If you’re about to take your practical driving test, one of the first questions you might ask is: How long does a driving test take? The UK practical test typically lasts around 40 minutes, but what happens within those 40 minutes can make all the difference between passing and having to retake it.
In this blog, we’ll explain the exact structure of the driving test, what to expect at each stage, and how tools like RouteBuddy can help you feel prepared and confident on the day.
How Long Does a Driving Test Take in the UK?
A standard UK car driving test takes around 40 minutes from start to finish. During this time, the examiner will assess your ability to drive safely, follow the Highway Code, and show good judgment in different traffic situations.
The test is divided into clear sections, so you’ll know what to expect every step of the way.
Breakdown of the Driving Test
1. Introduction and ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions (about 5 minutes)
Your driving test begins with a brief introduction and a series of essential safety checks.
When you arrive at the test centre, the examiner will:
- Check your provisional driving licence
- Ask you to read a number plate from 20 metres away to confirm your eyesight meets the legal standard
- Ask you two vehicle safety questions known as ‘Show Me, Tell Me’:
- A ‘Tell Me’ question before you start driving — for example, “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before a journey.”
- A ‘Show Me’ question while you’re driving — for example, “When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d wash the windscreen.”
These checks ensure you understand how to operate the vehicle safely and respond to real driving situations.
Source: DVSA – Vehicle Safety Questions (‘Show Me, Tell Me’)
2. General Driving (around 20 minutes)
The general driving section is where you’ll demonstrate your ability to drive safely in everyday traffic. The examiner will assess how you:
- Handle junctions, roundabouts, and crossings
- Follow road signs and markings
- Use mirrors and signals correctly
- Control your speed and positioning
- React to hazards and changing traffic conditions
- You’ll also be asked to pull over safely, move off from the side of the road, and perform a hill start or similar exercise.
This part of the test shows whether you can apply what you’ve learned in a variety of real-world conditions.
Source: DVSA – What Happens During Your Test
3. Manoeuvres (about 5 to 10 minutes)
During your test, the examiner will ask you to carry out one reversing manoeuvre, chosen from:
- Parallel parking at the side of the road
- Parking in a bay (either by reversing in and driving out, or driving in and reversing out)
- Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for about two car lengths, and rejoining traffic safely
- This part tests your vehicle control, observation skills, and ability to judge space safely and confidently.
Source: DVSA – What Happens During Your Test
4. Independent Driving (around 20 minutes)
For approximately 20 minutes, you’ll drive independently — without step-by-step directions from the examiner.
You’ll be asked to:
- Follow directions from a sat nav, or
- Follow road signs to a particular destination
- This section is designed to test how well you can make decisions and stay focused while driving independently — a key skill for safe driving.
Source: DVSA – Independent Driving Section
5. Feedback and Results (about 5 minutes)
When the test ends, the examiner will tell you your result straight away.
You’ll pass if you make:
- No more than 15 driving faults (minors), and
- No serious or dangerous faults (majors)
- If you pass, you’ll receive a pass certificate, and you can choose to have your full licence sent automatically.
- If you don’t pass, the examiner will explain the reasons for the result and discuss what to improve before retaking your test.
Source: DVSA – Driving Test Faults and Your Result
How to Prepare for the Full 40 Minutes
Knowing how long a driving test takes helps you plan mentally and physically for the day. Here’s how to make the most of your preparation time:
1. Practise Real-World Routes with RouteBuddy
Use RouteBuddy to practise realistic driving test routes near your chosen test centre. The app provides turn-by-turn navigation based on real local roads, helping you:
- Get familiar with complex junctions and roundabouts
- Experience typical road layouts used in driving tests
- Reduce anxiety by knowing what to expect
Practising with RouteBuddy can help you build confidence and focus on safe, consistent driving rather than worrying about navigation.
2. Simulate Test Conditions
Try mock tests with your instructor that replicate the full 40-minute structure — including independent driving and manoeuvres. This will help you manage nerves and maintain focus throughout the test.
3. Prepare for the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions
Study the common vehicle safety questions from the DVSA website so you can answer them confidently on test day.
4. Rest and Arrive Early
Arriving 10–15 minutes before your test helps you relax, get familiar with the area, and settle any last-minute nerves.
Key Takeaways
- The average duration of a driving test is typically around 40 minutes.
- The test includes vehicle safety checks, general driving, manoeuvres, and independent driving.
- You can make up to 15 minor faults, but no serious or dangerous ones.
- Practising test routes with RouteBuddy helps you feel confident and prepared for every stage.
Conclusion: How Long Does a Driving Test Take?
So, how long does a driving test take? Around 40 minutes — just enough time to demonstrate your ability to drive safely, make good decisions, and stay calm under pressure.
By practising regularly, simulating test conditions, and using RouteBuddy to familiarise yourself with local roads, you’ll walk into the test centre ready to succeed.
FAQs
1. How long does a driving test take in the UK?
The UK practical driving test takes around 40 minutes.
2. What’s included in the driving test?
It includes safety questions, general driving, a manoeuvre, and 20 minutes of independent driving.
3. How many mistakes can I make?
You can make up to 15 minor faults, but no serious or dangerous faults to pass.
4. How can RouteBuddy help me prepare?
RouteBuddy helps you practise realistic test routes near your centre, improving your familiarity and confidence.
👉 Start practising the Driving Test Routes today with RouteBuddy!