Diamond Drive

Putting You On The Road

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Welcome to the Diamond Drive Driving Test page.

The driving test is explained below in more detail so scroll down to learn more. You will also find the 20 Show Me/ Tell Me questions that you need to know for the day of your test. They are also listed below with all the correct answers.

Read what really happens during a test as a retired Examiner takes you through each part of the drive bit by bit.

Ever wondered where the Examiners will actually take you for the driving test?

We have published actual test routes for the Maybush and Forest Hill Drive Test centres which are very very handy. Feel free to copy and paste them and print them off.

Finally you can find out here how much your driving test will cost.

The practical driving test

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

can drive safely
know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

What will the test include?
The test will include an eyesight test (if you fail this, your test will not continue).

After the eyesight test you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

reversing around a corner
turning in the road
reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

A standard driving test takes about 40 minutes.

What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.

Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc
DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.

If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.

The following has been used with permission from the Author David Joberns retired driving Examiner.

The Driving Test

By David Joberns IAM. DSA Driving Examiner (retired).

Foreword.

This text is about the Driving Test, and is not about learning to drive, and includes details on the Eyesight Test and "Tell me, show me", Emergency Stop, Parallel or Reverse Park, Corner Reverse, Turn in the Road or Three Point Turn, Roundabouts, the Hill Start (see Turn in the Road), it may help with test nerves and explains what constitutes a serious marking, and advice on General Driving during the test. Last brought up to date on 5th April 2006.

This text also takes you through a simulated test, showing the wordings an examiner may use, any wordings can be used, so long as the meaning is the same, so what you actually hear will vary slightly.

Waiting room preliminaries. This is what should happen and is what is currently (April 2006) taught during training. It may vary slightly from centre to centre. The examiner will come in and call your name, and will ask to see your driving licence, your photo ID and if required, your Theory Test pass certificate. He will ask you to read and sign an insurance and residency declaration, and will enquire if your address is still the same as on your licence. If it isn't the same he will ask you to enter your new address on your licence counterpart. He will then ask you to lead the way to your car.

Either on the way to the car or after getting in, the examiner will introduce himself and ask if he may call you by your first name. After getting in he will give a short de-briefing about the test, that it will last around 40 minutes and will include two manoeuvres, all of which will be similar to what you have been practising with your instructor or accompanying driver.

What the candidate experiences, during the test, is shown in italics in the text, with the examiner's words in bold, whilst technical explanations about each aspect are in the type you see here.

Simulated manoeuvres are described in some detail because they are in a controlled environment, with only the actions of the candidate acting as a variable. The general driving has not been described at all because this is subject to countless variables, which is one of the reasons why the test is feared. It is the fear of the unknown. I can do little about that here. This is in the hands of your instructor, to cover every likely eventuality, probably many times over. If I attempted to cover this here, it would create more questions and problems than it would solve.

So choose an Approved Instructor, they have all passed the same strict qualifying exams, follow the advice given, for it will be good advice. Listen to no-one else, for that will almost certainly be bad advice. Despite the exams, the actual quality of instruction can vary enormously. For guidance on this listen to word of mouth recommendations, and don't expect your training to be completed in five minutes. There is a big syllabus to be covered which takes time. So there you are, read this, then go get'um!

Please note that driver training is not within the scope of this site, please direct questions on this to your instructor.

Eyesight Test.

This is the beginning of your practical, on the road, driving test. You must pass this part, or the test will go no further. On the way to your car, the examiner will have asked you to stop and read the number of a vehicle.

The main thing is to relax completely. This is not easy when you are about to take your driving test, but it is vital that you make a conscious effort to relax from top to toe, then slowly and carefully read out the number the examiner has chosen.

"H384UVW", I said, hesitatingly. "That isn't quite right", he replied, "Would you like to move a little closer?"

If you get it wrong, you will get another go, a little closer this time. Again - relax.

We had moved up about five paces. The car looked a lot nearer now. "Try it again from here", he said, "And try to relax. Take your time." I could see I had got one of the letters wrong the first time. More confidently I said "H384UVM." Silly of me to get the last letter upside down before. "Thank you, lead the way to the car."

(If you get this wrong you will be asked to read a different number from a measured distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet). This is incredibly close. You won't believe it! Again, just when you are most likely to get all tensed up - relax.)

Getting closer to the car, without giving it an MOT, the examiner is quite likely to spot anything illegal or unsafe, and in that case, the test will be terminated. So the lesson there is obvious. Do not attach your "L" plates so they are flat on the bonnet. They can't be seen from a few yards away, and are illegal anyway.

Arrived at your car now and the examiner says he is going to ask a few questions about the vehicle and other matters relating to road safety. He will give you time to put on gloves if you want to. After this is completed -

"Would you get in please, and make yourself comfortable. I will join you in a moment", he said, beckoning me to the car.

Get in the car whilst the examiner is filling in the preliminary details of the car on his form.

