When you meet the examiner, he will introduce himself and check your documents.

    He will then ask you a series of "show me - tell me" questions, a sample of the questions are shown below.

 

    Identify where:

    Tell me how you would check:

    Tell me:

    Show me how you would check:

    Show me how you would:

    Show me:

    You will then normally be asked to perform the reversing exercise.

To view a video click HERE for narrowband and HERE for broadband.

    The reversing exercise is the same for C1, C, D1, D & all "+E" tests.

    You drive up to cones A without passing through them.  You then reverse missing cone B which will have a stick protruding out of the top.  You must park your vehicle in the bay marked out by the cones with the rear of the vehicle within the yellow cross hatched area.  You may take a shunt forward as long as you do not go further forward than the cones marked A, this will result in a minor fault.  You can also turn the engine off and exit the vehicle when in the bay to check your position, this will also result in a minor fault being recorded.  More than 2 minor faults, hitting a cone, stopping short or passing through the cross hatched are will result in a fail.  On all category C tests a barrier will be present behind the cross hatch area, you are allowed to touch this, but moving the barrier will result in a fail.  Passing through the yellow lines marking the boundary will result in a fail.

    You should maintain proper control and observation during this test.

    You will then be asked to perform the braking exercise.

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To view a video click HERE for narrowband and HERE for broadband.

    You must drive from a start point at least 61 meters away from the cones and reach approximately 20MPH.  When the front of the vehicle reaches the cones the brakes should be applied firmly.  You should stop as quickly as possible, under control and without locking the wheels.  Proper control and observation must be maintained during this exercise.  If the vehicle is fitted with ABS then the brake and clutch should be applied together to stop quickly, if the vehicle has no ABS then the clutch should be depressed as the vehicle comes to a stop.

    If you are taking a "+E" course then you will be asked to demonstrate de-coupling and re-coupling of your trailer.  If you are a disabled candidate on a B+E course you may be allowed to explain the procedure without demonstrating it.

    During this part of the test you will be asked to un-couple the trailer and park the vehicle alongside the trailer.  You will then have to realign the vehicle with the trailer a re-couple it.  This must be done safely and observation and control must be maintained.

    If you have failed the test at this point the examiner may decide to end the test.

    You will be asked to leave the test station and follow the road ahead unless told otherwise.  The test is officially 90 minutes long, although this time may vary slightly.  When leaving the test station be very careful to assess the geography of the road layout and position yourself correctly to enter the road ahead.  Listen carefully to all instructions given by your examiner, relax; give the examiner a good, smooth and confident drive.

 

    Over emphasize your head movements when looking in your mirrors, so the examiner can see that you are doing so.  From this point the examiner will expect you to understand and to act accordingly to all road signs or signals that you encounter.  Be aware of any height, weight or width restrictions that prohibit your vehicle from entering junctions.

 

    The examiner will be looking to see that you display the following abilities:

    You will also need to show that you can safely:

    You must display courtesy and consideration to other road users, especially:

    You must apply the correct procedures at:

    You will also need to show:

    At some point during the test you will be required to complete some manoeuvres, these are:

 

    When you return to the test centre if you are taking a test with a trailer you will be asked to park up, uncouple the trailer and park your vehicle beside the trailer.  You will then be asked to couple up to the trailer as though it were a new trailer.  After you have coupled up to the trailer and tested the brakes the test will be finished.

 

    Here is an example of the marking sheet used by the examiner on the test.  Click on it for a full size version.  Not all of the checkboxes are used during a test.  For example, you are not required to do the Eyesight test or reverse round a corner in a LGV or PCV test.

 

 

    Here is an explanation for each group on the form.

 

1(a) Eyesight Test:


    At the start of the test the examiner asked you to read a vehicle registration number. If you required glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive. If you had problems with the eyesight test, perhaps you should consider consulting an optician. 

1(b) Highway Code / Safety:


    If you didn't need to take a separate theory test, for example to obtain a licence for a tractor or other specialist vehicle, you will have been asked questions on the Highway Code and other related motoring matters. You will have also been asked to identify some traffic signs. 

    If you had difficulty with these questions make sure that you study properly by reading as wide a range of publications as you can to increase your understanding. 

    If you have already passed a theory test you will not have been asked Highway Code questions at the practical test stage, but you should still have a thorough knowledge of it. 

    Safety questions (if applicable) – you should know the location of, and be able to operate, safety components such as fire extinguisher, fuel cut-off switch and emergency door. 

2 Controlled stop:

 
    You will need to be able to display a high level of skill in bringing your vehicle to a stop, safely, promptly and under full control avoiding locking the wheels. Remember that in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safely. 

