In 1934 there where 1.5 million registered motor cars in the UK. That
relatively small number of vehicles, however, where busy causing approximately 7000
road fatalities per year. That equals one road death per year for every 200 vehicles;
or, in a five year period you could expect one person to be killed for every 40
vehicles registered!
There are now over 30 million cars alone on UK roads, covering far
greater distances annually at far higher speeds, and total fatalities have
fallen to below 3000. A lot of that improvement can be attributed to the UK
driving test which was introduced the year after those 7000 deaths were
recorded, in 1935.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is the executive agency of the Department
for Transport in charge of driving testing in the UK and their examiners
conduct the category B car test.
To pass the test you will need to have passed a theory test, pass a
simple eyesight test, demonstrate a basic level of car maintenance knowledge by
answering one “show me” and one “tell me” question which an
instructor will prepare you for, and demonstrate a high standard of competence
in a range of driving skills and situations.
Passing the driving test means that the government is satisfied
that you have the driving skills, knowledge and judgement required to drive
safely and in a way that reasonably minimises environmental damage. Whether you
do or not, once you have passed your test, is up to you. Your driving
instructor will work with you in your lessons to ensure that the standards you
set for yourself in respect of safety and the environment are ones you can be
proud of. The standards you set yourself last. They are the ones that keep you
and the people you drive safe...for life.
The Test (Sleep well, eat breakfast and wear your favourite driving shoes) Your driving instructor will normally pick you up on your test day between
one and two hours prior to your test time. After a warm-up drive and some
brushing-up you’ll park at the test centre and you and your instructor will
walk to the waiting room. At your test time an examiner will call you, you will
sign the test report form, do the eyesight test (read a licence plate from 20.5
metres), answer the “show me, tell me” questions and then start the test. The
test lasts for forty minutes in total – you will be driving for about
thirty-five of those. Your examiner will give you directional
instructions throughout the drive apart from during the Independent Driving phase. The Independent Driving phase involves following a set of three or four simple, diagrammed directions, or posted road signs towards a particular destination, or both. It lasts about 10 minutes. During the test your examiner will ask you to do a “manoeuvre” and possibly an emergency stop. Your test will conclude back at the test centre
and your examiner will tell you the result. They will then brief you on it – if you
wish – with or without your instructor present, again this is up to you (your
instructor will have waited for you at the test centre unless you have requested
that they sit-in with you during the test). Fifteen or fewer minor faults
(called driver faults) with no serious
or dangerous faults will earn you a pass – any more than this will not.
If you pass the test you will be issued with a pass certificate. If
you have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004, the examiner will, if you wish, take your
provisional licence and send off for a full licence which should arrive by post
within four weeks.
If you fail you will need to reapply for a test, the date of which
must be at least ten working days after the failed test.
It’s OK To Be Nervous Nerves are natural. Don’t be put-off by the fact that you’re
nervous because then you lose concentration. Let yourself be nervous – just focus on the drive. Five minutes into the test you will forget
that you’re nervous…and then you wont be anymore. Booking Practical Driving Test To book your practical test you will need
your provisional licence number, your theory test pass certificate number and
an accepted credit or debit card. The test currently costs £62 for a weekday
booking and £75 for weekends. When? You should agree with your instructor about when to take the practical
test. Waiting lists vary between test centres but a typical minimum wait is
about five weeks; so you may not feel completely ready when you book and
indeed shouldn’t fully be at that stage. You will need to trust your
instructor, relax and continue to enjoy your lessons. If closer to the test date you
and your instructor feel that you may not be ready in time you can postpone the test
without losing the fee so long as you give three clear working days’ notice.
You are allowed to rebook the test two times without losing the fee. A fourth
booking would have to be paid for.
