Driving Test FAQ

A: Yes, you can. However, although you can apply for your Driving License 3 months before your 17th birthday, you have to wait until the license is active, to be able to sit the theory test.

A: The answer is yes, but it’s an advertising gimmick. We have seen this type of thing advertised. Of course, its a marketing ploy and looks incredibly good…..too good in fact. In theory, everyone should pass, in the end, so keep paying for driving lessons (endlessly) and it’s ” guaranteed”! Avoid Driving Schools or other companies that advertise this type of thing.

A: On average you will be out on the road for around 40 minutes. The Driving Test changed in November 2025, the major change being that the Independant Driving section can be used for the entire duration of the test.

A: Driving Test FAQ A: Often asked, but difficult to answer absolutely. Cost per lesson varies with area, but an average cost for manual lessons is around £ 37 per hour and Automatic £ 43.  The overall cost of lessons to achieve a pass, is another matter entirely. A good instructor, that charges more per lesson, could cost you much less overall, because he may be a better teacher, meaning that pupils need far fewer lessons.

A: Driving Lessons in an Automatic Car are slightly more expensive, due to the higher cost to purchase the vehicle.

FAQ A: Some Driving Schools will give a small discount, if 10 hours or so, are paid upfront. At present, and for the foreseeable future, there is a shortage of driving Instructors, meaning that its very difficult to find one with space for new students. Therefore, discounts on driving lesson prices are unlikely to be available.

A: Automatic lessons are slightly more expensive, mainly because their are fewer instructors that specialize so, supply and demand. A secondary issue is that auto cars, cost slightly more to run.

A: If you have the time and want to pass quickly, 2 hours a day, 4 or 5 days a week should be quite efficient. There are companies that offer ” Intensive Courses”, which work for a few, but not most. Problem for people is two fold. Firstly, finding the time to do it and secondly, after 2 hours of sitting in a car, with concentration levels through the roof, the ability to learn drops rapidly. This of course can mean that the 6 hours a day intensive courses, can be a big waste of money.

A: No they do not. 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.

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.

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.

A: This is one of our most asked questions, in Driving test FAQ.  Unfortunately it is 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 22 hours’ private practice. Private practice in a parents car is a great idea, however do make sure that you are correctly insured. Some car insurance policies allow learners to be added, however can be expensive and the main drivers no claims discount is at risk.

A: 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). This is a very common Driving Test FAQ question.

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

A: Like any test the Driving Theory Test will be difficult if you don’t know the answers!!
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!
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.

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.

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. At present the DVSA has a backlog of around 500,000 tests due to Covid and they are considering a change to 28 days. The purpose is to discourage learners from taking practical Driving Tests unless absolutely ready. Although it’s possible to rebook a test, after waiting for 10 days, its taking some applicants 6 months to get one booked with DVSA.

A: Often asked, in Driving Test FAQ.
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 manoeuvre.
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 4^th 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.

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.

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-de-sac or dead-end road. That aside, DVSA has said that it’s important to teach the old and new reverse manoeuvres.

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.

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). This is a very common Driving Test FAQ question.

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.

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.

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 re-join traffic. Including these two, manoeuvres, there are 4 in total. Reverse, aka parallel park and reverse bay park are the other two.

A: Just one now. The DVSA examiner makes the choice

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

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.

A: The test itself is the same, marked on the same form. However, as the car has no clutch or gears that have to be operated by the driver, getting up to test standard should a quicker. As the new driver does not have to concentrate on using the clutch and gears, they are able to give more attention to the road and traffic. This often gives a better result on test.

A: DVSA, which is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Transport runs the Test centres and administers the Driving Test. DVSA does not provide a car for test. This is a very common Driving Test FAQ question.

