the Driving test
When booking your Practical Driving test use the link below, the test fee is £62 on a weekday & £75 at weekends only. If the fee is any higher, it's a booking scam- don't get robbed!
The Marking System
During the practical test the examiner will note any driving faults on the
driving test report form (DL25). The driving faults are categorised into
minor, serious and dangerous and are recorded against the appropriate headings
shown below. Each fault is denoted by a slash ‘/’ in the appropriate
box. At the end of the test the examiner will total up the number of minor
driving faults under each heading and overall.
If you commit 16 or more minor driving faults you will unfortunately fail the driving test. If you commit one or more serious or dangerous driving faults you will also fail the test. Even if you feel you have failed the test you should continue to try, as the test will help you to identify where you need more practice.
The degree of seriousness of each individual fault will be totally dependent on the prevailing conditions at the time. When other road users are affected, a minor fault can immediately become a serious one. Dangerous faults will only be recorded when either the driving examiner or when another road user has been forced to take evasive action to avoid danger.
Below you will find an interactive version of the driving test marking sheet please roll over the section you are interested in and then click to select. You will then be able to find out exactly what the examiner is looking for in this regards and the common errors that can occur on test. This is a great tool to find out precisely how you will be marked on the driving test or to find out why the examiner failed you on any particular point.
1a 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 metres (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 metres (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.
Driving fault recorded
1a Eyesight:
• Unable to read a number plate at 67 feet or 20.5 metres (or if new
style number plate 66 feet or 20 metres) which is about five car lengths.
This is a serious fault resulting in the termination of the test.
7 Show me, tell me vehicle checks
Before you start the driving part of the test the examiner will ask you
two vehicle safety check questions one “show me” and one “tell
me”. If the “tell me” question requires you to open the
bonnet this question will be asked before you enter the car otherwise the
questions will be asked once you are in the car.
In heavy rain or high winds the examiner will not use any of the combinations
that involve lifting the bonnet.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for an answer that approximates to the standard
answer given for that particular question. See section on “Show me
Tell me” for more details.
Driving fault recorded
7 Vehicle checks
• One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in a minor driving fault being recorded.
11 Precautions before starting the engine
Before you start the engine to move away you should
• Undertake certain safety checks
• Ensure that you can easily and comfortably reach and operate all
the main controls of the car
• Check that you can take clear observations to the front of the car
through the windscreen and to the rear of the car via the mirrors.
What the examiner is looking for
Before starting your engine the examiner is checking to see if you have:
1. Noted whether all the doors are closed and particularly whether you have
properly closed your door
2. Checked that you can safely operate all the main controls of the car
(i.e. the steering wheel and each of the foot controls)
3. Checked your mirrors to make sure they are properly adjusted
4. Fastened your seatbelt and that it is not twisted
5. Checked the handbrake to see if it is on
6. Checked the gear lever to see if it is in neutral or if driving an automatic
to see if the gear lever is in park (P) or neutral (N) position.
Driving faults recorded
11 Precautions
• Jumping forward while attempting to start the engine with the car
in gear.
• Rolling backwards or forwards while attempting to start the engine
due to the handbrake not being on.
• Adjusting the mirrors or the seating position while moving.
• Preparing to move away with a door not properly shut.
• Preparing to move away with a twisted seatbelt.
12 Proper use of the main controls of the car
Throughout the test the examiner will be noting the way you use the main
controls of the car. Certain control faults are not recorded under this
report heading because they relate to a specific manoeuvre such as the turn
in the road.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is checking that you use the main controls:
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
• Accelerator/Clutch
• Gears
• Footbrake
• Hand/parking brake
• Steering
Accelerator and clutch
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to:
1. Control and balance the accelerator and clutch together to pull away
smoothly or to maintain a slow speed in either forward or reverse gear,
or to change gear
2. Use the accelerator smoothly when accelerating and avoid surging
3. Depress the clutch just before stopping the car.
When using an automatic car you must use the accelerator smoothly
1. To avoid surging either forwards or backwards
2. To control gear changes up the gearbox.
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
Accelerator
• Excessive pressure causing wheel spin.
• Erratic pressure causing surging.
• Not removing pressure while changing gear.
• Applying pressure too soon after changing gear.
Clutch:
• Jerky control.
• Lack of control.
• Releases too quickly.
• Riding the pedal.
• Not pressing fully to the floor.
• Not used when stopping.
Gears
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to:
1. Change gear in good time for any hazard
2. Select the correct gear for the road conditions and the speed you are
travelling at.
If driving an automatic and travelling down a steep hill the examiner will
expect you to select a low gear.
