Taking the Driving Test

The Day of the test: 

• Make sure to be at your test centre with plenty of time before your appointed test time. If you are late you won’t be able to take the test and you will loose your fee.
• Your tester for the day will make sure that your provisional license relates to you, is current and is for the correct category of vehicle.
• You will be asked to read a statement and you must sign it confirming that your vehicle has the correct insurance and that your vehicle is roadworthy. Your appointment letter will provide information on the required roadworthiness of your vehicle.

 
 

The Test

• The test itself for cars lasts about 40 minutes and is quite straightforward.

It will include:

• Questions on rules of the road
• Reversing around a corner
• A turnabout in the road
• A hill start
• You will have to drive roughly five miles under a variety of road conditions.
• Your driving is accessed in the following situations:
  • Moving off
  • Driving in traffic
  • Stopping
  • Reversing around a corner
  • Starting on a hill
  • Parking
  • Turning about to face in the opposite direction
• Certain aspects of your driving will be accessed, including:
  • Road positioning
  • Overtaking and passing
  • Anticipation and observation
  • Use of mirrors and signals
  • Progress
  • Speed
  • Compliance with traffic lights, road signs and markings
  • Use of the vehicle controls (the pedals, the gears and steering)
  • Use of secondary controls (wipers, demisters, etc.)
• There have been recent enhancements to the test and pay attention to these areas, including:
  • Adjusting the seats and mirrors correctly
  • In the case of a motorcyclist you must know how to remove the bike from its stand.
  • In the case of a vehicle and trailer you must know how to couple and uncouple the trailer.
  • In the case of a heavy vehicle test, you must know how to use the power-assisted braking and steering systems.
  • In the case of a bus, you must know how to use the fuel shut-off valve, the index power switch, and how to manually open and close any powered doors fitted to the vehicle.

 
 

Remember, no one is allowed sit in on the test with you except the tester and/or department officers. This officer has no input on the outcome of the test.

And finally, Good luck!