A: Yes you can. Here is a helpful link to DVSA on the subject https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car

A: Now this subject comes up all over the internet, social media and other platforms.
We have seen comments like ” He is just milking it” “or stringing it out”, to make more money.
I am sure that there is a odd case of this, particularly in the past.
However right now, Driving Instructors are so busy, they have more work then they can reasonably cope with, so these misplaced beliefs do not hold much water.
The reason that a Driving Instructor wont allow a student to book a test and use the school car is usually the simple fact that for whatever reason, the pupil is not test ready.
The DVSA; they are the people that set the tests and regulate Driving Instructors, has stated that Driving Instructors should not allow pupils to take driving tests if they are not ready. Here is a link to the DVSA advice and campaign: https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/
You do not have to follow this advice if you want to book a test and take it in your own car, but it is good advice. However, Driving Instructors have to follow the advice, or pay the penalty. This is one of the most asked questions here on Driving Test FAQ

A: Yes, absolutely.
At the end of the test if you have not been successful, the DVSA examiner will offer feedback, which you should accept. They will also ask if you want your Instructor (if you have one) to be present. This is also a good idea. You will be given verbal feedback on the faults which led to the unsuccessful outcome and a copy of the DL25A Driving Test Report form.

A: DVSA Examiners are Government Civil Servants. Some are ex-Driving Instructors, most are not. They are trained to assess candidates objectively, against pre-set standards. Put simply, if you are good enough to pass the Driving Test, then you will. There are no quotas or anything of that nature.

A: The answer is no, not if he or she sees the warning light. Historically, as amber warning did not constitute MOT failures, generally made no difference to a Driving Test. Unfortunately, as an amber light now results in an MOT failure, the DVSA has reacted accordingly.

Yes, it’s possible. The system does not insist that you take lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor, although it’s recommended by DVSA that you take at least 45 hours professional instruction.

There is no minimum number of hours training that needs to be evidenced and if you look at the answer to the question above, it will help. However, if you go out on test and the examiner feels that you are unsafe, the test will be abandoned. The examiner will stop the car, get out and walk back to the test centre, leaving you in the car, with no keys.

As a Driving Test FAQ, this is at the top right now. There are lots of reasons for this problem. Covid caused a huge backlog, which DVSA has failed to clear for a number of reasons. During winter of course, there are fewer daylight hours, during which tests can be conducted and unfortunately there has been industrial action. Another issue is time of the year, when booking. During School Holidays, there is a massive surge in demand from those attending schools and college’s. When you combine this with DVSA examiners booking holidays, it creates a bottleneck. DVSA is currently continuing its campaign to recruit more examiners to cope with demand.
In order to improve the situation, DVSA has introduced the ” ready to pass” campaign, which designed to keep pressure off the system by ensuring that test candidates are fully ready for test and do not need to come back through the system.

This question is another that at the top of Driving Test FAQ. The DVSA has published their list of observable reasons why people fail the driving test. What is does not state are the human factors, like nerves, stress, that may be the root cause. Here are the Top 10 reasons for failing the Driving test in Great Britain

Yes, you can choose whether you want to take it in a manual or auto. However, if you pass in an auto, you cannot drive a manual car as a FLH.

The test is the test- it’s the same. It’s a common belief and misconception that auto makes it easier, and you will pass after fewer lessons or hours practice

It’s situational. If a missed mirror check does not lead to a situation that causes actual or potential danger to you or another road user than no, it’s a minor fault. However, multiple missed mirror checks are another matter. At a certain point, the examiner will view this as a serious issue with your driving, resulting in a fail.

Drive safely, obeying the Road Traffic Act, use correct road procedure and make adequate progress. If you have used the services of an Approved Driving Instructor, drive the way that you have been taught.

Up to 16 weeks, however there are regional variations.

You don’t normally need the test pass number to book a test, however sometimes the system ask you for it. You can obtain the number to book your test and a letter to take to the test by contacting DVSA. Here is a link to help you: https://www.gov.uk/find-theory-test-pass-number

You must use a bus lane if outside of the restrictions. If not YOU WILL FAIL. This catches out so many test candidates. Do remember to keep you eyes peeled for the times of operation, if there are none, it’s active 24 hours a day.

Providing that its correctly insured for the test and it meets DVSA standards, then any car will be ok.
This link from DVSA will guide you: https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car

Yes you can, however if you have passed you should find the practical lessons easier, as you will have better knowledge of road procedure, road signs and the Road Traffic Act. It could speed up the process. Plus it ensures that when you are ready for your practical, you’re not playing catch up trying to pass the theory.