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
Gears
• Incorrect gear selection.
• Coasting in neutral.
• Reluctant to select higher gears.
• Labours the engine.
• Does not match gear with road speed.
• Excessive speed in gear.
• Unnecessary gear changes.
• Used to reduce speed instead of brakes.
• Selected too soon for hazards.
• Selected too late for hazards.
Footbrake
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to:
1. Brake smoothly and in good time
2. Brake lightly in most situations
3. Ease off the brake to a smooth stop or when you have reached the required
speed.
When driving an automatic car the examiner is checking that you put your
right foot on the footbrake before selecting Drive.
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
Footbrake
• Not used when required.
• Late use on approach to hazards.
• Harsh use by pressing too fiercely.
Hand/parking brake
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to:
1. Apply and release the handbrake properly
2. Apply the handbrake when securing the car after stopping
3. Apply the handbrake on a gradient to prevent rolling forward/backwards
after stopping.
When driving an automatic the parking brake should only be applied after
stopping and selecting Park.
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
Handbrake/parking brake
• Not applying when necessary
• Not releasing properly.
• Moving away with it partially on.
• Not applying properly.
• Applying on the move.
• Rolling backwards or forward after stopping.
Steering
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to
1. Correctly hold the steering wheel at either ten-to-two or quarter-to-three
whichever is the most comfortable for you
2. Have smooth steering movements, using the pull push method
3. Turn the steering wheel sufficiently and at the correct time when negotiating
bends, corners and junctions.
Driving faults recorded
12 Control
Steering
• Incorrect hand position on the wheel.
• Losing control by crossing hands.
• Allowing wheel to spin back after turning.
• Retaining hand on the gear lever for too long.
• Removes both hands from steering wheel.
• Overshooting right turns.
• Over steers on corners.
• Under steers on corners.
• Steering with the right arm on the window ledge.
• Striking the kerb when stopping.
27 Appropriate use of ancillary controls
The ancillary controls are
1. Lights
2. Indicators
3. Windscreen wipers
4. De-misters
5. Heated rear windscreen
6. Heater/air conditioning
7. Horn
8. Hazard warning lights
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to know when and how to use any of the ancillary
controls. You will also need to know the meaning of the various warning
lights on the dashboard and act accordingly should any be activated. The
most common ones being:
1. Indicator
2. Main beam
3. Handbrake
4. Seatbelt
5. Airbag
6. Brake
7. Oil
Driving faults recorded
27 Ancillary controls
• Not operating the front or rear windscreen wipers or washers when
necessary.
• Not operating the side or headlamp controls when necessary.
• Not operating the horn when necessary.
• Not operating the heated rear screen control when necessary.
• Not operating the demister controls when necessary.
• Not operating the hazard warning lights when necessary.
13 Moving Off
On the driving test you will be required to move away on the flat, from
behind a stationary vehicle and where possible on an up hill gradient. If
the latter is not possible the examiner may choose a road with a high camber
on which to do the turn in the road exercise.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is looking for you to move off safely and under control by
1. Using your mirrors correctly
2. Observing all traffic and other road users before moving away
3. Signalling when necessary
4. Checking your blind spot(s) accordingly
5. Showing good co-ordination of the accelerator, clutch, brake and steering
6. Selecting the appropriate gear to move away.
Driving faults recorded
13 Move off
Safely
• No attempt to look around.
• Lack of observation ahead and to the rear.
• Moves away when unsafe.
Under control
• Stalls the engine.
• Moving away at too high a speed.
• Rolls back.
25 Pulling up at the side of the road
At various points on the test the examiner will ask you to pull up in a
safe, legal and convenient place on the left. You will be required to do
this just before undertaking any of the standard test manoeuvres.
What the examiner is looking for
Once the examiner has asked you to pull up on the left he or she will be
looking for you to
1. Use the MSM routine correctly
2. Select a safe, legal and convenient place to pull up
3. Steer towards the kerb without striking it or being too wide from the
kerb as you use the brake progressively to slow the car down
4. Use the clutch just as the car stops
5. Secure the car when stationary.
Driving faults recorded
25 Position/normal stops
• Stopping in an unsafe or inconvenient location.
• Blocking an entrance or driveway when stopping.
• Causing an obstruction to other road users.
• Stopping too far away from the pavement.
• Stopping with one or more wheels on the pavement.
14 Using the Mirrors
You need to use your mirrors effectively to keep up with what is happening
behind you at all times throughout the test.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will check to see that you use your mirrors in good time, in
the most appropriate order and act accordingly before
1. Opening any car door
2. Moving away
3. Signalling
4. Changing direction (junctions-changing lanes- overtaking)
5. Changing speed (either slowing down, stopping or speeding up).
The examiner will also check to see that you use your mirrors frequently.
