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THE DRIVING TEST
Congratulations, you’ve completed all 12 EDT driving lessons and are ready to apply for the full driving test.
The first thing you need to do is ensure that you are ready to take the driving test. The 12 EDT lessons are the very basic training requirements. In order to ensure that will pass your test as a safe and competent driver you will need to out in more hours behind the wheel, and practice what you have learned in each lesson.
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.
The Driving Test – FAQs
How long does the driving test take?
The driving test lasts about 30-40 minutes. 10 minutes at the beginning of the test is allotted for theory questions and examining the vehicle. The remainder will be dedicated to examining your driving ability and completing the necessary manoeuvers.
What questions will I be asked?
You can be asked a variety of questions that will test your knowledge of the rules of the road and road signs. Questions can include when to use dipped headlights, when can you enter a yellow box, what is the hand signal for turning right, etc.
When will I find out my results?
Once you have returned to the test centre your examiner will bring you back to their desk and let you know if you have failed or passed. If you failed the test you will be made aware of the faults occurred and the areas in which you need to practice. If you pass the driving test you will be given your licence application form.