Are you ready to take your final practical driving test and get your driving license? If you are, then you must be feeling excited and nervous at the same time. You have been preparing for this day for a long time, and you want to make sure that you pass with flying colours.
But how can you ensure that you are confident and ready to drive a car safely and securely? How can you avoid making any mistakes or errors that could cost you your test? How can you impress your examiner and show them that you are a competent and responsible driver?
In this blog, we will give you some tips and tricks on how to ace your practical driving test in Pinner and Watford. We will also explain the procedure of booking and taking your test, and how mock practical tests can help you prepare and practice for the real thing.
Steps for Booking Your Practical Driving Test
If you have passed your theory test and completed your driving lessons, you can book your practical driving test online. Here are the steps to book your test:
1. First, open the website URL (gov.uk) and click on the link that says “Book your driving test“.
2. Log in by entering your driving licence number and booking reference, or your theory pass number.
3. After logging in, click on the candidate information section, and enter your information like the contact number and email address. Adding contact information is important to ensure that the examiner can contact you if the date or time of the driving test gets postponed or cancelled.
4. Next, choose the type of test that you want to take, such as a car, motorcycle, or lorry. For this blog, we will assume that you are taking the car test.
5. Then, choose the test centre that you want to take your test at. You can search by postcode, town, or city, or by using a map. You can also see the availability and waiting times of each test centre.
6. Next, choose the date and time that you want to take your test. You can see the available slots for each day, and select the one that suits you best. You can also change or cancel your booking up to three working days before your test, without losing your fee.
7. Finally, confirm your booking and pay the fee depending on where you take the test. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking details and reference number.
Preparation for Taking Your Practical Driving Test
On the day of your test, you should arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. You should bring the following documents with you:
- Your Provisional Driving Licence
- Your Theory Test Pass Certificate
- Your Booking Confirmation Email Or Letter
You should also wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear. And you need to avoid any distractions such as mobile phones, music, or chewing gum.
Your instructor will pick you up at the agreed time, usually around an hour before the test. This gives you the chance to ‘warm up’ and get any last-minute queries answered. You have the option of your instructor sitting in the back of the vehicle for the duration of the test, but this is optional.
The Elements Involved in Practical Driving Test
There are several elements that a driving instructor can examine while you drive. Your practical driving test in Pinner and Watford test will last for about 40 minutes, and will include the following elements:
1. An Eyesight Check:
You will be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate, or 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate. If you fail this check, you will not be allowed to take the rest of the test, and you will lose your fee.
2. Safety Questions:
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions, also known as the “show me, tell me” questions. One question will be asked before you start driving, and one question will be asked while you are driving. You will have to either show or tell the examiner how you would carry out a safety task, such as checking the oil level or using the windscreen wipers. If you answer one or both questions incorrectly, you will get one driving fault.
3. General Driving:
You will be asked to drive in various road and traffic conditions such as urban and rural roads, dual carriageways, roundabouts, junctions, and crossroads. You will have to follow the directions given by the examiner, or by following traffic signs, or by using satellite navigation. You will have to demonstrate your ability to drive safely, confidently, and independently, and to follow the rules of the road, such as speed limits, road markings, and traffic signals.
4. Man oeuvres and Emergency Stop:
You will be asked to perform one of the following man oeuvres:
Reverse Parking Into A Bay: You will have to park your car in a parking bay, either at the test centre or in a public car park by reversing into the space. You will have to make sure that your car is within the lines of the bay and that you do not touch any other vehicles or objects.
Parallel Parking: You will have to park your car behind another parked car, on the side of the road. You will have to make sure that your car is parallel to the kerb, and that you leave enough space for the other car to move out.
Reverse Right: You will have to pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for about two car lengths, and then rejoin the traffic. You will have to make sure that you do not cause any inconvenience or danger to other road users, and that you check your mirrors and blind spots before moving.
Forward Bay Parking: You will have to park your car in a parking bay, either at the test centre or in a public car park, by driving forward into the space. You will then have to reverse out of the bay and drive away. You will have to make sure that your car is within the lines of the bay, and that you do not touch any other vehicles or objects.
You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop, where you will have to stop your car as quickly and safely as possible, as if in an emergency situation.
The Faults that Examiner Highlights for the Practical Driving Test
During the test, you will be assessed on your driving ability, and you will be given faults for any mistakes or errors that you make. There are three types of faults:
1. Driving Faults:
These are minor faults that do not affect the safety of the driver but could become serious if repeated, example like; stalling the engine. You can get up to 15 driving faults, and still pass the test.
2. Serious Faults:
If minor faults are happening too many times like 5-7 times in same area
will lead to fail. For example: not checking your mirrors before changing direction, not stopping on red light, fail to give way to right at the roundabout, or speeding.
3. Dangerous Faults:
These are faults that actually affect the safety of the driver, or cause a dangerous situation. For example: losing control of the car, hitting another vehicle or object, or endangering a pedestrian. You will fail the test if you get one dangerous fault.
At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed the test and will give you a feedback sheet that shows the faults that you made, and the reasons why. If you pass the test, you will receive a test pass certificate, and you will be able to apply for your full driving licence. If you fail the test, you will have to wait at least 10 working days before you can take another test, and you will have to pay the fee again.
Final Words
Taking your practical driving test in Stanmore can be a challenging and stressful experience, but it can also be a rewarding and satisfying one if you prepare and practice well. If you follow the tips and tricks that we have shared with you in this blog you can ace your practical driving test. If you want to book a driving test in Henden you can approach Confident Pass Driving School. If you are not confident enough to take the practical driving test you can even take mock practical text from Confident Pass Driving School. This way, you can boost your confidence and improve your chance of passing your test. And finally, you can say ‘hurrah’ after getting UK license!