What happens during a UK practical driving test?

A step-by-step guide to the DVSA car test, from the eyesight check and safety questions to independent driving, reversing and the result.

Last reviewed: 19 September 2026Reading time: 3 minutes

Direct answer: The test has four main parts: an eyesight check, two vehicle-safety questions, general driving including an independent section, and one reversing exercise.

How long the drive lasts

GOV.UK says you will normally drive for around 35 minutes. An extended driving test after certain disqualifications lasts around 65 minutes. The standard test format and marking are the same whether the car has a manual or automatic gearbox, although the licence entitlement after a pass is different.

This guide describes the current DVSA car test in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland tests are run by DVA and have separate official guidance; check the relevant official page before your appointment because procedures can change.

1. Eyesight check

Before driving, you read a number plate from 20 metres for a vehicle with a new-style plate or 20.5 metres for an old-style plate. GOV.UK explains how to recognise the plate types. If you do not pass the eyesight check, the driving test ends.

Wear the glasses or contact lenses you need to meet the legal standard. The separate eyesight guide explains what happens if the first attempt is uncertain and links to the official rules.

2. Show-me, tell-me questions

The examiner asks one ‘tell me’ vehicle-safety question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving. An incorrect answer results in a driving fault; creating danger or losing control during the moving task can be marked more seriously.

Practise the controls in the car you will use. Their position can vary, and the moving task should be carried out only when it is safe.

3. General and independent driving

You drive in different road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. The examiner gives directions and asks you to pull over and move away several times, which can include a normal stop, moving out from behind a parked vehicle and a hill start. You might also be asked to make an emergency stop.

For around 20 to 35 minutes, you drive independently by following a sat nav set up by the examiner, traffic signs or both. A wrong turn is not automatically a fault: the examiner helps you return to the route, while your observations, speed, position and control continue to be assessed.

4. One reversing exercise

The examiner asks for one of three exercise types: parallel parking; parking in a bay by driving in and reversing out or reversing in and driving out; or pulling up on the right, reversing for around two car lengths and rejoining traffic.

The exercise is part of the drive rather than a separate pass-or-fail module. Keep observing throughout, pause if the situation changes and respond safely to other road users.

Mistakes and the result

A mistake does not always mean the test is unsuccessful. GOV.UK says you can carry on if it is not serious; the examiner normally stops the test only if they think your driving is a danger to other road users. Continue safely and avoid trying to judge the result while driving.

At the end, the examiner tells you the result and explains any recorded faults. They also ask whether you want someone, usually your instructor, to be present for the result and feedback. Use the explanation to identify specific next steps whether you pass or not.

Official sources

This guide paraphrases the official pages below. Open them to check the current rule or service.