How frequently will depend upon the road and traffic conditions at the time.
Driving faults recorded
14 Use of Mirrors
Signalling
• Signals before using mirrors.
• Looks and signals at the same time.
• Does not take appropriate action after observing traffic in mirrors.
• Signals regardless of following traffic situation.
Change direction:
• Does not consult mirrors before turning left or right.
• Does not consult mirrors before changing lanes.
• Does not consult mirrors before or after overtaking.
Change speed:
• Does not consult mirrors before increasing speed.
• Does not consult mirrors before reducing speed.
Does not consult mirrors before stopping.
15 Giving appropriate signals
The Highway Code states you should give signals to warn and inform other
road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions. The main signals
you are likely to use on the test are direction indicator signals.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to give clear signals
1. In plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that
time
2. If necessary, before changing course or direction, pulling up or moving
off
3. Always on the approach to a junction when not going straight ahead unless
on a road with multiple lanes where your lane is clearly marked as only
going in one particular direction.
The examiner will also expect you to cancel the signal once it has served
its purpose.
Driving faults recorded
15 Signals
Necessary
• Omits signals when they could benefit other road users.
Correctly
• Gives signals in the wrong direction.
• Gives misleading signals.
• Does not cancel signals after completion of manoeuvre.
• Using any signal not in the Highway Code.
Timed
• Gives signal too early.
• Gives signal too late.
• Signals for too short a period of time.
Signals for too long a period of time.
17 Response to signs and signals
Before your test starts your examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead
unless directed otherwise by road markings or traffic signs. You will also
be required to obey traffic light signals and those given by traffic controllers.
Finally, you will also be required to respond in a safe and appropriate
manner to signals given by other road users.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to recognise, understand and act where necessary
upon all
1. Traffic signs
2. Road markings
3. Traffic signals
4. Signals by traffic controllers
5. Signals by other road users in good time.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response
• Traffic signs
• Road Markings
• Traffic Lights
• Traffic Controllers
• Other Road Users
Traffic signs
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to
1. Obey traffic signs giving orders and
2. Act appropriately towards other signs giving warnings, directions and
other information.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response
Traffic signs
• Disregards speed limit signs.
• Does not obey mandatory signs.
• Ignores warning signs.
• Ignores prohibiting signs.
• Ignores priority signs.
Road markings
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to act in accordance with:
1. Lines and lane markings on the road
2. Stop and give way lines at junctions and pedestrian crossings
3. Box junctions
4. Bus, tram and cycle lanes
5. Traffic calming road markings
6. Parking and waiting restriction road markings.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response
Road markings
• Does not act in accordance with lane direction arrows.
• Crosses or straddles double white lines.
• Drives in bus lanes at prohibited times.
• Parks on double yellow lines.
• Disregards box junction markings.
• Stops on worded markings such as “Keep Clear”.
• Parks on zigzag lines.
Traffic lights
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to stop at traffic lights before the white
line when
1. The traffic lights are on red or
2. When it is safe to do so on amber.
The examiner will expect you to proceed when the lights change to green
provided it is safe to do so.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response
Traffic lights
• Attempts to drive through a red light.
• Does not stop on amber when it was safe to do so.
• Drives away on red and amber.
• Proceeds on green light when unsafe to do so.
Traffic controllers
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner will expect you to obey all signals made by authorised traffic
controllers such as
1. Police officers
2. School crossing patrol and
3. Traffic wardens.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response
Traffic controllers
• Disregards signals given by police or a traffic warden.
• Disregards signals given by a person in charge of road works with
Stop/Go sign.
• Disregards signal given by School Crossing Patrol.
Other road users
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner expects you to act upon the signals of other road users unless
to do so is unsafe.
Driving faults recorded
17 Response to signals from other road users
• Disregards clearly given signals by other drivers.
18 Use of speed
Driving no faster than the speed limit permits is the minimum you should
consider when on the driving test.
Always travel at a speed that enables you can stop within the distance you
can see to be clear ahead and are certain would remain clear in the time
it would take you to stop.
Remember that weather conditions can significantly affect what this stopping
distance would need to be.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is assessing your ability to
1. Approach junctions and hazards at the correct speed
2. Use speed to maintain a safe gap between you and other vehicles
3. Always drive at a speed sufficient to stop well within in the distance
you can see to be clear.
Driving faults recorded
18 Use of speed
• Drives in excess of the speed limit.
