U-Turn covers a number of different Practical Test Centres. Clicking on the names below will give you direct information from the DSA about their pass rates, location, availability and downloadable test routes in Acrobat (PDF) format.

If you don't have Acrobat Reader, click here: 

Goodmayes - Barking - Wanstead - Loughton - Chingford - Hornchurch - Wood Green - Sidcup - Bexleyheath  Belvedere - Hither Green
 

Mock tests can be arranged to help you get the experience of the real thing on real test routes without the extra expense and stress of failing the DSA test. This will help to highlight the areas that might go wrong for you in test conditions, so that they can be worked on and help you get ready for that first-time pass.
Practical tests can be booked for you.
Alternatively, you can call the DSA on:
0300 2001122
Or book online by clicking on the link below.

The test lasts between 37 and 42 minutes, consisting of a variety of road and traffic situations.

• Turn in the road (three point turn)
• Reverse to the left (reverse around the corner)
• Parking (either parallel parking or bay parking, but not both in the same test)

You may or may not be asked to perform the emergency stop. But with this and the reverse manoeuvres, the examiner will let you know in plenty of time what they want you to do.
At the start of the test, the examiner will check your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate from a distance of about 20 metres, then they will ask you two questions about basic car maintenance called "Show Me, Tell Me". These questions come from a choice of thirteen, which can be found here: Show me, tell me.
During the test, the examiner will tell you to follow the road ahead, unless the signs or road markings tell you otherwise. If they want you to turn left or right, they will tell you in plenty of time. The examiner may mark things on their clipboard during the test, but don't assume that you've failed. They allow you up to 15 minor faults.
At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you've passed or failed and offer you a debrief of what happened.

If you pass:

The examiner will take both parts of your provisional licence if it's the new style photocard licence. You don't have to pay any more money and you should get your full licence within three weeks. If you have the old style paper licence, the examiner will give you a form to apply for your full photocard licence. Applying for this will cost £10.
The examiner will also give you a copy of the DSA's "Drive On" magazine with details of the Pass Plus scheme and articles that would be useful and interesting to new drivers.

If you fail:

The examiner will give you a copy of your test report and offer an explanation as to why you failed and offer advice on avoiding the same mistakes next time and how to apply for the next test.
To be able to pass a driving test, you need three things:

1. Knowledge
2. Skills
3. Attitude

You will already have the first two, but it's normally the third that's the killer. If you don't have the right frame of mind during the test, it will have an effect on the other two.

Tips to help you pass:

• Even if you get both the Show Me, Tell Me questions wrong, the worst you'll get is a minor fault. But getting them both right will set the tone for the rest of the test and help you relax.
  
  
• Don't put on a show for the examiner. All they want to see is that you're a safe, confident driver, who shows awareness, planning and the ability to match their speed to the conditions.
  
  
• DON'T look at what the examiner is writing. It'll only distract your attention from the road. Besides, your errors may not be as bad as they seem.
  
  
• Whatever you've done, put it behind you and consider what you have to deal with next. Dwelling on the past is another distraction.
  
  
• Be a bit of a show-off. You've come this far and you wouldn't take your test unless you're ready. So, take pride in what you've learned and show the examiner what you can do.
  
  
• Relax! Tension tends to get in the way of planning, messes up your steering and leaves you blind to you mirrors. Getting to the test centre five minutes early helps. Many people rely on things like Bach Flower Rescue Remedy.

• Another thing (not many people know this), you can also play music during the test. As long as it's not too loud or distracting, you can even bring your own music. The car has a CD player.