I unlocked the driver's door, which automatically unlocked all the others, and got in. My instructor had let me practice unlocking the door, as he had known some people have difficulty doing this, probably due to nerves! The examiner was filling in his form with the car's registration number and other details. I had been taught to get straight into the car and not try to open the examiner's door and see him in.. For one thing it would give me a moment to settle down. The examiner got in.

No need to go through an exaggerated "cockpit drill" such as adjusting the seat, internal mirror etc. You just got out of the thing, didn't you? However make sure your door is properly shut, and check the gear is in neutral before starting the engine.

"Throughout the drive continue ahead, unless traffic signs direct you otherwise, and when I want you to turn left or right I will tell you in plenty of time", he said, and added "Okay?" I nodded. Then he said, "Move off when you're ready, please."

I started the engine. This can be surprisingly difficult if you haven't practiced it!

Just before you move off from the side of the road, use the mirrors to get a general look behind, then immediately before moving off, look round over your right shoulder - a proper look, not just a token one. Take in what you see, and if you can move off without inconveniencing anyone, including cyclists, coming up behind, return to looking ahead. If nothing has happened to alter things, then move off, checking in mirrors as you do.

Okay, so you're off now.

Emergency Stop.

After a few minutes of driving, the examiner said, "Would you pull up along here on the left, please?" There was a long stretch of clear kerb so I just pulled up at the side of the road, being careful not to bang the kerb. Just before I stopped I put the clutch down so as not to stall the engine. I had been told it was not necessary to use the gears if I knew I was going to stop.

Since May 4th 1999, the emergency stop is included in only one in every three tests. Its only reason for inclusion being to ensure it is still being taught.

Listen to the instructions, which will be given to you whilst parked at the side of the road.

"Shortly, I shall ask you to carry out an emergency stop" He raised his right arm, outstretched his hand, and said loudly, "STOP", and went on, "When I give this signal, I'd like you to stop as quickly and as safely as possible. Before giving the signal I shall look round to see if it is safe, but please wait for the signal before doing the exercise, do you understand the instructions?". Then, "Drive on when you're ready, please".

When you get the previously demonstrated signal, and not before, unless a real emergency happens, just do a rapid, controlled stop, wherever you are. Don't try to use "Cadence" braking (banging the pedal up and down). It is incredibly difficult to do properly, and should be used only where the road is extremely slippery, not just wet. You will take much longer to stop, and it can also be quite dangerous for the examiner's back!

We drove on for a couple of minutes. The examiner looked round and saw the car I already knew was behind, from my use of the mirrors. I almost involuntarily went for the pedals. Wait for it, I thought! He looked round again, then suddenly -

"STOP!"

No need to look in mirrors, the examiner has looked round to see if it is safe, which is why you must wait for the signal. Keep both hands on the wheel until you have stopped.

Do not "stand on the brakes" or try to lock the wheels, however see comment re: ABS that follows. Ultra rapid reactions are not what are being looked for, just a controlled rapid stop, done without delay. A point about ABS, if your car is fitted with this, correct procedure is to put both clutch and brake pedals down together and harshly, otherwise the ABS will not work properly. The examiner will not mark you down for this.(DSA)

I brought the car to a halt as quickly as I could. There was a slight squeal from the front wheels so I eased off the foot brake ever so slightly, my car is not fitted with ABS. It went quite well really.

Then, and only then, you can put the handbrake on if you want, or if you think it is needed to control the vehicle, like on a hill, don't put it on until you have stopped.

The examiner will, however, without much delay, ask you to drive on when you are ready. Don't forget rear observation when you get moving again, use mirrors and look behind you.

"Thank you, drive on when you're ready, I won't ask you to do that exercise again". The last bit is said to avoid you doing another unwanted one later, due to any misunderstanding. He seemed to make some sort of mark on his sheet. I had been told not to be upset by this, it was probably nothing serious.

General Driving.

So off we went. Goodness only knows where we would go. I was told they had strict routes to follow. Could be awkward for them sometimes, I suppose. I read somewhere that driving could be boiled down to always being in the correct position, at the correct speed and in the correct gear for that speed, at all times. Easy isn't it! Yeah? Then you try it! The instructions were clear and concise, with plenty of time to do all the correct things. My instructor had prepared me for the sort of thing that they would say, like "Take the next road on the left, please", or "Take the second road on the right, this one is the first." We came to a roundabout where he said, "At the roundabout take the road to the right, the third exit." All very clear.

Don't move off from GIVE WAY or STOP signs if by doing so you would cause approaching traffic, and again this includes cyclists, to slow or change direction. If you are able to get away quickly, this means you can use smaller gaps, and will demonstrate a high degree of competence. If you have messed this up, and moved off when the gap was too small, and are now committed, move off as fast as you safely can, provided it is safe ahead to do this, to minimise inconvenience. You may get away with it. You might even see a smile on the examiner's face!

