The Driving Test

Sitting a Pre-Test

The period of preparation before you take your Driving Test is critical. It's not uncommon for motorists with extensive experience to enter the Driver Testing Centre with a false sense of security. Convinced that they drive 'as well as anyone else', they can fail through a lack of attention to minor details or by failing to correct some of the 'bad-habits' that they will have inevitably picked up with driving practice. This is why we recommend undergoing a pre-test with John Mannix & Son Driving School.

During the pre-test, we will replicate driving test conditions and act as if you are taking the real test. We will identify small but crucial details of your driving technique that can make the difference between a pass and a fail. We can also give you a complete preparation for all elements of the test. Having completed our Pre-test Driving Course, you'll find there are no surprises in your driving test. The enhanced confidence alone makes a substantial difference in your final score.

The Test Day

You should be present in the test centre before the appointed time of your test. If you are late, the test cannot be conducted and the fee will be forfeited.

The driver tester will check your provisional licence to establish that it:

• relates to you;
• is current;
• is for the correct category of vehicle.
  
  

You will be asked to read and sign a statement confirming that:

• the vehicle insurance cover is in place and is adequate.
• your vehicle is in roadworthy condition - further information in relation to vehicle roadworthiness will be provided with your appointment letter.

What to Expect

The driving test is straightforward. For cars it will last about 40 minutes and will include:

• questions on the Rules of the Road (including identifying road signs); demonstrating hand signals;
• reversing round a corner; (left corner bend)
• a turnabout in the road;
• a hill start;
• driving approximately five miles under a variety of road and traffic conditions.

Your driving will be assessed in the following situations:

• moving off;
• driving in traffic;
• stopping;
• reversing round a corner;
• turning about to face in the opposite direction;
• starting on a hill;
• parking;
• turning right and turning left.

Aspects of your driving assessment will include:

• road positioning;
• overtaking and passing;
• anticipation and observation;
• use of mirrors and signals;
• progress;
• speed;
• compliance with traffic lights, road signs and markings;
• use of the vehicle controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes and steering).
• use of secondary controls such as wipers, demisters, etc.

Recent enhancements to the test mean that you should ensure that you

• know how to operate the secondary controls, such as:
• windscreen wipers and washers
• Demisters
• rear window heater
• lights
• air-conditioning where fitted.

You must also know how to adjust the seat, seat-belt, and mirrors, and ensure the doors are closed.