So it’s test day! If you’re one of my pupils you will have already had a mock test so you should feel very prepared. We’ll have an hour’s lesson immediately before the test, this is to give you a chance to settle in, and go over anything that will give you that bit more confidence to achieve your goal.

We’ll then arrive at the test centre 10 minutes before the start time, this gives you time to park the car, organise your paperwork and use the facilities, without feeling rushed. We’ll sit in the waiting room together until an examiner comes out and calls your name. They’ll check your licence and ask you to sign the test form. You’ll then be asked if you want your instructor to come on the test with you. We will have discussed this beforehand, it’s very much up to you. If you want me to come along, I will sit behind you and observe the test without taking an active role. Some people feel calmer with a familiar person in the car, others find it useful to discuss the test with me afterwards. However it can be distracting for some people.

You will then step outside with the examiner and read a number plate to ensure that your eyesight meets the requirements to drive. You’ll then be asked a vehicle question, this might be asked as you walk to the car or once you have gotten in. The full list of vehicle check questions, referred to as “Show me/Tell me”, can be found here. The examiner will then give you a brief explanation about the test before you begin driving.

The test lasts for around 40 minutes, during this time you will be asked to pull over and move off again numerous times, complete one reverse manoeuvre (either the reverse bay park, forward bay park, parallel park or right hand stop with reverse) and drive for 20 minutes independently by either following road signs or a sat nav. The test could also include an emergency stop. You will also be asked to operate one of the car’s controls, such as washing the windows or sounding the horn, whilst you are driving. Throughout the test you will be driving in a variety of road conditions. In our local area the Kettering test centre is located on the edge of the town so routes may take you into the town centre, on rural roads or more major routes such as the dual carriageway.

At the end of your test the examiner will offer you feedback. It’s a good idea to have your instructor there for this bit as they can help you to understand the results better if you are unclear. The examiner will tell you immediately if you have passed or failed. Hopefully you will have passed and they will give you your pass certificate. You are now allowed to drive, with appropriate insurance, from that moment on as long as you keep your certificate to hand. Your new licence should arrive within 21 working days and the examiner will arrange this for you, unless you need to update any other information on your licence, such as a change of address.

Once you have passed you might want to consider some additional lessons to work on improving your existing skills, such as the Pass Plus course. More on this in another post!