3, 4 and 5 Reverse exercises:

 
    You will need to display the ability to control the vehicle safely whilst reversing to the left, right, when parking on the road or into a parking bay. You must take good effective all round observation throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration to other road users. 

6 Turn in the road:

 
    You will need to display the low speed control and observation skills necessary to carry out this exercise safely with due regard for other road users and pedestrians. 

7 Vehicle checks:


    You will need to display to the examiner a basic knowledge of the fundamental safety checks applicable to your vehicle. For example safe fluid levels, lighting and tyre checks. 

8 Taxi manoeuvre:

 
    You must be able to display the ability to turn your car around by whatever means available, making sure you take effective, all round observation, showing consideration to other road users and pedestrians. 

    You should control your vehicle smoothly making proper use of the clutch, accelerator, brakes and steering. You should not use a driveway or allow your vehicle to mount the pavement as this could damage your vehicle. 

9 Taxi wheelchair:

 
    You should be able to securely erect wheelchair ramps, safely install the wheelchair and an imaginary wheelchair occupant into your vehicle, ensure the wheelchair and occupant are secured in readiness for the journey and reverse the entire process. 

10 Vehicle and trailer combinations:


    You will need to demonstrate the skills necessary when uncoupling and re-coupling your vehicle, driving the towing vehicle to a designated position prior to re-coupling safely. 

11 Precautions:


    Before you start the engine make sure that you are comfortably seated and all controls can be safely operated. 

12 Control:


    This section covers, where appropriate, the safe and controlled use of accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, parking brake, and steering. Additional specific control elements apply to the drivers of different vehicle categories. 

    Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible. This means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a smoother ride for your passengers. Make proper use of your accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start. Always depress the clutch just before you stop. Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Change gear in good time but not too soon before a hazard. 

    Do not allow the vehicle to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch depressed. There should be no need to look down at the gear lever when changing gear. Use the footbrake smoothly and progressively. Brake in plenty of time for any hazard. 

    Make full use of the parking brake whenever it would help you to prevent the vehicle rolling backwards or forwards, and if you are parking. 

    Steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Avoid harsh steering, or steering too early or too late as it may cause you to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user. 

    If you are riding a motorcycle slowly, maintain a straight line and do not allow the machine to wobble towards other vehicles. 

13 Move off:


    You will need to demonstrate your ability to move off smoothly and safely on the level, on a gradient and at an angle taking the correct precautionary observations. 

14 Use of mirrors – rear observations:


    Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively. You must always check carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed. You should demonstrate you can use the mirrors-signal-manoeuvre (MSM) routine effectively. 

15 Signals:


    You must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code if it would help other road users (including pedestrians). Always signal in good time and ensure that the signal has been cancelled after the manoeuvre has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road. 

16 Clearance / obstructions:


    Allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles, obstructions and be prepared to slow down or stop. A door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without warning. 

17 Response to signs/signals:


    You should understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings. You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows. Obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Look out for signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to act accordingly. 

18 Use of speed:

 

    You should make safe, reasonable progress along the road bearing in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions and the road signs and speed limits. 

    Make sure that you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear. Do not speed. Remember, as a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you get six or more penalty points during the first two years, and you will have to retake and pass both theory and practical tests. 

19 Following distance:


    Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Remember, on wet or slippery roads it takes much longer to stop. When you stop in traffic queues leave sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems. 

20 Maintain progress:


    In order to pass your test you must show that you can drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so. Driving excessively slowly can create dangers for yourself and other drivers.

21 Junctions (including roundabouts):


    You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. 

    Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. 

    Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding. 

22 Judgement:


    Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need as much space as other vehicles because they can wobble or swerve suddenly. Do not cut in too quickly after overtaking. 

    Take care when the width of the road is restricted or when the road narrows. 

    If there is an obstruction on your side or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to wait and let the approaching vehicles through. 

    When you turn right across the path of an approaching vehicle, make sure you can do so safely. Other vehicles should not have to stop, slow down or swerve to allow you to complete your turn. 

23 Positioning:


    You should position the vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily. 

24 Pedestrian crossings:


    You should be able to recognise the different types of pedestrian crossing and show courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians. At all crossings you should slow down and stop if there is anyone on the crossing. At zebra crossings you should slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross. Give way to any pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing. You should give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing and act correctly at puffin crossings. 

25 Position / normal stops:


    Choose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not obstruct the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users. 

26 Awareness / planning:

 

    You must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so you can judge what other road users are going to do, predict how their actions will affect you and react in good time. Anticipate road and traffic conditions, and act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment. 

    Take particular care to consider the actions of the more vulnerable groups of road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. 

27 Ancillary controls:

 

    You should understand the function of all the controls and switches, especially those that have a bearing on road safety. These include indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, demisters and heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary, without looking down.

 

 

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