Practical Test
Before taking the practical test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationery vehicle, (if you fail this, your test will not continue).

The distance requirement for the old-style numebr plate is 20.5 metres, old-style number plates are in the format H234 ELP. The distance requirement for the eyesight test with the new-style number plate is 20 metres. New-style number plates are were introduced on 1 September 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters i.e AB51 ABC.

After the eyesight test you will be asked 2 vehicle safety check questions, i.e Show me /Tell me. You will then be examined on your general driving and on 2 reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

Dangerous Fault: Those involving actual danger, other people are forced to act
Serious Fault: Those involving potential danger to themselves or others
Driving Faults: Mistake in driving technique or an incorrect reaction to a situation