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

* can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
* know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:

* an eyesight check – if you fail this, your test will not continue
* your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes during which you will be examined on your general driving and ability to reverse your vehicle safely.

Currently two exercises will be chosen from:

* reversing around a corner
* turning in the road
* reverse parking

From 4 October 2010 you will only be asked to complete one reverse exercise.

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

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it as it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. However, if at any time your examiner considers your driving to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

From 4 October 2010, your practical driving test will include approximately ten minutes of independent driving. This is designed to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.

Vehicles you can't use at the practical test

If you plan to use your own vehicle at the practical driving test, there are some vehicles that can't be used for safety reasons. You'll need to check that a recall or safety notice does not affect the vehicle.

Taking someone with you on your driving test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) encourages you to take someone with you on your driving test. This will usually be the person who has taught you to drive, but it could be a relative or a friend. They must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.