Question 1

What do you need to take for your Driving Test?

Accepted Answer

What do you need to take for your Driving Test?Whether you get excited or just super nervous, you don't want to forget anything on driving test day, so, remember to take with you: UK driving licence; Theory test pass certificate (if in receipt) And remember, whilst many people use their driving instructor's vehicle, if you're more familiar with and comfortable in your own car, you can use it for your driving test if it meets the rules.

Question 2

What happens during the Driving Test?

Accepted Answer

What happens during the Driving Test?There are five parts to a UK driving test, so when it starts, the examiner will cover the following: Eyesight check: You'll be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20m for cars with a new-style number plate or 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style plate. Show me, tell me, vehicle safety questions: At the start of your test, before you depart, you’ll be asked the 'tell me' question and while your driving, the 'show me' question. Reversing your vehicle: During your test, you will be asked to do one of the following exercises:  Park your vehicle in a parking bay by reversing in and driving out or driving in and reversing out Pull up on the right-hand side of the road and be asked to reverse for approximately two car lengths before rejoining the traffic Parallel park at the road side    General driving ability: Your examiner will give you directions to follow in various road and traffic conditions (not motorways). You'll be asked to pull over at the side of the road and pull away, including pulling out from behind a parked car and a hill start. You may also be prompted to perform an emergency stop. Independent driving: For this part, you'll be asked to drive for around 20 minutes by following directions from a satnav or by following traffic signs. If requested to follow a satnav, the examiner will set this up and you won't be able to use your own device.

Question 3

How long is the Driving Test?

Accepted Answer

How long is the Driving Test?Your driving test will take approximately 40 minutes. If you take an extended driving test because of a driving ban, you'll drive for around 70 minutes.

Question 4

Tips to pass the First Time

Accepted Answer

Tips to pass the First TimeWhilst you don't have control over your examiner's decision, you can be prepared for your test and place yourself in the best position for success. Here are Motorscan's top tips: Get a good night's sleep Be prepared, carry your documents Use the car you've been practising in Be on time and don't be late for your test Have a lesson beforehand for a warm-up Take a mock driving test Remain calm throughout, even if you make a mistake. If the error is minor, it may not affect the result Look ahead: don't just look at the vehicle in front of you. Look at least two to three cars ahead so you can prepare yourself if anyone brakes suddenly or traffic slows down Check your mirrors regularly and always before pulling away Also, take time to learn your vehicle's safety checks: When you drive a car on UK roads, you are responsible for maintaining it and ensuring it's road legal. Indeed, part of your test will incorporate questions on vehicle safety:

Question 5

How to check the brakes are working

Accepted Answer

How to check the brakes are workingPress the pedal before starting the engine: the brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Immediately after setting off, find a safe place to test the brakes by applying them firmly. The car should brake quickly without pulling to one side.

Question 6

How to check the tread depth and tyre pressure

Accepted Answer

How to check the tread depth and tyre pressureThe correct tyre pressures will be provided in the vehicle manufacturer handbook that comes with the car. Using a reliable tyre pressure gauge, check the pressures when the tyres are cold and don't forget to check the spare tyre too. Adjust pressures as necessary and remember to replace the valve caps.The UK legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but it's generally recommended not to let them go below 3mm. Visually checking the wear indicators (spaced evenly along the tread pattern grooves) will let you know if they are legal. If the tyre tread is level with these raised indicators, your tyres are at the minimum legal limit and should be replaced. A more reliable way to check tyre tread is by using a tyre depth measuring gauge. And don't forget to check the entire tyre width, not just the edges.

Question 7

How to check your car lights are working

Accepted Answer

How to check your car lights are workingAs part of owning a car, you should regularly check to ensure your lights are working, such as headlights, brake lights, reversing lights and tail lights. Ideally, this should be undertaken at night to ensure they work correctly. Whilst it will be easier to do this with another person, you can check most lights by ensuring the handbrake is applied and exiting the car. Full beam, dipped, side lights, fog lights, hazards and indicators can be checked in this manner, but it’s best to get someone to help you check the brake and reversing lights. If this isn't possible, reverse up to a wall and ensure you can see the red glow of the brake lights on both sides when applying the brakes. You can follow the same procedure with your reversing lights.

Question 8

How to activate high beam headlights

Accepted Answer

How to activate high beam headlightsThe lights lever to activate the high beam may be on the left or right of the steering column, depending on your vehicle make and model. Once you have determined which lever operates your lights, you push the lever forward to activate the high beam. The high beam will remain on until you bring the lever back to its original position. For a temporary high beam, you bring the lever forward towards you and hold for the required time, letting go for normal headlights.

Question 9

How to check the brake fluid and engine coolant levels

Accepted Answer

How to check the brake fluid and engine coolant levelsTo check the levels of your engine coolant and brake fluid, you firstly need to locate them under the bonnet. Your vehicle handbook should confirm where to find the expansion tank and brake fluid reservoir. It’s imperative to know the difference to ensure you add the correct fluid to the right tank. On each tank, there will be minimum and maximum marks, and you should ensure that the fluid levels for both brake and coolant are maintained within these marks, topping up when they get low and only when the engine is cold.

Question 10

How to demist the front windscreen

Accepted Answer

How to demist the front windscreenThe quickest way to demist your windscreen is to use the car's heater, directing and setting the vents to the windscreen using the heater switch. Some modern vehicles also have heated windscreens, so if it's available, switch them on which will help demist the windscreen more quickly. Don't be tempted to do a quick wipe of the inside windscreen unless you're doing a thorough clean, as this will likely result in smears that may restrict your vision, especially in sunlight.

Question 11

Test drive out-of-date test routes

Accepted Answer

Test drive out-of-date test routesWhilst the DVSA no longer publishes official test routes, it is possible to download older test routes. These historic test routes can give you insight into the types of roads likely to be included in your route, and will almost certainly incorporate the most challenging driving areas close to the driving test centre. Only DVSA examiners local to the area determine the driving test route you will drive on your test day, and you won't be notified beforehand what that route will be. However, driving some of the older test routes before your test may provide you with more confidence on the day.

How to check the brake fluid and engine coolant levels

How to check the brake fluid and engine coolant levels

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