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.

FAQ's

01
Yes, on your practical driving test day, Pimlico Driving School ensures you have the support you need by providing a car and an experienced driving instructor. It’s essential to coordinate with your instructor beforehand to confirm their availability on the day of your test. This ensures a smooth experience and allows you to focus on performing your best. Clear communication will help you schedule the test at a convenient time, making sure you have the right car and guidance. Remember, being well-prepared is key to success, so reach out to your driving instructor to discuss any last minute details or concerns.
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Please ensure your car meets essential rules.
1. No warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.
2. The tyres must be free of damage and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm.
3. An extra interior mirror for the examiner is required.
4. Along with functioning seat belts and headstream.
5. Your vehicle must be capable of reaching at least 62 miles per hour.
6. Must be fitted with L-plates.
7. The car should have four wheels in good condition.
8. Taxed
9. Insured for the purpose of the test.
05
Yes, as long as it doesn’t record audio or video from inside the car.Cars which cannot be used for the test:
· any panel van (cars without rear seats or rear side windows)
· BMW 218 convertible
· BMW Mini convertible
· Ford KA convertible
· Smart Fortwo (2-door)
· Toyota iQ
· VW Beetle convertible
Here is the link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car
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🚗 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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

🚦 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!

👨‍🏫 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.

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!