TAKING THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
Remember you can't take the practical driving test until you've passed the driving theory test and hazard perception test. The practical driving test is about making sure that those who pass are competent and safe in the basic skills of driving.
Before the practical driving test begins you will be required to pass an eyesight test. You must be able to read a new style number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you fail this test then the practical driving test will go no further. You will fail full stop. If you pass the eyesight test you will then take the show me, tell me test. For information on the show me, tell me test follow the link above.
During the practical test you will be expected to drive for about 40 minutes in various road driving situations. You will be asked to perform two of the three reversing manoeuvres, either parallel parking, reversing into a side road or bay parking. You may also be required to perform an emergency stop.
IN ORDER TO PASS THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST, YOU MUST DRIVE
Without committing any serious or dangerous fault or without committing more than 15 driving errors of a less serious nature.
Dangerous Driving Faults - a fault that results in actual danger. Commit such a fault and you will fail the practical test immediately.
Serious Driving Faults - this is when a potentially dangerous incident occurs, when the candidate reveals a recurring driving fault or fails to perform a manoeuvre (parallel parking, bay parking, reversing into a side road, turn in the road, emergency stop) correctly. Receive a serious fault and you will fail the practical test.
Minor Driving Faults - less serious faults, such as hesitating too long at a junction, faults that don't provide any immediate danger. Receive 15 or more minor driving faults and you will fail the practical test.
TOP TEN REASONS WHY PEOPLE FAIL THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
Observation at Junctions : Ineffective observation and judgment
Reverse Parallel Parking : Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy
Use of Mirrors : Not checking or not acting on what is seen
Reversing Around a Corner : Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy
Incorrect Use of Signals : Not canceling or giving misleading signals
Moving Away Safely : Ineffective observation
Incorrect Positioning : At roundabouts or bends
Lack of Steering Control : Steering too early or too late
Incorrect Positioning : to turn right at junctions and in one way streets
Inappropriate Speed : Going too slow or being hesitant
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