Preparing for your driving test

Eyesight check

The beginning of your test starts with a simple eyesight check. You will be asked to ask to read a new-style number plate from 20m away and an old-style number plate from 20.5m away. 

If you cannot read the number plate at these distances you automatically fail and the test ends. This is because it would be unsafe for you to drive if you can’t see at these distances. If you do wear glasses or contact lenses day-to-day, it goes without saying you should always wear them when driving. 

Show me, tell me questions

After your eyesight check, you will be asked a ‘tell me’ question before you start driving. The question will about the safety of the car, so could be along these lines ‘Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked’. 

The ‘show me’ question is usually asked once you’re on the move and involves you showing the instructor how you would carry out a safety procedure. A question you could be asked is ‘When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?’.

To read all the questions, you can visit the government website here.

Independent driving

You will have to drive independent of instruction for around twenty minutes, the idea being that this is a more accurate portrayal of real-world driving. You will either be told to follow a satnav or follow traffic signs towards a certain direction.

This is an area of the driving test that many people fear, but it is relatively straightforward. If you are asked to follow a satnav, the instructor will set this going for you. If they have asked you to follow signs, they will help direct you if any signs are obscured. 

Regardless of whether you’re following a satnav or road signs, if you do end up taking a wrong turn, there is no need to panic as the examiner will direct you back in the right direction. You are not marked on your ability to navigate, just your driving ability so there really is no need to worry. 

General driving ability

Once you’ve answered the ‘tell me’ question, you will be asked to start driving. The examiner will give you directions on where to go. 

During this section of the test, you will also be asked to pull over and then pull away. This could be a normal stop at the side of the road, a hill start, or mean pulling out from behind a parked vehicle. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

1. Parallel Parking:

Imagine you’ve found the perfect spot on a busy street, but it’s sandwiched between two parked cars. That’s where parallel parking comes in!

Example:

You’re driving down a narrow street and see a gap between a parked car and a delivery truck.

Check your mirrors and blind spots, then signal your intention to park.

Pull up alongside the parked car, leaving roughly a meter of space.

Reverse slowly, turning the steering wheel sharply towards the curb as you go (think of “curb your enthusiasm”).

Once your car is at a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel and continue reversing until your car is comfortably parked between the other vehicles.

Adjust your position if needed, and remember to check your mirrors and blind spots before pulling back into traffic.

2. Forward Bay Parking:

This manoeuver involves driving straight into a designated parking bay. Sounds simple, right? But mastering the angle and positioning is key.

Example:

Pull up alongside an empty parking bay, ensuring enough space to manoeuvre.

Signal your intention to park and check your mirrors and blind spots.

Turn the steering wheel slightly towards the bay as you slowly drive forward.

Once the front wheels are aligned with the bay, straighten the wheel and continue driving in until your car is comfortably positioned.

Check your mirrors and blind spots again before turning off the engine and enjoying your newfound parking prowess!

3. Reverse Bay Parking:

This one requires some extra finesse, as you’ll be backing into the parking bay. But don’t worry, with practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Example:

Locate an empty parking bay and position your car slightly past the bay, leaving enough space to manoeuver.

Signal your intention to park and check your mirrors and blind spots.

Slowly reverse into the bay, turning the steering wheel the opposite way you want the car to go (remember, “left goes right”).

Keep an eye on the curb and adjust your angle as needed until your car is safely parked within the bay.

Once positioned, straighten the wheel, check your mirrors and blind spots again, and voilà, you’ve conquered reverse bay parking!

4. Pull Up and Reverse:

This manoeuvre, sometimes encountered in driving tests, involves pulling up to the curb, reversing a specific distance, and then safely rejoining traffic.

Example:

• Your driving instructor asks you to “pull up on the right and reverse two car lengths.”
• Find a safe spot on the roadside, ensuring you’re not obstructing traffic or driveways.
• Signal your intention to manoeuvre and check your mirrors and blind spots.
• Pull up alongside the curb, leaving enough space to comfortably reverse.
• Engage reverse gear and slowly back up, counting two car lengths (or the instructed distance) as you go.
• Once positioned, check your mirrors and blind spots again, signal your intention to merge, and carefully re-enter traffic.