When you’re preparing for your driving practical test, it’s natural to wonder: how long is a driving practical test? Knowing what to expect on the day of the test can help ease any anxiety. In this blog, we’ll answer the common question of how long a driving practical test takes, break down the test stages, and give you practical tips for preparation, including how RouteBuddy can help you feel ready.
How Long Is a Driving Practical Test?
The standard practical driving test in the UK lasts approximately 40 minutes. During this time, your examiner will assess your ability to drive safely and competently in real-world traffic conditions. While 40 minutes might seem like a short period, the test covers a lot of ground and evaluates your skills across different driving scenarios.
What to Expect During Your Driving Test
1. Introduction and Vehicle Safety Check (5 minutes)
Once you arrive at the test centre, your examiner will introduce themselves and ask to see your provisional driving licence. Then, they will carry out a vehicle safety check. You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of the car’s basic functions, such as:
- How to operate the lights, wipers, and horn.
- Checking the brakes, mirrors, and other safety features of the car.
This step ensures you’re familiar with the vehicle and can use essential features during the test.
2. The Driving Section (30–35 minutes)
This is the main part of your test, where your examiner will assess how well you drive in traffic. You’ll need to demonstrate:
- Lane discipline and your ability to stay in the correct lane.
- Speed control, ensuring you drive at the correct speed for the conditions.
- Observation skills and safe decision-making, including judging gaps in traffic.
- Use mirrors and signalling correctly when changing lanes or turning.
The examiner will also test your ability to drive on different types of roads, including busy streets, quieter residential areas, and potentially some rural roads, depending on the test route.
3. Manoeuvres (5–10 minutes)
During this section of the test, you will be asked to perform one or two manoeuvres. The most common manoeuvres include:
- Parallel parking.
- Reversing around a corner.
- A three-point turn.
- Bay parking (if available).
These tasks help demonstrate your control and accuracy in managing the vehicle in confined spaces. Practising these manoeuvres is essential to your success.
4. Independent Driving (10 minutes)
One of the key aspects of the test is the independent driving section. During this part of the test, you’ll be asked to drive without any guidance from the examiner, either by following sat-nav directions or by reading road signs.
This section tests your ability to navigate on your own and make safe driving decisions without constant instruction. It’s designed to assess your decision-making, ability to follow directions, and overall awareness of your surroundings.
5. Feedback and Results (5 minutes)
Once the driving part of the test is complete, your examiner will provide immediate feedback. They’ll let you know if you passed or failed and explain the reasons behind the decision. If you pass, you’ll receive a pass certificate, which allows you to apply for your full driving licence.
How RouteBuddy Can Help You Prepare
One way to make sure you’re ready for your practical test and avoid rescheduling is by using RouteBuddy. While the DVSA doesn’t release exact driving test routes, RouteBuddy allows you to practice real-world test routes and get familiar with your test area. This can help reduce nerves and increase your confidence on test day.
Using RouteBuddy lets you practice turn-by-turn navigation for driving test routes, helping you feel more comfortable with your local test area. The app is designed to help you prepare by simulating the actual test routes you’ll encounter on your test day.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Prepared
Now that you know how long a driving practical test takes and what to expect on test day, you can prepare more effectively. Make sure to practice your driving skills, familiarise yourself with the test routes, and stay calm and confident.
RouteBuddy is an excellent tool to help you prepare by familiarising yourself with local roads and practising key manoeuvres, reducing test-day anxiety. Remember, with the right preparation, you’ll be ready for your test!
FAQs
1. How long is a driving practical test in the UK?
A UK driving practical test typically lasts around 40 minutes, including all sections (vehicle safety check, driving, manoeuvres, and independent driving).
2. What do I need to bring on test day?
Make sure to bring your provisional driving licence and any confirmation details (either printed or digital). Missing documentation may result in your test being cancelled.
3. How can I prepare for the independent driving section?
The independent driving section tests your ability to follow directions without guidance. You can practice using a sat-nav or road signs to navigate in your local area, which you can easily do with RouteBuddy.
4. Does the examiner tell you if you passed immediately?
Yes, the examiner will provide immediate feedback after the test, letting you know if you passed or failed, along with the reasons for their decision.
Practice local driving test routes with RouteBuddy!