Practical Test FAQ’s, Help and advise from ChrisRichardsADI

NEW Independant Driving section for the Driving tests from 4th October2010

But Dont worry. The short version is dont beleive all the bad publisity the changes are getting. In my oppinion it will make it easier for the good driver to pass their test as they will only have to do one reversing manouver instead of two and follow road signs or 3 directions(given at once and also shown as a diagram) for 10 minutes. You also may be given a mixture of driving directions and signs especialy in areas where road signs are poor. This allows you to driver that car as a DRIVER instead of just followg monatone directions. A good move all around. So dont worry just take good avise from a professional driving instructor. Also see an example fo the independant driving route diagram example.

The DSA ofical video on the changes to the driving test

watch the video to see what the changes are:

Me on BBC Radio Lancashire...

First of all I dont sound like this in real life! I found the radio quite nervous! But On Monday October 4th I spoke to radio lancashire about the changes to the driving test. You can listen form the link below but be nice! http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00b8n09/

More on The Independant Driving Section and Special Needs such as Dyslexia...

15 percent of the population are dyslexic. The main problem with the independent drivin section is that it involves using the ‘working memory’ .

At the beginning of the test the examiner will ask the dyslexic candidate (you have to inform the dsa of any special needs when booking). What changes do they need? They can have the following

• Do they want to follow road signs or directions.
• Change of right or left to my way or your way.
• showing a simple diagram before the independent driving section; this will be reproduced on cream vellum paper which cuts down on visual distraction
• if helpful, adding visual clues to the diagram, such as a supermarket or petrol station on route, or telling the candidate the number of the exit point on roundabouts (for example, 'It's the third exit')
  using landmarks such as 'take the first left, it's just past the cinema'
• continuing to give directions singly throughout the driving test, and for the independent driving section, giving no more than two directions at a time

Examiners ask all candidates if they would like to take their driving instructor, or the person who has accompanied them, with them on their driving test. For someone with dyslexia it may really help having someone there in the car to calm their nerves (the dyslexic person's weaknesses can be worse when they are stressed).

For more information you can visit the bdadyslexia.org.uk website

Independant Driving - following road signs

I actually find that following raod signs give the novice driver the chance to show how good a driver they are in the real world. The conditions of driving are changing all the time so to keep up you have to be able to judge and follow a route successfully.

Following signs actuall helps people think and plan ahead instead off dropping concentration.

There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, 'There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please' and then, 'Now, carry on following the signs to .........'

Independant Driving - following directions

The Examinor will ask you to pull up on the left and then they will inform you that they are going to start the independant drivg section of the exam. The examinor will:

• Tell you three directions
• Ask you to repeat the three directions
• And then show you the directions on a Simple Diagram (see an example of the independant driving route diagram )

Once this process is finished and they have confirmed that you understand the directions you then set off following the route you were told. Remember if you forget you can always ask. When you have completed the three directions you will be asked to pull up on the left and you will then be given the next three directions. this process will continue untill you have completed aproxamatly ten minutes of independant driving.

How do I book my Practical test?...

You have to pass your Theory test before you can book your practical test. When you have been successful at your theory you should time the booking of your practical test to fall when you are confident and have completed all topics of driving satisfactorily (e.g. If you wait until you are completely ready and then book your test it could be up to 8 weeks for an available test date in peak summer time! So you would have 8 weeks of more cost to keep you at the correct level. Likewise booking your test too early can put you under too much pressure and will harm your confidence if you are not ready.)

You can book your test by Phone, Post or Internet.

To book by Phone

... the Phone number to book your test is 0300 200 1122. You need to have a credit/debit card (if your booking using your parents card, they will be asked to come on the phone and give their details or they can book your test for you). You also need your driving licence number and may be asked for your theory test pass certificate number.

To Book by Post

... to book by post you will need to use the form DL26 which is available in the waiting room of Practical test centers or sometimes from your driving instructor. However you will not know the date of your driving test until you get your confirmation letter unlike the other options where you find out immediately.

To book by the Internet

... the Internet is my preferred booking method as you don’t have to wait on hold and have the options of available test slots for you to choose from ( which allows you to confirm with your instructor easier). However you do need more information to book on-line.

What you need to book on-line and how

...You need your Driving Licence number, Theory pass certificate number, the date when you passed your theory test, your D.O.B., your address and if your instructor uses the booking service then you will need their ADI number to book your test.