If the local terrain is suitable, and it is safe to do it, you may be asked to pull up at the side of the road on an uphill part of the route. This will be the "Hill Start" and should be treated the same as moving off normally except to make sure you have the biting point of the clutch. This will prevent rolling back. Also use a little more engine power than in a normal move off, because of the hill. Some test centres simply do not have any hills. With these you might find that the road used for the turn in the road has steep cambers. It is a sort of substitute hill start.

Drive with "careful assertiveness". This means to make normal progress at all times. If you could - and should - go, then do. If you don't fit in with the traffic, you will not be successful. Observe any different speed limits and use the maximum if it is safe. Sometimes go a lot slower than the limit, if it is not safe. Keep space all around you, but don't drive in the centre.

At roundabouts watch vehicles' front wheels to find out which way they are going, if they are not signalling. They have to go the way the wheels are pointing, not the way the body is pointing. At a mini roundabout if traffic from ahead is coming straight through, then you can go. Any traffic from the right will have to wait for them. Don't waste good chances. If someone is coming up to the mini fast in the entrance on your right, and there is nothing from their right to stop them, then wait for them. Although technically you can go unless they are already on the roundabout, by the time you get moving, they will be on the roundabout, and you will be in a potential accident situation - not good on your driving test!

A similar situation is when an oncoming vehicle is signalling to its right, as you approach the mini roundabout. Be absolutely certain you will reach the roundabout clearly before the oncoming vehicle, if you intend to go through without stopping. Again, if they get into the roundabout even a split second after you, technically you must give way to them. This can be especially confusing where all the roads are narrow, and the junction has remained unaltered since the mini roundabout was painted on the road. Before all these changes, the oncoming vehicle would have waited for you, now the roles are reversed.

How you take the mini roundabout will vary according to how the actual circle has been constructed. If just painted on the road, attempt to avoid the painted bit as much as possible, 'cos this is what the Highway Code says. If "humped", go round it but it is okay to run over its edges to ease the turn. If it has a raised edge like a small kerb, it is intended that traffic will avoid running over it, unless the size of the vehicle makes this impossible. If it has been placed correctly, even the first option would avoid a line that goes completely to the right of the "roundabout". It is likely that any such line, if taken, would result in a serious marking.

We were coming into the centre of the town now.

At extremely busy city junctions, after waiting a little while, you will have to push your way out, or you will be there all day. Do this safely. Go a little way, then stop. This is asking to be let out. If turning right from a side road, don't go all the way into the centre when it is clear from the right if there is a long line of traffic from the left. You may get stuck there and stop traffic coming eventually from the right. If the road is wide enough for this not to happen, then okay.

If you come to a bus lane, look at the signs at the beginning and usually spaced along it. They show the times when the bus lane is active. At other times it simply does not exist. If it is not active when you are there, ignore it. Otherwise you will, in effect, be driving in the centre of the road for no reason. The examiner will have to presume you normally do this with bus lanes. It would be a potentially dangerous habit, and will fail you, on its own.

In narrow, parked up streets, give way to oncoming traffic if the obstruction is on your side and there isn't room. Don't stop for someone oncoming who is a long way away if there are some gaps you can use to stop in, further up. There is always the chance the other driver may wait for you! And of course, as always, if in doubt - don't. But don't be timid, you have rights too.

In one of the side streets he asked me to pull up at a convenient place, leaving it to me to choose. There were lots of parked cars but plenty of gaps, so I just stopped normally in one of these gaps. "Thank you, drive on when you're ready", he said. Wonder what that was for? Ah, I remember now, they have to do a certain number of what they call "normal stops"

A little later, with a long clear stretch of kerb on the left, "Would you pull up on the left, just before you get to the next car on the left, please?" And when I had, "Thank you, drive on when you're ready". That was probably the test for ability to move off at an angle. A natural one hadn't happened yet.

I was told to take the second road on the right, then we came to where the road straight ahead had "NO ENTRY" signs each side. Immediately before, though, there was a side road to the left, with a "LEFT TURN ONLY" sign, so I went down that. The examiner had said nothing. Into my mind came what he had said at the beginning "Unless the traffic signs direct you otherwise". After this we went along the by-pass, a really fast bit of dual carriageway. It was safe so I increased speed to the signposted 70 mph. After we turned off, we went through the 30 signs again, so I was careful not to exceed this after the fast bit of driving. Several more turns followed, including a one way street, from which I had to turn right. Remembered to take up position on the other side of the road for this.

Quick look at my watch. About forty minutes gone now. This looked familiar. It's the road the Test Centre is in!

Turn in the Road.

