Driving Test: How to Book (Important Things to Know)

A driving test is the process of examining the capability of an individual to drive a motor vehicle. It is also termed a driving exam, driver's test, or road test and is necessary for getting a driving licence. Usually, there are two parts to the driving test: the theory test, which can be either oral or written and the practical test (road test).

It is a crucial test, and people may feel nervous about the practical driving test compared to the theory test, for which they are mostly quite confident. But you can deal with this feeling by preparing for this test. Once you are well-prepared, you can book for the driving test to get your driving licence.

Things to Consider While Booking a Driving Test

If you are looking to book a driving test, there are some critical aspects you may consider. Following are the essential things which you should know before booking the driving test:

Theory Test

A theory test is the first part of the driving test, and it is necessary to pass it to reach the next stage, i.e. the practical test. Once you pass the theory test, you get a certificate whose validity is up to two years. You can use this certificate to book a practical driving test anytime during this period.

Eligibility Criteria

For booking a practical driving test, the following is the eligibility criteria:

• Age 17 years or more
• Having a valid provisional driving licence
• A theory test passed

Booking a Driving Test

The practical driving test can be booked online or over the phone, according to your ease. The following things are required to book a driving test:

• Credit/debit card
• Provisional licence number
• Instructor's reference number

Cost of a Driving Test

In England, Scotland, and Wales, the cost of the theory test is £23, and the practical driving test cost varies for different days, which is as follows:

• £62 (Monday – Friday)
• £75 (Bank holidays, Evenings, Weekends)

An extended practical driving test is required for disqualified drivers, and its cost is as follows:

• £124 (Monday – Friday)
• £150 (Bank holidays, Evenings, Weekends)

Evening time starts after 4:30 pm, and higher rates are charged for booking driving tests.

Duration of Driving Test

The duration of a practical driving test is almost 40 minutes. Before starting to drive, an eyesight test is conducted in which you are asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters, and you succeed if you read it correctly.

Possible Questions Asked

A driving test examiner can ask different questions from you to check your safety information, such as questions regarding different safety tasks before or during the driving test.

Possible Tasks in a Practical Driving Test

Mostly, local roads are included in the driving test routes, and you have to follow the instructions given by the driving test examiner. There could be different tasks which you have to perform during the test, such as parallel parking at the roadside, parking in a bay, reversing the car, etc.

Independent Driving

Independent driving is part of a practical driving test in which you must drive independently by following the road signs. Its duration is 20 minutes.

Tips to Pass the Driving Test

Following are some of the tips which you can keep in mind during your driving test, which can help you pass your driving test:

• It would be best if you told about your driving test only to those people who are either very close to you or are concerned about your test.
• Keep reminding yourself regarding the theoretical knowledge related to the rules and regulations or signs and symbols displayed on the road.
• A thorough reading of the highway code is important to get all the necessary information.
• Paying to get driving lessons from professional instructors helps you get well-prepared for the test.
• Stay calm while learning, and book your driving test only when you feel ready for the test.
• Familiarise yourself with the driving test route by asking your instructor to include those routes in your lesson.
• Make sure to give a mock test to your instructor before going for the practical driving test.

Important Information

Some other things which you should know about the driving test are given below:

• There are different licences for manual and automatic gearbox vehicles.
• You can also use your car for a driving test if it fulfils the taxation and insurance policies.
• The maximum number of allowed minor faults is 15 to pass the driving test.
• Once you pass your practical driving test, then you will have to decide if you want to get your licence automatically or if you want to get it by hand so that further process can be done accordingly.
• You can start driving after passing the test, even if you have not received the licence yet.

What to Do If You Fail Your Driving Test

If you cannot pass the driving test, your examiner will give email feedback to you regarding your mistakes so that you can perform better next time. You can also appeal the decision made for your driving test. You can use the driving test cancellation finder to get regular updates regarding the new available dates for booking a driving test again. The driving test fee is not refundable, and you can book a new test after ten days if you fail the first test