Key points
- The car test has 4 parts: an eyesight check, 2 'show me, tell me' safety questions, general driving (including independent driving) and one reversing exercise.
- You drive for around 35 minutes. Examiners plan for the whole test to take 38 to 40 minutes.
- Some tests include an emergency stop. Examiner guidance says it is used on about one test in seven, chosen at random.
- You pass with no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. If you pass, you can drive on your own straight away.
The UK car driving test has four parts: an eyesight check, two vehicle safety questions known as "show me, tell me", about 35 minutes of general driving that includes a stretch of independent driving, and one reversing exercise.[1] Some tests also include an emergency stop.[1] The test is the same whether you take it in a manual or an automatic car.[1] This guide walks through the order things usually happen in, and what the examiner is doing at each stage.
How long the test lasts
GOV.UK says you will drive for around 35 minutes, or around 65 minutes if you are taking an extended test after a driving ban.[1] The examiner guidance (DT1) explains that the law sets a minimum of 30 minutes of driving on the road, and that, taking all DVSA's requirements into account, the whole test lasts between 38 and 40 minutes.[4] If you get round the route unusually quickly, the examiner may extend the route rather than bring you back early.[4]
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| At the test centre | Licence and identity checks, sign the insurance and residency declaration[4] |
| Outside | Eyesight check: read a number plate[1] |
| Before you drive | One "tell me" safety question[1] |
| On the road | General driving, stops and pulling away, one "show me" question, independent driving, one reversing exercise, possibly an emergency stop[1] |
| Back at the centre | Your result and a short explanation of any faults[4] |
At the test centre
The examiner calls you by your full name and asks for your driving licence, plus your theory test pass certificate if you have it.[4] They compare the photo with you and ask you to read, confirm and sign an insurance and residency declaration on their digital test report.[4] The what to take guide covers the documents and the car rules in detail.
The examiner will also ask if you want someone to sit in the back during the test, or be there for the result and feedback.[1] This is usually your driving instructor, but it can be a relative or friend. They must be over 16 and can't take any part in the test.[1] Usually only one person can sit in.[6] Separately, the examiner's supervisor may sit in to watch the examiner's performance. If you refuse, your test can be cancelled and you will have to book and pay again.[1]
The eyesight check
Before you get in the car, you have to read a number plate from 20 metres away (20.5 metres for an old-style plate).[1] If you fail the eyesight check, you fail the test and it ends there.[1] The examiner guidance says that if your first attempt is wrong you are asked to read another plate, and the third attempt uses a measured distance.[5] If you wear glasses or contact lenses to read the plate, you must wear them for the whole drive. Otherwise the test will be stopped.[5]
The "tell me" question
You are asked one "tell me" question at the start, before you drive. You explain how you would carry out a basic safety check, such as checking the brakes or the tyre tread.[1][3] Getting one or both of your safety questions wrong means one driving fault, not a fail.[3] The full official list is in our show me, tell me guide.
General driving
You drive in a range of road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.[1] Along the way you are asked to pull over and pull away, including a normal stop at the side of the road, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle and a hill start.[1] Examiner guidance says every test includes moving off at an angle from behind a stationary vehicle.[4]
At some point while you are driving, the examiner asks the "show me" question, for example how you would wash the windscreen or switch on the dipped headlights.[1][3] If your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while you do it, that is a fail.[3] So operate the control only when it is safe, and keep your eyes on the road.
Independent driving
For 20 to 35 minutes of the test you drive independently, following directions from a sat nav, traffic signs, or a combination of both. The examiner tells you which.[1] They set the sat nav up for you, and you can't use your own.[1] Taking a wrong turning is not a fault in itself, and the examiner will help you back onto the route.[1] Test routes are not published.[1] We cover this part in detail in sat nav and independent driving.
One reversing exercise
The examiner asks you to do one of three exercises: parallel park at the side of the road, park in a bay (driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out), or pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse about two car lengths and rejoin the traffic.[1] You don't get to choose. Examiner guidance says the exercises should be spread evenly and chosen at random.[5] See driving test manoeuvres for what the examiner looks for in each.
The emergency stop
You might also be asked to do an emergency stop.[1] Examiner guidance says this happens on about one test in seven, chosen at random.[5] The examiner will ask you to pull up first and explain the signal: they say "Stop!" and raise their hand at the same time. They look round to check it is safe before giving it, so wait for the actual signal rather than braking when they turn their head.[5][7] If a real emergency has already come up naturally during the drive, the exercise isn't needed.[5] It is only done once.[7]
If you make a mistake
You can carry on after a mistake. If it isn't serious, it might not affect your result.[1] The examiner will only stop the test early if they think your driving is a danger to other road users.[1] The examiner records three kinds of fault:[2]
- Driving fault: not potentially dangerous, but repeating the same one could make it serious.
- Serious fault: something potentially dangerous.
- Dangerous fault: actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property.
You pass if you have no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.[2] Our faults guide explains how this works.
At the end of the test
When you get back, the examiner tells you whether you have passed and gives a short explanation of any faults they marked.[4] You can choose whether your instructor or companion is there to hear it.[4] The examiner's decision is final.[4]
If you pass
The examiner tells you about any faults, gives you a pass certificate and asks if you want your full licence sent to you automatically. If you do, you hand over your provisional licence.[2] You can start driving on your own straight away, without waiting for the new licence to arrive.[2] If you don't use the automatic option, you must apply for your full licence within 2 years of passing.[2]
If you don't pass
The examiner tells you what faults you made. You have to book and pay for another test, and the new date has to be at least 10 working days away.[2] If you can prove the examiner didn't follow the law, you can complain to DVSA. If DVSA agrees, your result can't be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest. If it doesn't agree, you may be able to appeal to a court.[2] There is more on next steps in if you fail your driving test.
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See plansSources
- Driving test: cars – What happens during the test
- Driving test: cars – Driving test faults and your result
- Car 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 1. Car driving test
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 6. General technical matters
- Sit in and observe driving tests
- Guidance for driving examiners (DT1) – 14. Test wordings
Last checked against the cited sources on 14 October 2026. PassNav is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or TomTom. Our guides are prepared with AI assistance and checked against the official sources cited on each page. Rules and fees change — for current legal requirements and booking rules, always check GOV.UK. This is general guidance and does not replace professional driving instruction. Spotted something out of date? Email passnav@smartaisolution.co.uk — see our editorial policy.