• Drives at a speed, which is too fast for the road, traffic or weather
conditions.
• Drives too fast on the approach to certain hazards.
• Drives too fast on the approach to junctions.
20 Making progress
Driving well below the speed limit can be as dangerous as driving above
it. Particularly if this causes frustration amongst other road users who
may feel the need to overtake you when it is unsafe to do so.
Similarly being hesitant at junctions or when approaching hazards or when
other road users are clearly giving way can result in dangers as you unexpectedly
stop or unnecessarily slow down.
What your examiner is looking for
The examiner is expecting you to
1. Drive up to the speed limit if road, weather and traffic conditions permit
or at a realistic speed if not
2. Approach hazards at a safe controlled speed without being over cautious
or interfering with the progress of other traffic
3. Emerge from junctions without stopping at give way lines if it is safe
to do so or emerge at the first safe opportunity to proceed.
Driving faults recorded
20 Progress
Appropriate speed
• Crawls along at slow speeds on clear roads.
• Makes no attempt to achieve maximum speeds for the road when safe
to do so.
• Reduces speed excessively when the conditions do not merit doing
so.
• Makes slow progress through the gears in normal driving.
Undue hesitancy
• Makes unnecessary stops at junctions and other hazards.
• Waits unnecessarily when it is safe to proceed at junctions.
• Waits for green light at Pedestrian Crossings when clear on flashing
amber.
• Waits for other drivers, who are clearly giving way.
2 The Emergency (Controlled) Stop
While the vast majority of circumstances that would require you to stop
can be predicted by the application of good hazard perception skills there
will always be the odd circumstance that cannot, and hence the reason why
the emergency stop is included in the driving test as an option.
If included the examiner will ask you to pull up before explaining the procedure.
Before issuing the command the examiner will look around to make sure it
is safe to conduct the exercise. If it is not safe the examiner will expect
you to continue to drive until a safe opportunity arises.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is assessing your ability to stop the car
1. Very quickly
2. By braking in one smooth progressive action
3. In a straight line with both hands firmly on the steering wheel
4. Without locking the wheels and causing any unnecessary skidding
5. Without depressing the clutch pedal until just before the car comes to
a halt.
The examiner is also checking to see that you properly secure the car by
1. Applying the hand brake
2. Placing the gear into the neutral position before releasing your feet
from the footbrake and clutch.
Because the car is positioned away from the kerb the examiner will also
expect you to take additional observational checks towards your left hand
blind spot before moving off.
Driving faults recorded
2 Controlled stop
Promptly
• Slow reaction to signal.
• Not stopping quickly enough.
Under control
• Uses footbrake and clutch together.
• Clutch pedal used too soon.
• Harsh stamping rather than progressive application of the footbrake.
• Uses handbrake to stop.
• Locks front or rear wheels.
• Induces a skid by braking and steering at the same time.
• Loses control by skidding.
3-4 Reversing around a corner to the left/right
The reverse around the corner is an optional test manoeuvre and for car
drivers would usually be to the left rather than to the right.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is checking that you
1. Pull up in a suitable position two car lengths beyond the side road you
are required to reverse into and about half a metre from the side of the
road
2. Select reverse gear and make all round observations before starting the
manoeuvre
3. Take good observations through the rear window as the car moves backwards
4. Use clutch control to maintain a slow speed and to pause when taking
all round observations
5. Make all round observations as necessary during the reverse and in particular
before steering to negotiate the corner and before straightening the wheels
to reverse down the side road
6. Keep reasonably close to the kerb (well within a metre) throughout the
exercise and avoid crossing the centre of the side road
7. Reverse for a reasonable distance into the side road in a straight line
before stopping (2-3 car lengths)
8. Deal correctly with other road users and pedestrians
9. Fasten your seat belt before moving off (if you unfastened it at the
start of the exercise)
Driving faults recorded
3 or 4 Reverse left/right
Control
• Poor clutch control.
• Stalls the engine.
• Excessive acceleration.
• Footbrake not used when required.
• Erratic use of steering.
• Touches kerb.
• Mounts pavement.
• Moves over the centre of the side road.
• Too far from kerb at completion.
• Car not parallel to the kerb.
Observation
• Does not look out of rear window.
• Does not take all round observation at the start or throughout the
manoeuvre.
• Relies on door mirrors for main observations.
• Does not observe other road users.
• Does not give way to other road users.
• Does not pull forwards to allow vehicle to emerge from the side
road when necessary.
5 Reverse Parking
The reverse park is an optional test manoeuvre and can take one of two
forms namely the reverse/parallel park along the side of the road behind
a parked vehicle or alternatively into a marked bay if the test centre has
a car park.
