Preparing for Your Practical Driving Test

After your provisional licence and theory test, the final step is the practical driving test. At Pro Drivers Academy, our mission is to ensure you’re fully prepared, confident, and ready to pass on the first attempt.

Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

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1. What the Practical Test Includes

The DVSA practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes and covers:

1.Eyesight Check

•You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

2.‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Vehicle Safety Questions

•One “tell me” question before you start driving (e.g., “Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before a journey”).

•One “show me” question while you’re driving (e.g., “Show me how you’d wash the windscreen”).

3.General Driving Ability

•You’ll drive on a variety of roads and traffic conditions, following instructions from the examiner.

4.Reversing Manoeuvre

•You’ll be asked to do one of the following:

•Parallel park at the side of the road

•Park in a bay (drive in and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out)

•Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse 2 car lengths, and rejoin traffic

5.Independent Driving

•Lasts about 20 minutes.

•You’ll either follow directions from a sat-nav or road signs.

6.Emergency Stop (not always included — about 1 in 3 tests).

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2. Pass/Fail Criteria

•To pass, you must make no more than 15 driving faults (often called “minors”).

•You must not make any serious or dangerous faults (“majors”).

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3. Cost of the Practical Test

•As of May 2025:

•Weekdays: £62

•Evenings, weekends, and bank holidays: £75

•Book directly via: GOV.UK – Book Your Driving Test.

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4. Tips to Prepare for Your Driving Test

•Practise in a variety of conditions — day/night, rain, busy traffic.

•Do at least one mock test with your instructor.

•Master the manoeuvres (parallel parking, bay parking, pull-up on the right).

•Get comfortable with following a sat-nav.

•Stay calm — nerves are normal, but remember: it’s just like another driving lesson.

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5. How Pro Drivers Academy Prepares You

•DVSA-approved instructors who know local test routes in Chingford and North East London.

•Mock tests under real exam conditions.

•Step-by-step guidance on manoeuvres.

•Extra support if you’ve failed before (refresher lessons).

•Help with booking your test if needed.

Many of our learners pass first time thanks to our structured approach.

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Note on prices: All costs are correct as of May 2025, but please check GOV.UK for the latest updates.