THE DRIVING TEST
Are you ready?
An easy way to know if you’re ready to take your practical driving test is to sit a mock test with an instructor. If you can pass this then you’ve shown you can drive at a good standard. Your instructor will be happy submitting you for test – Options A/B (shown below)
If you struggle with this then there’s still work to do. If your instructor considers your driving ability to be not at test standard then you won’t be able to take the test in your instructor’s car, in other words, if you’re not ready – they won’t take you. They’d recommend delaying your test until your standard improves.
If you’re wondering why instructors won’t take people for test it’s because of strict regulations they need to adhere to. A fail and all recorded faults a learner gets also gets recorded to their instructors stats – that is why they must ensure only the very competent drivers can be submitted.
If you insist on sitting the test ‘without your instructor’s blessing’ and you have your own car or access to a friend or family member’s car or even from a car hire company then you could look at Option C (shown below)
Booking your test
The initial booking cost is £62. This is payment for the examiner to assess your driving. This is payable directly to the DVSA by card when booking online @ gov.uk. This payment doesn’t go to your driving Instructor. If you choose Option A or B then the prices are detailed to the right of this.
Option A – £100
(Payable 48 hours before test)
Sit your test in your Instructor’s car. Includes pickup an hour before, fully insured tuition car for test, drop off back after your test has finished.
Successful mock test is required for this option.
Option B – £100
(Payable 48 hours before test)
Sit your test in your own car. Includes pickup an hour before, drop off back after your test has finished. Your car must meet required standards, have valid insurance, a passenger mirror for the examiner and display L plates front and rear.
A successful mock test is required for this option.
Option C – Free
You take your practical driving test in your own car without your instructor being with you on the day. You’d need someone to accompany you. Your car must meet required standards, have valid insurance, a passenger mirror for the examiner and display L plates front and rear. There is no need for dual controls or even for you to take a driving instructor with you. Although we wouldn’t recommend going for a test until you have passed a mock test, with this option it’s your choice.