The Driving Test

Before taking the practical test, candidates will be required to pass a theory and hazard perception test. The theory element consists of 50 multiple choice questions which must be answered within 57 minutes. The minimum pass mark is 43 correct answers.

This will be followed by a hazard perception test which consists of 14 video clips. There will be a minimum of 1 developing hazard in each clip and one clip will contain 2 hazards. Dependent on which stage you click the mouse after the window opens, will determine a maximum mark of 5 or less. The pass mark for this element 44 marks out of a possible 75.

Bookings for the theory and hazard perception test can be made on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk The current fee is £30.00. The nearest theory centre for the Shepway area is Canterbury, reference no. 6404. Please remember to take both parts of your driving licence and appointment letter with you.

You may book your practical test on-line at www.dsa.gov.uk The fee for the practical test is currently £56.50 and please ensure that you quote your instructors reference number. Mine is 58635.

If you are taking the test in your own car, you should make sure that you provide a vehicle that has seat belts, an integral head restraint fitted to the front passenger seat, and an adjustable rear-view mirror inside the car that the examiner can use. Your vehicle must also display "L" plates.

Having completed your documentation, at the start of your test you will be required to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet) for old style number plates or 20 metres (66 feet) for new style number plates. If you need spectacles to read the number plate, you must wear them every time you drive. Failure to read the number plate will cause the test to be aborted.

You will then be asked one combination of show and tell questions designed to demonstrate your basic mechanical knowledge of the vehicle.

The driving element of the test will last for 30-40 minutes, covering a diverse range of road and traffic conditions including dual-carriageway, rural, in-town and backstreets. You will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skill and expertise to cope with any situation that presents itself.

Manoeuvre-wise, you will be required to perform a parking manoeuvre which could be a left-hand reverse into a parking bay or a left-hand reverse at the kerb. You will then be asked to perform either a turn in the road (3 point turn) or a reverse around a corner to the left. One in three candidates will be asked to perform an emergency stop. During the test, you may be pulled over to the side of the road on two or three occasions. This could be for a hill start, an angled start or to demonstrate your ability to join the traffic flow safely.

At the end of the test, the examiner will give you your result and offer a debrief. You will be asked if you would like your instructor to be present - we advise that you should say "YES".

On passing your test, for the first two years you are on probation. You only have 6 penalty points to play with instead of 12 for experienced drivers. If you lose these points, you will be required to apply and pay for a new provisional licence, apply and pay for another theory and hazard perception test and apply and pay for another driving test. Follow this link to The Highway Code.

Sandgate Driving School is registered for Pass Plus. PASS PLUS is a training scheme for new drivers. It's much more than just a few extra lessons. This specially designed course by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry, helps you gain valuable driving experience. Click on the icon below for more information.

Combination 1
	Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (May need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
	Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side
Combination 2
	Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
	Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Combination 3
	Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
	Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Combination 4
	Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle. Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
	Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Combination 5
	Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
	Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Combination 6
	Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level. Identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
	Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some head restraints might not be adjustable.
Combination 7
	Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
	Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Combination 8
	Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
	Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Combination 9
	Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side
	Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers. *Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary)*
Combination 10
	Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (no need to exit vehicle) Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
	Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens. *Set all relevant control including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.*
Combination 11
	Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle) *Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.*
	Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock brake system. *Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.*
Combination 12
	Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
	Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (no need to exit vehicle) Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Combination 13
	Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car *Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.*
	Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock brake system. *Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.*