On the drive a candidate can make up to 15 minor “driving faults” in theory and still achieve a pass.
However, they would have to be evenly spread. So, if a candidate got say 3 for moving off unsafely (not involving another road user, which would be serious or dangerous), on the 4th the examiner would escalate this to a serious, as it would be classed as habitual and potentially more than an oversight.
The number of driver faults in each area that are required before this escalation takes place is not stated by DVSA and the call is down to the Driving Test examiner..
Make one serious or dangerous fault and that would be a fail.
Q: If I exceed the speed limit on my Driving Test is that an automatic fail?
A: Any breach of the Road Traffic Act is a fail. However, if say you went 2 MPH over the speed limit and brought your speed down very quickly, this would probably be overlooked and marked ” use of speed”; minor fault.
Q: My Driving Instructor has told me that the turn in the road maneuver is still part of his syllabus, although it’s not examined as part of the new Driving Test. Why is he teaching me this?
A: He is teaching you to drive, not simply pass a Driving Test! This manoeuvre can be very useful at times, particularly is you drive into a cul-se-sac or dead-end road. That aside, DVSA has said that its important to teach the old and new reverse maneuvers.
Q: How can I pass the practical Driving Test first time?
A: The answer to this one is make sure that you are ready!! Be guided by your Driving Instructor and if its not offered, ask for a mock test. It’s amazing what effect a clip board has on a candidates driving skills.
Q: Can i book my theory test before my 17th birthday?
A: To book a theory test, you need to be the holder of a Provisional Driving Licence, which can be obtained up to 3 months before your 17th birthday. The theory test can be taken when the licence becomes valid, which for most is their 17th birthday ( exceptions exist for those in receipt of certain disability payments)
Tips:,
- ask your Driving Instructor for a couple of mock tests, at the busiest time of the day. ” train hard, fight easy”
- re-visit the hazard perception test
- re visit the theory tests apps
- use the Driving Test preparation videos that are available on you tube.
- ensure that you have at least an hour’s lesson, before the Driving Test
- don’t get stressed before the test, rushing to get there on time
- ask to have your eye sight checked by your Driving Instructor. Must be able to read a number plate at 20M
- don’t forget to take your Provisional Driving Licence with you to the test centre
Q: Could I fail my driving test for failing to answer a safety question incorrectly?
A: Pre 4th December, the answer to this was no. However, the new Driving Test requires a candidate to “show”, as in perform the operation of one of the cars ancillary controls, such as operating the rear window demist etc.
If during the operation of the control, there was a significant loss of control, then yes, a fail could be recorded.
Q: After passing my Driving Test, how soon can i start driving?
A: You can start driving immediately, with the appropriate insurance in place. Your pass certificate acts as a Driving Licence, until your Full UK Driving Licence arrives. Keep it in the car with you, as it may take a couple of days for the DVLA electronic system to update.
Q: How many maneuvers in a Driving Test 2019
A: The Driving Test changed in 2017. Gone was the turn in the road and reverse around the corner. Introduced were drive forward in a bay on the left or right, then reverse out and pull up on the right, when safe to do so, reverse back two car lengths and rejoin traffic. Including these two, maneuvers, there are 4 in total. Reverse park and reverse bay park are the other two.
Q: Can you take an automatic Driving Test?
A: Yes you can. Simply tell D.V.S.A that you would like to take a test in an auto.Turn up with the correctly insured vehicle on the day and that’s it. If you pass, a Driving licence will be issued and on the reverse a ” code 78″ listed, restricting the holder to driving automatic vehicles only
Q: Can i change my automatic car driving licence to a manual one?
A: Yes. You can upgrade it, by passing a manual driving test. The good news is, you do not have to take a theory test.
The DVSA introduced a new Driving Test on December 4th 2017. The main change is that the independent driving section will be 20 minutes long and candidates will be expected to follow directions given be a Sat Nav system.
