Practical Driving Test

Independent driving

From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical driving test. During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both. To help candidates understand where they’re going, the examiner may show them a diagram. It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Practical driving test Manoeuvres

From October, car practical driving test candidates (category B) will have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner from:
  • turning in the road
  • reversing around a corner
  • reverse parking (either on the road, or into a bay)
    • In addition a controlled stop is carried out on every practical driving test (this means stopping in a place specified by the examiner.) An emergency stop exercise will still be conducted on one in three tests.

    Mock driving test

    In order to be sure you are ready for the practical driving test Woody's ensures all candidates take a mock driving test, this will give you a realistic chance to test your driving skills under the practical driving testconditions.

    This mock driving test is essential for all practical driving test candidates but is especially beneficial to nervous pupils who may require several attempts in order to get used to the feeling of driving unaided.

    How to book practical driving test

    To book a driving test online follow this link book driving test.

    You will need the following information to book the practical test; theory test certificate number, driving licence number, valid card for payment and name and date of birth.

    Be aware some site are charging £20 booking fees, for booking the DSA practical test use the official DSA website link above

    If you need to cancel your practical driving test you must give at least 3 working days notice or you will loose your fee.

    What to bring with you for the practical test

    Before your practical driving test date time arrives you must ensure you have all the documents required; both parts of your driving licence paper and card, theory test certificate and the letter sent by the DSA with the practical test details.

    Before the practical driving test

    On the day of your practical driving test it is normal to do a lesson just prior to the test so that you can go direct to the test centre and arrive ready and warmed up to drive.

    At the test centre you will be required to take a quick eyesight check (you should be able to read a number plate at a distance of 20 metres). After this you will be asked a few car safety questions (show me tell me).

    During the practical driving test

    The practical test is conducted on a variety of roads with different speeds and a number of junction types. It is normal to expect to carry out 2 of the reversing manoeuvers and also a percentage of test candidates will be asked to carry out the controlled stop. The time usually lasts about 40 minutes but can be longer if traffic is heavy.

    During the practical driving test you are expected to drive to the best of your ability, a maximum of 15 minor faults can be committed, however you must not make any serious or dangerous faults as this will result in a test fail.

    The driving theory test

    driving lessons, highway code

    About the driving theory test

    You must successfully pass the driving theory test before you can take the practical driving test. The theory test consists of 50 random questions in a multiple choice format and a computer test of hazard recognition which is a number of driving clips where the candidate is required to recognize developing hazards as soon as they occur.

    Practice theory test online

    You can practice theory test questions on line.

    Or alternative theory test click here

    To prepare properly for the theory test a good knowledge of the Highway Code is an advantage, there are several DVDs and CD roms that can be purchased to help training.

    How to book theory test

    Beware there are several websites that will charge you a booking fee for booking the theory test, recently some of my students have paid £20 over the DSA price.

    Here are a list of official DSA theory test booking sites

  • Official DSA theory test
  • How to change your DSA theory test

    • To cancel your theory test you must give at least 3 working days notice or you will loose your fee

    Woody's theory test training

    Free online training program

    Woody's School of Motoring provides free theory test online training to help assist with passing the driving theory test.

    This online training would normaly cost £7 per month

    Woody's also provides in car driving theory test training as an integral part of your driving lessons, this is the most important way of understanding the driving theory test as you can relate the question to your own experiences on the road during lessons e.g. hazard perception which plays a huge roll in your driving tuition.

    The pass mark

    The pass mark for the theory test is 43 out of 50 for the multiple choice questions and 44 out of 75 for the hazard perception clips.

    Show me tell me Questions

    Practacal driving test Candidates are required to answer two car safety questions before the test.

    For more help and advice on the practical driving test

    Email Woody's

    Gravesend, Northfleet, Medway, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Strood and the Hoo Peninsula and surrounding areas of Kent.