Don't get charged extra to book your test

... At the moment if you search on google "book my driving test" the first lot of returns charge you a booking fee and cost you more! don't use them. Use the Booking links below or use the links on my Links page You can book your test via www.direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest DONT PAY ANY MORE its already expensive!
If you choose to have an email confirmation, make sure you check that you receive it. If you don't wait a while and then phone the booking number if you still don't have it.

Be careful when changing a test date on-line

When you change you test date on-line it seems like you have to confirm the change a million times! To me it is designed wrong! I have had a few learners who have not completed the confirmation process when they have changed a test date and as a result they have lost their booking fee. When you log in to change a test you have to find a new test date, select it, then confirm your details and relationship to test candidate, then confirm changes again, then(where it goes wrong after confirming changes you must then save changes!) you MUST CLICK ON "Save all changes" on the main screen with you details of the driving test. It is a large button on the top and bottom of the screen but some people don't stay on the system long enough to see this screen!! If you need any help just ask!

What do I need when attending for my Practical test...

Arriving at the Test Center. You should ensure you arrive at the test center allowing time to park conveniently and in the test Centrex bays where applicable. If you are not attending with an instructor you need to remember that if you arrive to early you will block the people coming back at the end of their test and this should be avoided. You will probably notice other learner cars waiting around the test centrex area until the test before has left and then entering usually 5 minutes before their actual test time. Remember to check your confirmation letter for any special instructions as to parking etc. If you arrive late you may forfeit the test and test fee.

The Documents you need for your Driving Test

You need to make sure you have both parts of your driving licence (Plastic card and the paper counterpart) or the old-style paper licence together with a VALID passport (make sure its not out of date!). You may also be asked to present your Theory test pass certificate and confirmation letter of driving test date (usually sent by email these days).

The Test Vehicle

... You will use the car you have been learning in unless you don’t go with your instructor then you will have to make sure your car satisfies the following (your instructors car will!):

The car must be suitable, roadworthy vehicle which is properly taxed and insured (with MOT is applicable).

It must have a suitable rear seat for use by an accompanying official.

Some soft-top cars are not suitable due to restricted rear vision for the examiner (soft-tops are not allowed for ADI part 2 tests).

Cars with an electrically operated handbrakes are not allowed for the test unless they can be manually overridden and operated as a conventional handbrake

Space-saver tyres are not allowed to be used for the test and any modification internal or external that the examiner considers unsafe will also not be allowed.

Must display ‘L’ plates!

And you must provide an additional rear view mirror for the examiner to use.

Also check that your car has had any re-call notices/problems fixed and bring documents to prove this (recently I saw a Peugeot 206 turn up with candidate and mother but was unable to be used as their had been a recall for the bonnet catch (think that was the one! also the brakes where recalled?) and no documents that it had been fixed.

What to expect on your test

The Practical Test is designed to test your driving ability under a variety of traffic conditions. Don't listen to any horror stores. In my experience every test Examiner does their best to help you and they are understanding of you "Test Nerves" If you fail it will be because you did something Seriously wrong. NOT because they have a quota (which they DONT). If you struggle with getting you Left and Right's mixed up, tell the examiner at the beginning of your test and they will help by pointing the direction as well

PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST FORMAT

• The examiners will enter the waiting room and call out your name. You will be asked to sign a declaration at the start of your test (to say that your car is insured correctly for the test and a residence declaration.) and also your Licence and counterpart will be checked. You will also be asked if the address is correct on your licence (if not you can fill out the change of address at the bottom of the licence).
• You are then asked to lead the way out of the test centrex and normally the examiner will introduce themselves and asked which car is yours?
• Then you will have to read a number plate for the eyesight test. You have several goes to get it right and then if you still cant read it, the examiner will measure a distance (20.5 meters) and supply a new number plate. Keep calm! If you get this one wrong you cannot proceed any further.
• The ‘Show me Tell Me’ Questions will then be asked. Check out my Show Me Tell Me page for more details.
• The examiner will then check the car and take down a few notes, when they have done this they will then give you a short de-brief something like this "The test will last 38-40 minutes, take you through a variety of road conditions, you will complete two reversing manouvers and maybe an emergency stop. I would like you to follow the road ahead unless road signs or road marking tell you other wise. If i want you to turn left or right i will ask you in plenty of time so don't worry" Then the examiner will probably say "When your ready i would like you to set off turning Left/Right out of the test centrex"
• You will then start-off on your test route and return to the test centrex approximately 40 minutes later having completed the test route and now only one reversingmanoeuvre ( sometimes bay-park is completed at the beginning or at the end of the test). You may also have to complete an Emergency Stop exercise (1-in-3 do this exercise).
• The Test will also involve an Independant Driving Section of approxamatly 10 minutes. During which you will have to drive following Sign Posts or a series of 3 directs given at once by the examinor. (see above for more info.)
• Any faults will be marked on your test form and you will be offered a de-briefed to you at the end. If you were successful you will be given a pass certificate and your provisional licence will be taken by the examiner. You also will be given a new driver magazine and told about the ‘Pass Plus’ Course.