Empty road ahead, though a fairly short one. "Pull up along here on the left, please". And after I had, "I'd like you to turn your car round to face the opposite way. Try not to touch the kerbs when you're turning". This manoeuvre is deliberately called Turn in the Road instead of "Three Point Turn" because you can use more than three movements (it has to be in odd multiples, though in order to change direction) and suffer no serious markings for errors. However, more than five and you are not using the controls properly. This will be frowned upon! Do not take your seat belt off, although the law says you can, unless it is really physically beneficial for you to do so. After all, you are only going to reverse a few yards, and there are often problems finding somewhere to stop afterwards, to put it on again. What's more, you might forget, and the examiner would have to remind you - not a matter that would affect your test result, but unsettling for you. If you touch the kerb, and I mean touching not banging, it probably won't matter. Driving on to it will. It is permissible to do this manoeuvre without using the accelerator, using tickover only provided there is no loss of control. This is with a modern car that has an engine management unit (EMU). Without such a unit, it will not be possible.

There was quite a steep camber to the road. Suppose that's why they do it here. I seem to remember they did that if there weren't any hills suitable for a hill start anywhere. Very careful observation here because I was going right across the road. Car barely moving, steering rapidly to full lock, feeding the wheel through my hands, just after the car goes over the top of the camber, moving quicker now, clutch down and control with foot brake to stop gently before running into the kerb ahead. Remembered to steer the other way a turn or two just before stopping. This gets you off on the right track for the next part, and saves room.

Next movement, the reverse part, leave seat belt on, continuing the steering I started just before stopping there, full lock now. Change to steering the other way, as before, and stop. Gracious, we are almost facing the other way already. Not much steering will be needed. Careful look both ways. Oh dear, rolled into kerb behind me. Getting too confident. Wonder if it will fail me? No matter - must keep doing my best, just forget it. I've only gone a few yards, and just wondering if I should pull up at the side when, "Thank you, drive on when you're ready".

Corner Reverse.

Or, of course, reversing round a corner. Incidentally, this is illegal in some parts of the world! Ideally you will be asked to pull up at the side of the road, just before the road to be used for this exercise, to receive the instructions. Unfortunately the real world is often not like this, and such a parking place may not be available at the moment you arrive. You may therefore, whilst on the move, be asked to pull up just passed the side road for the purpose of doing the corner reverse. Your instructor probably did it this way more often than not. If you want to take off your seat belt for this exercise (but see below), don't do it until you have pulled forward to the starting position.

Practice this manoeuvre until you can do it quite quickly so you can do it "in between" traffic. Again, don't take your seat belt off unless there is real reason to do so. Don't ask the examiner to get out of the way by moving his seat or removing the head rest, if fitted. What you are saying then, really, is that the car is unsuitable in its standard form. And what if 80 year old Granny is sitting there? You going to ask her too? Learn to do the exercise with the car as it is. Don't keep stopping unless to continue would inconvenience someone. Try to keep all round observation as you move, and look where you are going! You don't gaze backwards when you are driving forwards, do you? Then don't gaze forwards when you are driving backwards. Don't use mirrors alone unless you are physically unable to look round. Special dispensation will be granted for this but will result in a restricted licence.

"Would you pull up along here, just before you reach the next road on the left, please?" That rather took me by surprise. I was just getting into my stride with the driving. I stopped at the side. "I would like you to reverse into this road on the left. Drive past it and stop, then back in keeping reasonably close to the kerb".

After the usual precautions before moving off, I went forward to the starting position, stopping a little further from the kerb than if parking (this is critical and should be around half a metre or two feet away) and just a few feet past the side road, but where I could see the corner kerb. I had been trained to do this exercise with the seat belt on, and found this no inconvenience. Checked carefully ahead and behind, all clear, so I went slowly back, not too slowly though, keeping the car moving all the time. Just before I was going to turn the wheel, a car from behind was getting close and might be inconvenienced as our front swung out, so I stopped momentarily, leaving the car in reverse gear and putting the handbrake on to prevent any roll. Immediately the car had gone past, more observation, all clear, so started turning the wheel. All this time looking to the rear, with the occasional look round whilst moving. I had avoided using "marks" on the rear window to line up with things to tell me when to turn. They didn't work with some corners so I had learnt to tell by observation and practice. The examiner was looking to his front steadfastly. I suppose he would know if I botched it! Careful not to straighten too much, bit of a "swan neck" there. Hope it would be okay. Still going back.

"Thank you", he said. I stopped and put the handbrake on, went into neutral and looked around. Didn't look too bad.

So long as you keep reasonably close to the kerb and don't end up on it or near the centre of the road, you will probably be okay. If someone comes right up close behind you after you have turned the corner, but before the examiner has indicated it is finished, wait a moment (not longer), this is to give the examiner a chance to say it is far enough, if he judges it is nearly finished. If he says nothing, then pull forward round the corner and start again, without saying a word. Yes, you should put your seat belt back on to do this, if you had removed it. It is permissible to do this manoeuvre without using the accelerator, using tickover only provided there is no loss of control. This is with a modern car that has an engine management unit (EMU). Without such a unit, it will not be possible.

