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Car for the Test Day

Please note that driving examiner does not provide car for the test. It’s responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate car for the test.

  • What should I expect from a beginner driving lesson?
    The beginner's driving lesson will teach you about emergency stops, hazard awareness, turning your car, reversing, independent driving, darkness and weather conditions, parallel parking, passengers and loads, security, and satellite navigation.
  • What does the Pass Plus course include?
    Pass Plus course allows you to gain confidence in safe driving and reduce the risk of accidents. Under this course, you can get detailed knowledge regarding dual carriageways, motorway driving, rural roads, complicated city situations, all weather conditions, and night driving.
  • What makes you stand apart from the rest of driving schools?
    We have specialised, cost-effective courses designed to suit all drivers with different experience levels, offering flexible driving lessons to fit your schedule. Based on your skills and previous knowledge, we have experienced instructors to help you pass your driving test in as little time as possible.
  • How many driving lessons will I typically need?
    According to the research and available statistics, it has been found that, on average, a learner driver needs to have 40 to 50 driving lessons before taking the driving test. These hours vary from person to person based on their driving experience and skills.

🚗 Your Step-by-Step Guide & Top Tips for the Practical Driving Test! 💨

Whether your test is around the corner or a few weeks away, here’s everything you need to know — from preparation to test day — to give yourself the best chance of success.

✅ BEFORE THE TEST

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1. Are You Ready to Pass?

It might sound obvious, but don’t book your test until you’re genuinely ready. Rushing in before you’re confident can lead to a failed attempt — and wasted time and money.

✔️ The DVSA’s ‘Ready to Pass?’ checklist:

  • You no longer need verbal prompts from your instructor

  • You drive without making serious or dangerous faults

  • You’ve passed mock driving tests

  • You’ve practised managing test-day nerves

  • Your instructor agrees you’re ready

📝 Tip: Always do a mock test with your driving instructor before well before the test.


2. Managing Driving Test Nerves

Nerves are totally normal — it shows you care! The key is managing them so they don’t affect your performance.

🧘 Top tips to stay calm:

  • Breathe deeply: Try the 4-4-6 method (inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 6s)

  • Trust your training: You’ve practised for this — treat it like a regular lesson

  • Visualise success: Picture yourself driving smoothly and confidently

  • Mistakes happen: Stay focused and recover calmly

  • Positive self-talk: “I know how to drive. I am ready.”

Keep perspective: If it doesn’t go to plan, it’s just a stepping stone — not the end!

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3. What to Wear: Dress for Comfort and Control

Your clothes and shoes should help you feel comfortable and in control — not distracted or restricted.

👕 Clothing Tips:

  • Go for comfort over fashion

  • Dress for the weather

  • Avoid anything tight, itchy, or fuss

👟 Footwear Tips:

  • Choose flat, secure shoes with thin soles for good pedal feel

  • Avoid: Flip-flops, sandals, heels, bulky boots, or slippery soles

  • Best choices: Trainers or flat driving shoes

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4. Light Exercise the Day Before 🧘

A short walk, yoga, or any moderate activity can reduce tension and improve sleep. Don’t overdo it — you want to feel refreshed, not worn out.

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5. Avoid Driving Videos Before the Test 🎥

After your final lesson, trust what you’ve learned. Watching online videos might confuse you or shake your confidence. Instead, stay relaxed and focused.

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6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep 🛌

Wind down early the night before:

  • Avoid caffeine in the afternoon

  • Turn off screens 30 mins before bed

  • Try light stretching or breathing exercises

  • Prepare everything (clothes, documents) the night before

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🚦 ON THE DAY OF THE TEST

📑 Documents & Essentials

  • Provisional driving licence

  • Theory test certificate (optional to bring, but good if you have it)

  • Glasses/contact lenses if required — you must be able to read a number plate from 20m

👟 Other essentials:

  • Bottle of water

  • Snack (banana = great for nerves)

  • Light breakfast (if testing early)

  • Use the toilet before — test centres usually have facilities

🛣️ Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Test

1. Arrival

  • Park at the test centre (or nearby if no parking)

  • Examiner greets you, checks your licence, and asks you to sign a declaration

  • You’ll be asked if you’d like your instructor to sit in the back of the car during test (optional)

 

2. Eyesight Check 👀

  • Read a number plate from 20 metres (about 5 car lengths)

 

3. ‘Tell Me’ Question 🎤

  • Asked before driving off (you’ll have practised all of them!)

  • Example: “Tell me how you’d check your brakes are working.”

👉 Find them on the Pimlico Driving School YouTube Channel


4. The Drive (~40 Minutes)

🔁 Independent Driving (20 mins)

  • Follow either:

  • A sat nav (TomTom 52) 5/1, or

  • Road signs to a location 1/5

👂 If unsure about an instruction, just ask!

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👨‍🏫 General Driving (20 mins)

  • Examiner gives directions like your instructor would

 

🚘 What You’ll Be Asked to Do During the Drive:
Pull over on the left (about 6 times): safely stop and rejoin traffic

  • One Manoeuvre, from:

  • Reverse bay park

  • Front bay park (reverse out)

  • Parallel park

  • Pull up on the right and reverse 2 car lengths

 

✋ Emergency Stop (1 in 3 tests): You’ll be warned beforehand

🎤 ‘Show Me’ Question: Asked while driving. Example: “Show me how you’d wash the rear windscreen.” Take your time. Don’t panic.

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5. End of the Test

  • You’ll return to the test centreY

  • Examiner will give you the result verbally

  • You’ll get a report by email

  • If you pass, they’ll take your provisional licence and your full licence will arrive in the post 🎉

 

✅ Top Tips for a Smooth Drive
   1.    Can’t hear instructions? Ask — it’s fine!
   2.    Think Safety First: Don’t do anything unsafe or unnecessary
   3.    Observation is key: Use mirrors, check blind spots, and look around during manoeuvres
   4.    Don’t rush: Take your time to plan and adjust as needed
   5.    Wrong turn? Keep going safely — don’t try to fix it suddenly
   6.    Follow speed limits but make reasonable progress where safe
   7.    Relax during pauses: Take a breath or sip of water if pulled over
   8.    Made a mistake? Stay calm. Keep driving and stay focused
   9.    Listen to feedback after the test — it’s valuable, pass or fail
   10.    Don’t self-judge: One mistake doesn’t mean failure. Examiners look at overall safety and how you respond


❌ If You Don’t Pass

  • You’ll receive a report explaining your faults

  • Your instructor can listen to the feedback too if you want to 

  • You must wait 10 working days before retaking the test

  • Use the time to practise and improve — don’t rush to rebook unless you’re ready!

 

🎉 If You Pass — Congratulations!

  • Your examiner will send your details to DVSA

  • You’ll receive your full licence by post

  • You’re officially a qualified driver! 🚗💨

GOOD LUCK! 🙌

Stay calm, trust your training, and drive safe — you’ve got this!

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