Your test day guide
Real DVSA facts, not guesswork — every vehicle safety question you could be asked, how hazard perception is actually scored, and what changed in the test itself.
Illustrative AI-generated footage of a typical UK driving lesson — not real Active Drive footage.
What actually happens on test day
The car practical test starts with an eyesight check — you'll need to read a number plate from 20 metres away (20.5 metres for an older, pre-September-2001-style plate). This is a serious fault: fail it and the test doesn't go any further, so it's worth checking in good daylight before you go.
You'll then be asked two vehicle safety questions — one "tell me" question before you set off, and one "show me" question while you're driving, at a moment your examiner judges to be safe. Every possible question and its official answer is below.
Since a DVSA change on 24 November 2025, independent driving — following a sat nav, road signs, or both — can now make up the entire drive rather than a fixed ~20-minute section, and an emergency stop is now asked in around 1 in 7 tests, down from 1 in 3 previously. You'll still be asked to complete one reversing or parking manoeuvre: parallel parking behind a car, bay parking, or pulling up on the right and reversing two car lengths.
You'll need your provisional driving licence with you — the test can't go ahead without it. Theory test certificates have been electronic for years, so there's no card to bring for that; your instructor or the examiner can look your pass up. If you're working to a set test date rather than weekly lessons, see our intensive courses, and check current lesson prices for how that's costed.
Every "tell me" question (14)
Asked before you move off. The examiner picks one from this official DVSA list — tap a question for the answer.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
The manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, and check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre, and remember to refit the valve caps.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
No cuts and bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth, all the way round its circumference.
Explain that you'd operate the switch (turning on the ignition if necessary). As this is a "tell me" question, you don't need to physically get out and check the lights.
A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there's a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Explain that you'd operate the switch (turning on the ignition if necessary). As this is a "tell me" question, you don't need to physically get out and check the lights.
Explain that you'd operate the brake pedal, making use of reflections in windows, garage doors or a similar surface, or ask someone to help.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained as the engine is started, should produce a slight but noticeable movement once the system engages — or turning the wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is working.
Operate the switch (turning on dipped headlights and the ignition if necessary), and check the warning light comes on. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.
Operate the switch (with the ignition or engine on if necessary), and check with the main beam warning light on the dashboard.
Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator, and describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank (where fitted) or the radiator filler cap, and describe how you'd top up to the correct level.
Identify the reservoir, and check the level against the high and low markings.
Every "show me" question (7)
Asked while you're driving — you'll actually demonstrate this one, not just describe it.
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper controls to clean the screen, at a moment when it's genuinely safe to take a hand off the wheel.
Operate the front windscreen washer and wiper controls to clean the screen, at a moment when it's genuinely safe to take a hand off the wheel.
Locate and operate the headlight switch to select dipped beam, confirming on the dashboard that they're on.
Locate and operate the rear demister control.
Locate and briefly sound the horn.
Locate and operate the controls (fan, heat and air direction) to clear the front windscreen.
Locate and operate the window control to open, then close, the driver's side window.
The hazard perception test, explained
This is the second half of your theory test (the multiple-choice section comes first). You'll watch 14 video clips of everyday driving — 13 contain one developing hazard, one contains two, for 15 scoreable hazards in total. Click as soon as you spot a hazard starting to develop, and you can score up to 5 points per hazard depending on how early you click; leave it too late and you score nothing for that one. The pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75.
Click once per hazard as it develops, watch to see how it plays out, and don't click repeatedly or in a steady rhythm — the system is built to flag patterned clicking, and can zero your score for that clip if it does.
Not sure how many lessons you'll need before you're ready to book? See our lesson prices or check whether we cover your area.
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What our students say
"I passed my practical 1st time round thanks to Ram from Active Drive. I had no prior experience before December and after only 3 months I was up to test standard."
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