Eyesight Test

• Before you can start the driving test you must demonstrate that your eyesight is good enough to be able to drive safely. You do this by reading a clean number plate of the old style from a minimum distance of 20.5 meters (approximately 67 feet or 5 car lengths). If reading a new style number plate (these letters are narrower) you must be able to read it from a minimum distance of 20 meters (approximately 66 feet).

  If you have difficulty with spoken English you are permitted to write down what you see. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to achieve this, you will be required to wear them throughout the test and whenever you drive normally. If you cannot read the number plate the examiner will ask you to read a second number plate and if necessary take you a little closer to just over the required distance.

  If you still have a problem the examiner will then measure the exact distance and check your ability to read a third number plate. If you cannot read this third plate correctly you will fail your driving test and the test will go no further.

Vehicle Safety Checks "Show me - Tell me"

• After you have successfully completed the eyesight test and shown the examiner to the vehicle he or she will ask two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault (i.e. minor fault) being recorded. The questions that are used by the examiner are as follows:

  some common questions and answers

  Que :- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
  Ans :- Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
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  Que :- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
  Ans :- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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  Que :- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
  Ans :- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
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  Que :- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
  Ans :- Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
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  Que :- 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.
  Ans :- No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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  Que :- Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
  Ans :- 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
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  Que :- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
  Ans :- Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
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  questions and answers

  Que :- 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.
  Ans :- Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe checking of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
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  Que :- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
  Ans :- 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.
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  Que :- 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.
  Ans :- Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
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  Que :- Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
  Ans :- Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake and brake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
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  Que :- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
  Ans :- Check is carried out by using the control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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  Que :- 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.
  Ans :- Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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  Que :- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
  Ans :- Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
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  Que :- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
  Ans :- Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
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  Que :- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
  Ans :- Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
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  Que :- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
  Ans :- 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.
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  Que :- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle, Please don't start the engine.)
  Ans :- Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
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  Que :- Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
  Ans :- Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light
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Driving Part

• During the driving part of the practical test the examiner will ask you to drive on a route with a variety of different road conditions. At certain points the examiner will get you to undertake two of the set manoeuvres and optionally the emergency stop. The examiner will tell you in good time which way to go. If you go the wrong way do not panic the examiner is testing your ability to drive not your ability to follow directions. It is better to go the wrong way correctly than to go the right way incorrectly.

  If at any time you are unsure what the examiner requires do not hesitate to check what he or she wants; the examiner appreciates that you may be nervous and will be happy to repeat any instructions or clarify any instructions given.

Booking the driving test

• You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from your driving instructor, any driving or theory test center or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line on 0870 0101 372, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Welsh speakers can also book on 0870 0100 372. If you are deaf and need a Mincom machine telephone 0870 0106 372. If you are able to pay by credit or debit card you can book a driving test appointment direct on the same numbers without the need to complete an application form. You will however, need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving license, your theory test pass certificate number and your driving school code if you are being trained by a professional driving instructor.

  As an alternative you can book the test online. However, be careful when booking online as there are many companies charging an additional fee of £20 or more if you use their website to book the test. If you want to book online with no hidden fees use the Diesel Driving School's Official online booking service; there is no booking fee and you need only pay the standard test fee.

  Finally, if you buy a driving course with Diesel Driving School our sales team will be happy to book the test for you. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card as confirmation within a few days..

  Cancelling a test

  You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of the test and can get a doctor to verify this, the Diesel Driving School will refund the test fee.

  Special requirements

  The Diesel Driving School are required to make every effort to ensure that all candidates can take the driving test. However, it is important that you discuss your needs with them when booking the test.

  If you cannot speak English or are deaf you are allowed to bring an interpreter with you who must be at least 16 years of age and cannot be a driving instructor.

  If you are disabled you will receive the same test, however, more time will be allocated so that you can explain the nature of your disability and describe any special adaptations fitted to your vehicle.

  At the test center

  You must take the following items with you to the test center

  • Your theory test pass certificate
  • Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence or your signed driving licence and your passport.

  It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test center so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.

  Your test vehicle

  The vehicle you intend to drive must be legally roadworthy, has a current MOT certificate if over the prescribed age and be fully covered by insurance for its present use and for you to drive. The driver will be asked to sign a declaration that the cars insurance is in order. The test will not be conducted if you are unwilling to do this. Hire cars are unlikely to be insured for this purpose.

  Your test vehicle should also display a valid tax disc and L-plates or alternatively D-plates in Wales to the front and the rear. Your vehicle must also have a properly fitted head restraint and a fully functioning seat belt fitted to the front passenger seat, and an additional interior rear-view mirror for suitable use by the examiner. If you overlook any of the above your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.

  Saturday and evening tests

  Some test centers operate Saturday tests and in summer, when it is light, evening test at an extra cost.