Where possible the bay park is preferred and would normally always be chosen
as one of the two reverse exercises on the test. The bay park will be undertaken
either at the start of the test or at the end of it. The reverse park behind
a vehicle would start with the examiner asking you to pull up on the left
well behind the vehicle he or she wanted you to reverse park behind.
What the examiner is looking for
When reverse parking the examiner is assessing your ability to:
1. Maintain appropriate and effective observations
2. Complete the exercise with a certain degree of accuracy and
3. Maintain control of the vehicle at all times.
Reverse Park in the road behind a vehicle
What the examiner is looking for
On this specific exercise the examiner is checking that you:
1. Pull up in a suitable position to commence the manoeuvre
2. Immediately select reverse gear and make all round observations before
starting the manoeuvre
3. Take good observations through the rear window as the car moves backwards
4. Use clutch control to maintain a slow speed and to pause when taking
all round observations
5. Make all round observations as necessary during the reverse and in particular
before steering to bring the car in at an angle towards the kerb and before
you change the steering lock to straighten the car up behind the parked
vehicle in front
6. Keep about a metre from the vehicle you are parking behind and position
the car within half a metre and parallel to the side of the kerb
7. Complete the exercise within two car lengths from the rear of the vehicle
you are parking behind
8. Deal correctly with other road users and pedestrians
9. Fasten your seat belt before moving off (if you unfastened it at the
start of the exercise).
Driving faults recorded
5 Reverse park (in the road behind a parked vehicle)
Under control
• Poor clutch control.
• Stalls the engine.
• Excessive acceleration.
• Insufficient or excessive steering.
• Harsh use of footbrake.
• Too close to parked car.
• Strikes the kerb with front or rear nearside wheel.
• Too far away from the left hand kerb at completion.
• Car finishes up at an angle to the kerb.
• Unable to complete within two car lengths.
Observations
• Does not take all round observation before starting the exercise.
• Does not look out of rear window while reversing.
• Relies on door mirrors to observe while reversing.
• Ignores passing traffic and does not give way.
• Reverses back with pedestrians passing by on the pavement at rear.
Reverse Park into a car parking bay
What the examiner is looking for
On this specific exercise the examiner is checking that you
1. Move the car to a suitable position with the wheels straight ready to
commence the manoeuvre
2. Select reverse gear and make all round observations before starting the
manoeuvre
3. Take good observations through the rear window as the car moves backwards
4. Use clutch control to maintain a slow speed and to pause when taking
all round observations
5. Make all round observations as necessary during the reverse and in particular
before steering to move into a parking bay and before straightening the
wheels to reverse fully into the chosen bay
6. Are within the bay lines and reasonably straight at the completion of
the exercise
7. Deal correctly with other road users and pedestrians
8. Fasten your seat belt before moving off (if you unfastened it at the
start of the exercise).
Driving faults recorded
5 Reverse park (car parking bay)
Under control
• Poor clutch control.
• Stalls the engine.
• Excessive acceleration.
• Insufficient or excessive steering.
• Harsh use of footbrake.
• Not within parking bay lines at completion of exercise.
• At an angle within the lines at completion of exercise.
• Does not take all round observation before starting the exercise.
• Does not look out of rear window while reversing.
• Relies on door mirrors to observe while reversing.
• Ignores passing traffic and does not give way.
• Reverses back with pedestrians passing by on at the rear.
6 Turn in the road
In areas where it is not possible to do a hill start you may find that
this manoeuvre is done on a road with a steep camber. The examiner will
ask you to pull up on a quiet road to undertake this exercise.
What the examiner is looking for
The examiner is checking that you
1. Make all round observations before starting the manoeuvre
2. Complete the manoeuvre in no more than five forward/reverse movements
3. Rapidly apply the full steering lock as appropriate as you start each
movement and then apply opposite lock just before stopping
4. Make the car safe between each movement
5. Take good observations through the rear window as the car moves backwards
6. Use clutch control to maintain a slow speed and to pause when taking
all round observations
7. Make all round observations as necessary during the exercise and especially
before each movement forward or backwards
8. Keep the car within the boundaries of the road and do not overhang the
kerb
9. Deal correctly with other road users and pedestrians
10. Fasten your seat belt before moving off (if you unfastened it at the
start of the exercise).
Driving faults recorded
6 Turn in the road
Under control
• Poor clutch control.
• Stalls the engine.
• Excessive acceleration.
• Harsh use of footbrake.
• Not applying the handbrake properly.
• Strikes or mounts kerbs with front or rear wheels.
