What to expect on your practical test

Knowing exactly how the test runs removes a lot of the nerves. The practical driving test lasts around 40 minutes.

The five parts of the test

1. 1Eyesight check — reading a number plate from 20 metres.
2. 2Vehicle safety questions — one 'tell me' and one 'show me'.
3. 3General driving ability — a range of roads and traffic conditions.
4. 4Reversing — one manoeuvre such as parallel parking or parking in a bay.
5. 5Independent driving — around 20 minutes following a sat nav or road signs.

You may also be asked to do an emergency stop. At the end, the examiner will tell you if you passed and talk you through any faults.

What to bring

1. 1Your UK photocard provisional licence.
2. 2Your theory test pass certificate number.
3. 3A car that meets the rules — your instructor's car is the easiest option.