How to apply for the Practical Test
To take the Practical test you must hold a provisional driving licence and have passed the Theory test.
To book a tpractical test you may apply:
- Online at DSA - Online Booking (click the link to go to the DSA online booking page.)
- By Phone on 0870 01 01 372 ( 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays)
- By Post by using an application form. Application forms are available online, from the Driving Standards Agency booking line or from theory or practical test centres.
For booking online or by phone you will need details of your current valid provisional licence, your theory test Pass Date and Certificate Number, and a valid debit or credit card. The current fee for the Practical test is £48.50 for weekdays and £58.00 for weekday evenings and Saturdays (when available)..
Taking the Practical Test - what to expect
You will be required to take the following items with you. If you do not the DSA may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.
- an appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L- Plates, suitable for the purpose of the test. (Pupils of COOL DRIVE will have the use of the school BMW Mini.)
- the appropriate theory test pass certificate.
- your appointment letter.
- both parts of your photo card licence. If you do not take both parts of your licence your test will not take place and you will lose your fee.
- if you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driver licence and a valid passport.
Prior to going out on test you will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres for an old-style number plate, or 20 metres for a new-style number plate. ( New-style number plates were introduced on 1 September, 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters ie AB51 ABC.) You will also be asked two "show me - tell me" questions.
The Driving test itself will take approximately 40 minutes and at the present time will include two reversing manoeuvres from a possible three - turn in the road, reverse around a corner or reverse park (this could be either behind a parked car or a bay park if the test centre has this particular facility). You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop during the test.
In order to pass the test you have to complete the drive with fewer than 16 minor driving faults and have incurred NO serious or dangerous major faults.
Pass your Driving Test literature is available on request.