Remember, perfection is not expected. Do not assume that you have failed if you think it is not perfect. What you regard as an error may actually be extremely trivial, and not marked at all.

"Drive on when you're ready please, turn left".

The other Manoeuvre.

The examiner chooses two out of three possible manoeuvres, according to circumstances. The other one is:-

Reverse parking, parallel parking or bay parking.

This exercise has the greatest "freedom" of specification of all the exercises. You can be asked to do it at the very start of the test, during the test or at the very end. You may be asked to reverse park behind a single vehicle, between two vehicles or into a parking bay in a car park. In the latter case, if at the very start of the test, you will be asked to pull forward either to the left or right, then to reverse into any convenient bay of your choice. Why not choose to turn to the right then reverse into a bay on the driver's side, it is easier that way? When you arrive at the test centre for the test ask your ADI to allow you to park in a bay where this is possible, in case you are asked to do it before leaving the test centre. If at the end of the test, pull up in such a position where it will be possible.

The following is for parking between two vehicles.

You will be asked to pull up on the left, well before the next parked car, then- "This is the reverse parking exercise. Would you drive forward and stop alongside the car ahead. Then reverse in and park reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb. Try to complete the exercise within about two car lengths." Now recommendations for the exact place to stop when "alongside" the car in front vary. You will find that exactly alongside is best - not in front, or with only the front half of your vehicle alongside. The reason for this is explained below. Stop with a good gap between you and the parked vehicle.

Go slowly back, and turn the wheel immediately so as to go towards the nearside kerb. This is the reason for stopping exactly alongside, for it automatically gives you the correct place to start turning the wheel. The examiner knows it is safer too. Because starting to turn from there, it is almost impossible to hit the parked car, something he has to think about. As soon as your front has cleared the parked vehicle, start steering so as to finish roughly where you started from. You are allowed a little to'ing and fro'ing to correct your position, just as you would if you were on your own. Don't ask to do this, just do it. Again so long as you finish reasonably close to the kerb and you are not still nearly in the centre of the road, it will probably be okay. You must finish within two car lengths of the parked car ahead. You may be asked to do this manoeuvre in such a place as to cause you to finish across a driveway. As you will not be leaving the vehicle, this is in order. However be aware that if you mount the kerb you will get no warning as this happens, so be accurate! It is permissible to do this manoeuvre without using the accelerator, using tickover only provided there is no loss of control. This is with a modern car that has an engine management unit (EMU). Without such a unit, it will not be possible.

The very nature of this manoeuvre is likely to inconvenience other traffic, so don't start it until all is clear for a considerable distance ahead and behind, or as far as you can see, if restricted. It is an unwritten law that motorists wait for anyone doing this manoeuvre, whether on "L" plates or not, and this is what they will do if they come up whilst you are doing it. Be prepared though for them to squeeze past as soon as they think they can.

In a car park, Bay Parking, at beginning of test.

As soon as you have both settled in the car, "Would you pull forward either to the left or to the right, so that your wheels are straight, then reverse into a convenient parking bay. Finish within one of the parking bays".

In a car park, Bay Parking, at end of test.

"I should like you to reverse park in the car park. Drive forward into the car park, then reverse into a convenient parking bay. Finish within one of the bays."

The only advice I can give about how to do bay parking is to keep practicing it until you can do it easily. Different instructors use different methods varying from having markers in or on the car or using existing body details to help with positioning, to having no markers at all and getting the position right by driving correctly. Follow whatever your ADI normally does, because he finds it successful and is used to it.

In any of these manoeuvres there is little point in asking to do it again. If it really was bad, it is sufficient to cause failure on its own. If it wasn't, and there is nothing else, then it won't be used anyway. There's always the chance that the second one will be worse, and the examiner can't ignore that!

The End of the Test.

"Pull up along here on the left, please." I stopped smoothly at the side of the road. "Switch off the engine." He took his seat belt off. "You can take your seat belt off now, if you want", he said. "I'll just complete the documentation."

"Well that's the end of the test, and I'm pleased to tell you that you've passed."

The examiner should tell you how many driving faults you committed, compliment you on your driving, and offer a debrief, then..........

"May I see your driving licence please?" He started to complete my Pass Certificate. The examiner may keep both parts of the licence, send it off for you, and your full licence will arrive automatically, usually within three weeks. Whether he does this or not depends on when the licence was issued.

DONE IT, DONE IT, DONE IT, DONE IT. Wasn't he a nice man?

SHOW ME/TELL ME QUESTIONS

From 1st September 2003 the examiner will ask Test candidates to "show me/tell me" questions at the start of the driving test. Should the candidate fail to answer either one or both questions correctly, this would be assessed as 1 driving fault and would not therefore constitute a reason for failing the test in its own right.

A candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple maintenance tasks.
At the start of the practical test the Examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would be followed by a 'Show Me' question, for example "Show me where to check the oil level". A candidate will not FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong. This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical test which means less time spend out on the road.
This section has been designed to help you through this element of the practical test.

Below you will see the full list of questions you may be asked.

CAR TESTS

Show me/explain how you would check that the power steering is working, before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min/max markers.

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level.

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied is secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel.

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer lever.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) walk round vehicle.

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve cap.

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts or bulges, 1.6, of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

NEW QUESTIONS FROM JULY 1ST 2008

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

Operate Switch ( turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system

Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

Failure on one or both questions will result in a minor fault

TEST ROUTES

Maybush Test Centre Routes

Test Centre Route

Name of Practical Test Centre Southampton (Maybush)

Route Number...1

Date of Last Review. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout 4^thexit
Romsey Rd	1^stleft
Jupiter Rd	EOR right
Upper Brownhill Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, roundabout ahead
Aldermoor Rd	EOR right
Coxford Rd	2^ndmini roundabout right, left, EOR left, EOR left
Rownhams Rd	Left T/L
Romsey Rd	Ahead T/L, ahead T/L
Shirley High St	Right T/L
Park St	Becomes
Regents Park Rd	T/L right
Millbrook Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout left
Kendal Avenue	Ahead 2^ndmini roundabout
Kendal Avenue	Mini roundabout left
Green Lane	Right
DTC

Glossary: EOR - End of Road

T/L - Traffic Lights

Please note that any route is subject to alteration at the discretion of the examiner

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number2

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR right
Romsey Rd	T/L ahead, T/L right
Tebourba Way	Roundabout left
Millbrook Rd	T/L left
Regents Park Rd	4^thright
Waterhouse Way	Crossroad right
Waterhouse Lane	EOR left
Millbrook Rd / Mountbatten Way	T/L left
Central Bridge	Roundabout left
Shirley Rd	T/L right
Roberts Rd	EOR left
Hill Lane	2^ndT/L ahead, mini roundabout ahead, T/L left
Bellemoor Rd	2^ndright
Luccombe Rd	EOR left
Winchester Rd	2^ndT/L ahead, T/L right
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout right
Tremona Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, EOR left
Coxford Rd	2^ndmini roundabout right
Olive Rd	Roundabout left
Aldermoor Rd	Mini roundabout ahead
Upper Brownhill Rd	Left
Jupiter Rd	Left
Romsey Rd	1^stright
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number3

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR right
Romsey Rd	T/L left
Rownhams Rd	Right
Coxford Rd	2^ndright, 2^ndmini roundabout right
Warren Avenue	1^stright
Warren Crescent	2^ndleft
Sycamore Rd	Ahead crossroad
Jessamine Rd	EOR left
Temona Rd	Mini roundabout right
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, left
Norham Avenue	3^rdright
Bladdon Rd	EOR left
Winchester Rd	1^stright
Luccombe Rd	EOR left
Bellemoor Rd	T/L right
Hill Lane	Ahead 2^ndT/L, EOR right T/L
Commercial Rd	Roundabout left
Central Bridge	T/Ls right
Mountbatten Way becomes	2^ndT/L left lane, roundabout 3^rdexit
Millbrook Rd West	2^ndT/L left lane, roundabout 3^rdexit
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout left
Kendal Avenue	2^ndmini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout left
Green Lane	Right
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number4

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Roundabout right
Kendall Avenue	2^ndmini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout right
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, roundabout left 2^ndexit
Millbrook Rd	Becomes
Mountbatten Way	Ahead T/L
Civic Centre Rd	Left T/L
Havelock Rd	2^ndleft
Commercial Rd	2^ndT/L right
Hill Lane	Ahead 2^NDT/L, 2^ndleft
Raymond Rd	Mini roundabout ahead
St James Rd	EOR left T/L
Winchester Rd	3^rdT/L right
Romsey Rd	Ahead T/L, left
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number5

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit, left
Redbridge Lane	Left
Jerrets Lane	EOR left
Frogmore Lane	Roundabout right
Brownhill Way	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit, roundabout left
Test Lane	Roundabout left
Gover Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit
Redbridge Rd	Roundabout 2^ndexit
Tebourba Way	2^ndright T/L
Oakley Rd	EOR left
Park St	Left
Carlisle Rd	Right
Newman St	Ahead T/L
Anglesey Rd	EOR right T/L
Winchester Rd	2^ndleft
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout left
Tremona Rd	2^ndright
Jessamine Rd	Crossroad right
Warren Avenue	Ahead 2^ndmini roundabout
Olive Rd	Roundabout left
Aldermoor Rd	Mini roundabout ahead
Upper Brownhill Rd	Left
Jupiter Rd	Left
Romsey Rd	Right
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number6

