So you're almost there. You've passed your theory test and we've discussed your readiness for the practical test. Due to the waiting times at your chosen test centre we may have already booked your practical test and planned your lessons leading up to it.

Read on for a run-through of everything you need to know to be prepared for, and (fingers crossed) pass you practical test.

Why do I need to take the practical driving test?

The test assesses your ability to:

• Demonstrate safe, independent driving in a variety of road and traffic conditions.
• Show a working knowledge of the Highway Code.

When can I take my practical driving test?

You can book your practical driving test if you're at least 17, have a valid provisional licence, and you've passed your theory test.

But how do you know when you're really ready?

It's important to plan your driving test ahead and we can work together to decide when you might be ready. The waiting times at test centres can be 7 weeks, sometimes more. We need to plan ahead so you don't get bored on your driving lessons but at the same time want you to be completely ready.

We'll discuss when we think you've got the potential to pass your test and discuss suitable dates for you to book. It's a two-way conversation. If you feel confident in your abilities lets talk about it. There's no set number of lessons before someone can take their practical test.

How do I prepare for my practical driving test?

If this is your first time taking the test, here's how to make sure you're in the best possible position to pass:

• Before you take your test, make sure you feel ready. Don’t just rush in because you want your licence.
• Brush up on the Highway Code.
• Practice your skills and manoeuvres as much as you can. Don't practice manoeuvres in your own car if it's very different to your instructors car and you feel it might confuse you.
• Discuss with me anything you'd like to spend some extra time on you’re feeling unsure about.
• We'll visit the test centre sometime before your test, maybe multiple times, so you know the journey and are familiar with your surroundings when you arrive on the day. We will agree when this will take place because of other tests taking place during the day and out of respect for the other candidates taking their tests, we don't want to add to their stress by getting in the way.
• If you think you'll be nervous, try to book your test at a time you will feel more comfortable. This may be in the morning so you're not worrying about it all day. If you feel under more pressure in traffic it may be better to book the test for late morning or early afternoon, after lunch times, when there are likely to be less people in a hurry on the roads.
• The day before your test, look after yourself. Try to get some exercise, avoid going out on the town, and get plenty of sleep.
• A few hours before your test, limit your screen time so you can minimise distractions.

Want more advice on preparing for your test?

What do I need to take to my driving test?

The test will take place at a local test centre we've agreed and booked. On the day, make sure you bring:

• Your provisional UK driving licence.
• Your theory pass certificate (although this is rarely asked to be looked at).
• The car you're taking the test in – most pupils will use mine (the one you've been having your lessons in), but you can use your own car too, we will talk about what you'd like to do before the test.

I will usually book a 2 hour slot for your test. This allows you to be picked up one hour before the test and gives us time to have a leisurely drive towards the test centre, discuss any final questions you may have and 'warm up' before the real thing. If you'd like a bit of a break in your driving before the test I can drive the last 5 to 10 minutes to the test centre. We will aim to arrive between 8-10 minutes before the actual test time to give us time to park, use the toilet if you require and take a seat in the test centre waiting room.

What happens during the test?

Firstly the examiner will enter the waiting room and call out your name. You approach the examiner and they will ask you to read an insurance and residency declaration and sign the driving test report (this will be on an iPad increasingly more often) , you will need to sign the same as you've signed on you license so please be aware if your signature has changed, they will then ask you if the address on your license is correct. After that they will ask you if you would like your instructor to accompany you on your test. This is a very personal choice that we will discuss leading up to your test.

There are a few reasons why you might want me to accompany you on the test:

• You may feel more relaxed having someone you are familiar with in the car.
• You may want me to have first hand knowledge of the test should the worst happen.

You may also decide that you don't want me to accompany you on the test because:

• You would feel more stressed having 'an extra pair of eyes' observing the test'.
• The car may handle slightly differently because of the extra weight in the car.

Remember, I would not be there to judge you. I'm there as an observer, I cannot take part in the test in any way and must stay out of the way in the back of the car and remain still and quiet so the examiner knows I am not trying to influence the test.

The test lasts about 40 minutes. During that time, the examiner will cover 5 main areas:

• An eyesight check. The minimum standard is that you must be able to read a standard number plate licence from 20 metres away (or 20.5 metres if it’s an old-style licence plate)
• 'Show me, tell me' car safety questions.
• General driving ability.
• Reversing your car – you will be asked to complete one of the following manoeuvres:
  • parallel park at the side of a road
  • forward park into a bay and reverse out
  • reverse park into a bay
  • or reverse for 2 car lengths and re-join traffic after pulling over on the right.
• Independent driving for roughly 20 minutes. This could be either following a sat nav or being asked to follow road signs

When you begin your test in essence you have already passed since you are starting with a clean sheet. Your goal is to drive without inuring any faults. Your examiner will assess your driving according to 3 types of faults:

• A dangerous fault – this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.
• A serious fault – something potentially dangerous (this, and dangerous faults, are often referred to as majors).
• A driving fault – this isn't potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same mistake, it could become a serious fault (these are often referred to as minors).

In a nutshell, you'll pass your test if you:

• Accumulate fewer than 15 driving faults (minors).
• Avoid recording a single serious or dangerous driving fault (majors).

The end of the test

Once you've returned to the test centre and safely parked, the examiner will ask you if you'd like me to hear the debrief and result, even if I'm already in the car. If you'd like me present I can then get in the car (if I'm not there already) and the examiner will tell you the test result. They'll also provide feedback, including how many and what type of faults were made.

If you pass, the examiner will:

• Give you a pass certificate.
• Ask if you'd like your full licence sent to you, or if you'd like to apply for it in your own time.

A failed driving test isn’t the end of your driving dreams. If you don't pass, you can book another test online for 10 working days after your last test date, a cooling off period. This will become available one hour after your original test time.

You won't be sent away wondering where you went wrong. Your examiner will tell you why you didn't pass, including details of specific faults.