MisterMMM.com: Taking the driving test - part 3

March 29

You MUST have both parts of your licence with you as proof that you are who you say you are.

You shouldn't need to take your theory pass certificate. Simply, because to apply for your practical test, you must have passed the theory!

There are loos at the test centre and you should have enough time to use them. There is actually a ten minute window from your start time, that the test can start in. So if you are late on the day, don't be too late!

At the appointed time, the examiner comes out and calls your name. They first ask to see both parts of your driving licence. Then they ask you sign a form saying that the car is insured and that you are resident in this country. Then they ask if you still live at the address on your licence. Technically if you don't update your licence or do it incorrectly, you can get up to £1000 fine. If it's not right, I think the examiner just wants you to put the new address in, and they will send it off to be updated, whether you pass or not.

Another thing is that you may be using your maiden name (ladies only of course!) for the theory test and get married before taking the practical test. In this case just keep it under the maiden name, as the system apparently can't cope if you change name between tests.

After making sure you are the right person on test, they ask if you would like your instructor to accompany you on test. I like to sit in the back and watch what happens! I have to sit behind the driver so that the examiner can keep an eye on me, and that I don't have any communication with the driver. Of course, if you don't want me there, then just say no!

At this point they normally introduce themselves, and ask you to go outside with them. You have to do the eye-sight check first. Normally looking at parked cars opposite the test centre. If you can't easily read a numberplate, they will take you back into the test centre and measure out an unknown plate with a tape measure, and ask you to read it at the exact minimum distance. This can involve another examiner to set up the plate.

Then it's back to the car. There are the Show Me, Tell Me questions. You only get 2 of them, assuming you get them right. Some questions are asked outside the car, and some inside. Who know which ones you will get?

They ask you to sit in the car, while they walk around outside checking that the car isn't too damaged and that the tyres are ok.

When they get in the car, they take the instructor badge out of the window and copy down the details. Then ask if you want an explanation of the test. If you do, they say something along the lines of :"We are going to go for a drive. I want you to follow the road straight on as its marked. If I want you to turn left or right, I will give you plenty of warning. We will be doing one manouver and possibly the emergency stop. There is also a section of independent driving".

Now, you don't know which manouver you will get, so you'd better be able to do all of them. If you get the bay park, then that happens in the test centre at Sinfin, and usually happens first, when the other candidates have left. It is still possible to get it at the end but the car park is usually too busy then.

You may get the independent driving section straight from the test centre. It may be given to you en-route when either stationary or driving along. This section lasts about 10 minutes.

When you get back, the test isn't over until you stop in the test centre and basically park the car with the engine off. Then after they fill in the form you get your result. If you drive as normal, you should pass. If you messed up, you probably know what it is, but don't assume you messed up because it might only be your interpretation.

While out driving, don't think about what has happened, only think about your driving as you go along. If you worry about something you might have done wrong, the chances are you will lose concentration and then mess it up big time!

Now the examiners won't talk to you very much because there must be no cause for them to have made you lose concentration. They have a difficult job to do, and though you can talk as much as you want, they won't join in a conversation very much. It's the nature of the job, and so don't think anything of it!