Date of Last Review..March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Mini roundabout right
Kendall Avenue	2^ndmini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout right
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, roundabout ahead 2^ndexit
Millbrook Rd	T/L ahead, left
Waterhouse Lane	2^ndleft
Waterhouse Way	EOR left
Regents Park Rd	1^stright
Landsdowne Rd	Becomes
Tillbrook Rd	EOR right
Prince of Wales Avenue	EOR left
Oakley Road	T/L right
Tebourba Way	Ahead T/L, Becomes
Winchester Rd	4^thT/L left
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout right
Dale Valley Rd	EOR left
Lordswood Rd	T/L right
Coxford Rd	2^ndright, left
Dunvegan Rd	EOR Left
Woburn Rd	Left
Lordshill Way	2^ndahead, roundabout 2^ndexit, roundabout left
Romsey Rd	2^ndright
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number7

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Right
Atherfield Rd	EOR left
Lower Brownhill Rd	Roundabout right
Brownhill Way	Roundabout ahead
Lordshill Way	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Lordshill Centre West	Roundabout ahead, EOR left
Aldermoor Rd	Roundabout right
Olive Rd	Left 2^ndmini roundabout
Coxford Rd	Right
Tremona Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout left
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout ahead, T/L right
Winchester Rd	T/L left
St James Rd	4^thright
Shirley Avenue	EOR left
Shirley Rd	T/L right
Paynes Rd / Millbrook Rd	Roundabout 3^rdexit
Wimpson Lane	Roundabout ahead, roundabout left
Kendal Avenue	2^ndroundabout ahead, roundabout left
Green Lane	Right
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number8

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR right
Romsey Rd / Shirley High St	2^ndT/L ahead, T/L right
Park St / Regents Park Rd	T/L right
Millbrook Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit
Millbrook Rd / Redbridge Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Redbridge Rd / Millbrook Rd	Over 2 flyovers , left
King Georges Avenue	4^thright
Stanton Rd	3^rdleft
Claremont Rd	EOR left
Tillbrook Rd	EOR right
Prince of Wales Avenue	EOR left
Oakley Rd	T/L right
Tebourba Way	2^ndT/L left
Romsey Rd	Ahead T/L, left
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number9

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	Right
Romsey Rd	T/L ahead, T/L right
Tebourba Way	Roundabout left
Mill Brook Rd	After T/L, slip lane left
Paynes Rd	T/L left
Shirley Rd	4^thright
Janson Rd	EOR right
St James Rd	Mini roundabout ahead
Raymond Rd	EOR left
Hill Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, 2^ndroundabout ahead
Upper Hill Lane	Mini roundabout left
Lordswood Rd	T/L right
Coxford Rd	2^ndright, left
Dunvegan Drive	EOR left
Woburn Rd	Comp left
Lords Hill Way	2^ndroundabout ahead 2^ndexit, roundabout left
Romsey Rd	2^ndright
Green Lane	2^ndleft
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...10

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	Right
Romsey Rd	T/L ahead, T/L right
Tebourba Way	Roundabout left
Mill Brook Rd	After T/L, slip lane left
Paynes Rd	T/L left
Shirley Rd	4^thright
Janson Rd	EOR right
St James Rd	Mini roundabout ahead
Raymond Rd	EOR left
Hill Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, 2^ndroundabout ahead
Upper Hill Lane	Mini roundabout left
Lordswood Rd	T/L right
Coxford Rd	2^ndright, left
Dunvegan Drive	EOR left
Woburn Rd	Left
Lords Hill Way	2^ndroundabout ahead 2^ndexit, roundabout left
Romsey Rd	2^ndright
Green Lane	2^ndleft
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...11

Date of Last Review..March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Mini roundabout left
Windermere Avenue	Right
Evenlode Rd	Ahead, right
Ingleton Rd	EOR right
Sedburgh Rd	EOR left
Kendal Avenue	Mini roundabout right
Cuckmere Lane	Left
Brookwood Avenue	EOR right
Parkside Avenue	Left
Millbrook Rd	Roundabout left 2^ndexit
Tebourba Way	2^ndright
Oakley Rd	EOR left
Park St	Left
Carlisle Rd	Right
Newman St	T/L right
Shirley High St	4^thleft
Shirley Avenue	EOR left
St James Rd	T/L right
Winchester Rd	Left
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout right
Dale Valley Rd	EOR left
Lordswood Rd	Ahead T/L
Lordshill Way	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit. roundabout left
Lordshill Centre West	Mini roundabout ahead , mini roundabout right
Upper Brownhill Rd	Left
Jupiter Rd	Left
Romsey Rd	Right
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...12