“Pass Rate” is a term that’s banded about by Driving Schools and it’s just a marketing ploy. Lets say you find a particular driving instructor that gets 75% of test applicants through first time. Another Instructor gets 60% through test first time. Seems the 75% instructor is best? However, what if on average the 75% FTP pass instructor takes on average 80 hours of lessons and the 60% FTP instructor takes on average 40 hours instruction to get a learner through test. ” Pass Rate” is not a guarantee of quality; efficiency is more important. Look for experience, qualifications over an above the basic ADI certification. This shows a certain mindset and willingness to keep up with new driver training methods. Check the, DVSAs ” find driving schools and lessons” , to make sure that the Driving Instructor is certificated.

This question comes up a lot in Driving Test FAQs
It comes from a rumour that’s been around, literally forever- that examiners have a quota that must fail.
It’s not true, but it gives candidates something to blame for failure.
Driving Test examiners want to pass those that deserve to pass, particularly as the system is currently overloaded with up to 14 weeks waiting time to get a test slot.

DVSA no longer publishes the routes.
We totally agree with your approach, as you have obviously completed your training and want to give yourself the best chance of passing your test in your Dads car.
Knowing the routes will give you a distinct edge on test day and we can help.
When relocating our driving school to this area from Kent, we were in the same position as you- no knowledge of the Driving Test Centre routes, which would have hindered us in providing a great service to our learners.
We found an app, in the apple app store, which in a couple of weeks sorted out our problem.
It’s about £ 12 per month and allows you to select the test centre of your choice. Plus it’s a GPS system, and gives you verbal directions. So, it covers off the Independent Driving skills section of the test- two birds with one stone, so to speak. This section now represents 50% of the practical test, so it’s very important to be on top of it.

Here is a link for you and good luck!

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/driving-test-routes-uk/id1552362495

You will typically need your Provisional Driving Licence and payment, if you have not paid by Bank transfer prior to your driving lesson. If you need glasses to drive, make sure that you have these with you as well.

You will need to take your Provisional Driving Licence. You do not need to take your DVSA booking confirmation letter with you. NB: The test will be cancelled and you will not receive a refund, if you do not take your Provisional Driving Licence with you.

If you just brush the kerb, the examiner may not even notice or simply disregard it. Its a judgement call. If you bash it or mount it, you will fail

Yes you can and the examiners would be impressed that you did- shows awareness. However, try not to do it more than once if possible.

The examiner will be looking at an absolute maximum of 12 inches or a drains width. The examiner knows that you will be trying hard not to hit the kerb and may be slightly further from the kerb due to nerves. However, 12 inches is the maximum.

Dangerous Faults- these involve actual danger to people or property and are an instant fail.
Serious Faults- these faults have the potential to be dangerous, if the circumstances were different. Once again, an instant fail
Driver Faults- not potentially dangerous, but repetition could become so. Theoretically a candidate could make 15 of these and still pass a driving test. However, too many in one category will likely be escalated by the examiner to a serious fault. The point at which this will happen is not published by DVSA, it’s a judgement call on the part of the examiner and has been known to cause controversy.

These are also known as ” Crash Courses”, which is somewhat ironic given the subject matter.
The courses are sold on the basis of what every learner driver wants to hear- ” you will pass your Driving Test quickly.
Instructors/Schools that supply such courses usually insist that an applicant has taken and passed their theory test and its in date. The DVSA states that it takes about 45 hours of driving lessons and 20 hours of private practice to pass a Driving Test. An intensive course is compressed into around 2 weeks, with a test taken at the end. That’s around 5 hours training a day.

No- we would not.
If you think back to when you were at school or Uni, learning for most took place over a long period of time, with only a very few being able to cram for tests and get a positive result. Driving is exactly the same. The cognitive and psychomotor skills take time to embed. We are all different, however most of us, particularly in the early stages of driving, can only concentrate and learn for 1.5 to 2 hours. Now there are a few of us that can train for 5 hours at a time- but not many. 2 hours a day, over 3 or 4 weeks is pretty intensive and in our experience yield better results and a more enjoyable learning experience.