Getting a driving license is never easy in the UK as there is a complete process that you have to follow to get your license. Whether you want to get a license for a motorcycle or a car or a truck or lorry, the overall driving process will remain the same. The driving test in the UK is split into two parts. The first part of the test is the theory test and the second part is the practical test. The first part of the test is also divided into two parts i.e. the multiple-choice part and the hazard perception part.
The practical part of the test can only be attempted if the theory part of the test is clear. If the theory part is not clear than the practical test cannot be attempted. This is why it is important to study properly for the driving test as the process is not easy for anyone. Once you pass the theory test then the roadblock for your practical test is clear and you are all set to give the practical test. The practical test is of utmost importance as if tests your ability to drive in situations that you may face when you drive in real.
The instructor evaluates the driving in the practical test to check whether it is safe in different road conditions or not. The practical test also tests the knowledge of the code of conduct of highways which is important when you are getting a license. The practical test bookings can be done only when you have cleared your theory test and not before that. The fees for the practical test varies according to different days. On weekdays, the fees are £62 and for weekends, bank holidays, and evenings it is £75. However, only a limited test center will offer practice tests on weekends or evenings or bank holidays.
The Practical Driving Test
The one thing that a candidate has to do to clear the practical driving test is to practice. The more practice a candidate does, the more chances there are of passing. Another thing that is of utmost importance is to remember the Highway Code as it will be one thing that will be tested in the exam by the instructor. The overall practical driving test is for about 40 minutes but it can go for 70 minutes if the candidate is coming back from a driving ban. There are five main parts of the driving test that are listed below:
- Eyesight check
- Show me Tell me safety questions
- General Driving ability
- Reversing the vehicle
- Independent Driving
Apart from this, the rating of the practical driving test will be done based on three major faults. The instructor will evaluate the dangerous faults that you make during the driving process. The dangerous faults include any danger caused to the public, property, or the examiner. This will be followed by serious faults that relate to some serious fault that a candidate can conduct. The last fault is the driving fault which is the fault that a person can continuously repeat even if it is not dangerous. Hence keeping a check on this is important when
Eyesight Check
The first part of the practical test is the eyesight check of the candidate. This process is very similar to the eyesight test that an optician does. The test is conducted to see whether your eyesight is functioning properly so that you can drive on the road. In this test, a number plate needs to be read from a distance. The distance is 20 meters for new styled number plates and 20.5 meters for old-styled number plates. If the eyesight test is failed, then the practical test will end at that time. You need to clear it to go ahead with the practical test.
Show Me Tell Me Safety Questions
Once you have cleared the eyesight check, then you will move on to the next part of the practical test. The next part will consist of 2 vehicle safety questions that will be asked by the instructor. The tell me the question is where the candidate will explain how a safety task would be carried before the driving starts. The show me the question is where the candidate needs to show how the safety task would be done while driving. There are chances of getting some minor driving fault in these questions.
General Driving Ability
This is one area where the driving will be tested under various circumstances on the road in general traffic conditions. This does not include testing on motorways as you will be given directions by the instructor that needs to be followed. The instructor can ask to make stops at the road or pullover or pull away or any other thing to test your general driving ability.
Reversing the Vehicle
One of the most difficult things to do is to reverse a vehicle and that is why this test is extremely important. There are certain exercises that a candidate needs to do in this particular segment. The instructor can ask for parallel parking on the road or to park in a parking bay. This can be done by reversing in and driving out and vice versa. Another thing that the instructor can ask is to pull up on the road and then reverse and join the traffic again. This test is difficult for a lot of people to pass.
Independent Driving
Independent driving is one where you have to drive the vehicle for about 20 minutes using the traffic signs or directions from the nav. It will be decided by the examiner what you need to follow. The examiner will help you if you are unable to see signs due to any obstacle or help you get back on the route as well.
Once you are done with the test, the examiner will then give you the feedback and test result. If you clear the test then you will receive a certificate and a license to drive on the roads of the UK.