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Right
Green Lane	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Lordshill Way	2^ndroundabout ahead, 1^stleft
Woburn Rd	Right
Dunvegan Rd	EOR right
Coxford Rd	EOR left, left
Dunkirk Rd	EOR left
Lordswood Rd	Roundabout right
Hill Lane	Roundabout right
Winchester Rd	2^ndleft
Luccombe Rd	EOR left
Bellmoor Rd	EOR right
Hill Lane	Roundabout ahead, 2^ndright
Raymond Rd	2^ndleft
Greville Rd	Ahead crossroad
Atherley Rd	Right
Howard Rd	Ahead T/L
Paynes Rd / Millbrook Rd	Ahead T/L
Millbrook Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead , mini roundabout left
Kendal Avenue	Ahead 2^ndmini roundabout, mini roundabout left
Green Lane	Right
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...................................13

Date of Last Review.. March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Mini roundabout right
Kendall Avenue	2^ndmini roundabout ahead, mini roundabout right
Wimpson Lane	Mini roundabout ahead, roundabout ahead 2^ndexit
Millbrook Rd / Mountbatten Way / Western Esplanade	T/L left
HAvenuelock Rd	2^ndT/L ahead, left
Devonshire Rd / Handel Rd / Newcombe Rd	EOR left
Wilton Avenue / Milton Rd	EOR right T/L
Hill Lane	T/L ahead, mini roundabout left
Wilton Rd	3^rdleft
Bridlington Rd	EOR right
St James Rd	EOR T/L right
Winchester Rd	Left
Dale Rd	Mini roundabout right
Dale Valley Rd	EOR left
Lordswood Rd / Lordshill Way	T/L ahead, 2^ndroundabout ahead, roundabout left
Romsey Rd	2^ndright
Green Lane	Into
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...14

Date of Last Review..March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Right
Atherfield Rd	EOR left
Lower Brownhill Rd	Roundabout left , roundabout ahead
Brownhill Way	Right
Redbridge Lane	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
Balmoral Way	Roundabout left
Horns Drove	Into
Routs Way	EOR right
Rownhams Lane	EOR right
Rownhams Rd North	Left
Rownhams Rd	Roundabout right 3^rd, roundabout left
Lordshill Centre West	Mini roundabout ahead , mini roundabout left
Upper Brownhill Rd	Roundabout ahead
Aldermoor Rd	5^thright
Springford Rd	EOR left
Coxford Rd	T/L right
Lordswood Rd	Right
Dale Valley Rd	Mini roundabout left
Dale Rd	T/L right
Winchester Rd	Right 4^thT/L
Romsey Rd	Ahead T/L left
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Route Number...15

Date of Last Review..March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Right
Atherfield Rd	EOR left
Lower Brownhill Rd	Right
Boniface Rd	EOR left
Lower Brownhill Rd	Left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^ndexit, 2^ndright
Horns Drove	Roundabout ahead, into
Routs Way	EOR left
Rownhams Lane	2^ndleft
Sylvan Drive	Mini roundabout right
Ringwood Drive	4^thright
Dunnings Lane	EOR left
Rownhams Lane	EOR left
A27	Roundabout ahead 2^nd, roundabout left
A3057	Continues approx 2 miles, roundabout left, roundabout ahead
Romsey Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^ndleft
Upper Brownhill Rd	Ahead mini roundabout, right
Alder Rd	Right
Rownhams Rd	Right
Kennedy Rd	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Right
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Name of Practical Test CentreSouthampton (Maybush)

Type of Test RouteCar

Route Number...16

Date of Last Review..March 2007

Name/ Number of Road	Direction
DTC	Left
Green Lane	Right
Atherfield Rd	EOR right
Lower Brownhill Rd	EOR left
Romsey Rd	Roundabout ahead 2^nd, roundabout ahead 2^nd
Romsey Rd	Roundabout right 3^rdexit
A3057	Roundabout right 2^nd
A27	Roundabout ahead 2^nd
A27 Botley Rd	1^stright
Rownhams Lane	4^thright
Dunnings Lane	EOR right
Ringwood Drive	EOR right, roundabout left
Sylvan Drive	EOR right
Rownhams Lane	After approx 2 miles EOR right
Sutherland Drive	1^stleft
Rownhams lane North	Roundabout left
Lordshill Way	Right T/L,1^stright
Coxford Rd / Aldermoor Rd	Roundabout ahead
Upper Brownhill Rd	Mini roundabout ahead , left
Jupiter Rd	Left
Romsey Rd	Right
Green Lane	Left
DTC

Forest Hills Drive Test Routes.

Driving Test Prices

Driving test fees effective from 01 April 2008 unless otherwise stated.

Theory test fees			Price
Standard fee for car and motorcycle			£31.00
Standard fee for lorry and bus			£35.00
Potential / Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)			£90.00
Practical test type	Weekday price	Weekday evening and weekend price
Car	£62.00	£75.00
Tractor and other specialist vehicles	£62.00	£75.00
Motorcycle	£60.00	£70.00
Lorry and bus	£115.00	£141.00
Car and trailer	£115.00	£141.00

Extended test for disqualified drivers	Weekday price	Saturday price
Car	£124.00	£150.00
Motorcycle	£160.00	£184.00

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