If you test is coming up soon - Good Luck. And when you pass remember ‘Safe Driving for Life’!

If you need any more information the email me and I will endeavor to respond ASAP.
You can also Tweet me or use Facebook and i will reply.

Top 10 reasons people fail their driving test

...The top ten reasons why people fail their driving test:, in no particular order. The main reason is they have been unprepared to react to situations that have arose on the driving test. You need to be confident that if a situation happens that you have not been in before you have the experience, knowledge and process to do the correct and required action. The list below has been taken from the DSA website and explained as best as i can! If you search google you will find lots of reasons although they all mainly agree with the ones below! :

1. Observation at Junctions - Usually Ineffective observation.

I SAY :The most common reason why people fail their test is usually down to un effective observation.
This is mainly due to people rushing up to junctions and not giving them selves the time to observe and act on what they have seen. Don’t be rushed into junctions, check your mirrors and slow down to an appropriate speed so you get plenty of time to observe the road, road users and pedestrians. Most Learners only check the road they are turning into as they get their but this can oftern be to little to late. Observe as you approach early to see if you can see early and get an idea of what's around in the junction you are planning to enter. This will help you Asses what you are seeing as you get closer to the junction.

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: Junctions(including roundabouts). You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle Correctly. Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centrex of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on you left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding


2. Reverse Parking - Ineffective Observation or lack of accuracy



I SAY : This is either a Bay Park or Parallel Park manouver. Often this is due to lack of control. You need to keep the car at a slow speed so you can ensure effective observation. Also keeping you speed to a minimum can help you with your accuracy. If you keep looking around you can judge your position better. If you use your mirrors to much you will only be able to judge where the rear wheels are and you will not take into account the angle of the car! If you are unsure of the position of your wheels remember to slowdown, look at the way the car is moving and correct as necessary. Don't look at you steering wheel as it cant tell you!

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You will need to display the ability to control the vehicle safely whilst reversing when parking on the road or in a bay. You must take effective all round observation through out the manouver and show consideration to other road users.


3. Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information



I SAY : This is a big area for people to fall down on. It has three section on the marking sheet.
•Mirrors before signaling
•Mirrors before Changing direction
•Mirrors before Changing Speed.
Not checking mirrors before signaling is quite common when you are on test as you try to concentrate too hard. As soon at the examiners say the words "Left or Right" you signal that way so you don't forget! Always remember you M-S-M routine so you can make sure its safe and plan you move.
The Mirrors before changing speed is usually either: Not checking before you speed up and a car over takes you and you have to slow down to let the car past. Most poor motorists (now the majority these days!) see a change of speed limit and try to pass you without checking its safe to do so and without giving you a chance to speed up. You also must check your Mirrors before you slow down and when you approach hazards. e.g. when you approach Traffic lights you need to know what's behind you so if they change and you have to slow down quickly the car behind you doesn't hit you! Sometimes if a car is too close you shouldn't brake sharply as an Amber light means "Stop, unless it is unsafe to do so."
Mirrors before changing direction is a fault usually not because you haven't checked them but because you didn't check them properly and assess or act on the information presented in the mirrors. e.g. When changing lanes you should check the mirrors several times and assess what you are seeing and then decide the correct action to take. Don't change lane and slow down the car already in that lane!!

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: Use all the mirrors fitted to you vehicle safely and effectively. You must always check carefully before signaling, changing direction or changing speed. Use the Mirrors Signal Manoeuver (MSM) routine effectively.

4. Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy



I SAY : Observation is a BIG must when reversing. You need to remember that YOU are the Hazard and if any pedestrians, dogs, vehicles etc. appear while you are doing the reversing manouver you should stop and make sure it is safe to continue. Ask yourself if a car comes around the corner will you see it in time to stop and assess it? Always look around not just behind or in the mirrors and remember you BLIND Spots!
The lack of accuracy is usually because you are trying to do it too fast. Practice the manouver's but don't get over confident. Doing it fast may impress you mates but it defiantly will not impress the examiner! Keep it slow and then if you are getting to close you can always stop in good time and correct it. You can also pull forward to correct it (but try not to)!

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You will need to display the ability to control the vehicle safely whilst reversing when parking on the road or in a bay. You must take effective all round observation thorough out the manoeuver and show consideration to other road users.


5. Incorrect use of signals - not canceling or giving misleading signals



I SAY : How many times have you seen somebody signaling Left while driving down a long straight road? You should always remember the M-S-M Routine. Once you have made you turn into a new side road:
•Check you Mirrors
•Cancel your Signal if necessary
• Make you progress
Misleading signals is harder to explain because it can be a lot of things in a lot of different situations. But what you have to think about is: do i need to use my indicator to signal my intent or could that be mislead> Of tern slowly changing your road position does the job better. Think about going past a parked car? If you signal Right to go past it then other road users may mis judge your intentions thinking you are turning into the side road on the right?!
The last Part of misleading signals is the Timing of your signal. If you Indicate to early other road users may think you are pulling up on the Left when in fact you are turning Left at the end of the road? or even worse what if you signal past a side road and the car waiting in the side road pulls out? Always check you Mirrors and assess the road ahead, then MSM when the timing is correct e.g. after the side road on left Left.

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You must signal clearly to let others know what you intended to do. You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code of it should help other road users (including pedestrians). Always signal in good time and ensure that the signal had been cancelled after the manoeuver has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road.


6. Moving away safely - ineffective observation



I SAY : Remember Your Blind Spot! Just because the majority of times you check nothing is their doesn't mean you don't have to check it! The one time you don't, will be the time you wish you had! On the test form it also had a Moving of with Control box. You must always set off without rolling back first and in control. Use your parking-brake (hand-brake for older drivers!) so that you can get the relevant amount of bite before you release the brake.

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You will need to demonstrate your ability to move off smoothly and safety on the level, on a gradient and at an angle taking the correct precautionary observations.


7. Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends



I SAY : You should keep to the left unless their is a reason not to! Often if their is two lanes going the direction that you require you should be in the left of the two lanes. Keep in the right of the two lanes means that any other vehicle wanting to overtake you cannot or they have to under cut you which should not happen. Don't get yourself into that situation. Keep to the Left. At roundabout and bends you must maintain a center position of your lane. You must not cut across into other lanes unnecessary.

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You should position the vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily. .


8. Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late



I SAY : The most common fault for learners on this particular subject is usually not following the curb especially on a Right Bend. Steering to early at a Right bend will mean you come to close to the on coming traffic and too late will ensure a meeting with the curb! You should also make sure you don't swing out before bends as your not driving a Lorry yet!

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: Steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Avoid harsh steering, or steering to early or too late as this may cause you to hit the curb or swing out towards another road user.


9. Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets



I SAY : On a one way street if their is two lanes you should be in the right hand lane to turn right. when you turn into a one way street remind yourself that if you turn right you move right! When Turning into a side road never cut the corner. Any car approaching the end of the road will have to brake to avoid you or even worse they may collide with you.

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep near to the centrex of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right.


10. Inappropriate speed - traveling too slowly or being hesitant



I SAY : You must be able to judge the amount of progress you can make on the road with respect to the hazards and speed limits. When you are a novice driver making progress can seem worrying. Practice making safe progress and take into account the hazards and sped limits. if its a nation speed limit and its a straight road with no hazards try to progress to a safe speed ( im trying not to tell you a speed as every road has its own hazards but on a straight with no hazards can you do 50- 60 mph on a national speed limit road? if so then why not?). Being hesitant has a lot to do with how confident you are approaching and emerging out of junctions. Make sure you can "creep and peep" and practice it till you are confident. Don't changing your driving habits just because you are on a test. Your instructor will have taught you how to drive correctly so why change it just for a test?

The Driving Test Report (DL25D) SAYS: In order to pass your test you must show that you can drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. YOu should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so. Driving excessively slowly can create dangers for yourself and other drivers.

Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice.

Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test."

DSA Offical Driving Test Video

Watch the offical DSA Car test video which will tell you all you need to know about taking the Driving Test after October 2010 with the new Independant driving section.