U-Turn covers a number of different Practical Test Centres. Clicking on the names below will give you direct information from the DVSA about their pass rates, location and availability.
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 DVSA 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.
Want To Book a Practical Test?
Practical tests can be booked for you.
Alternatively, you can call the DVSA on:
0300 2001122
(Calls charged at local rates)
Or manage tests online by clicking on the links below.
Use the ADI Reference 178069
What Happens If Your Test Is Cancelled?
U-Turn Driving School does not accept responsibility for tests cancelled by the DVSA. But if your test is cancelled by the DVSA through staff shortage or industrial action, you may be able to claim back some of your expenses. You can download the official claim form if you CLICK HERE
The test lasts between 37 and 42 minutes, consisting of a variety of road and traffic situations.
Independent Driving
You will be asked to drive independently for about 20 minutes of the test. The main reason for this is that the biggest challenge new drivers face is when they have drive to a new place for the first time by following satellite navigation & direction signs. The distraction that comes out of this is a major factor in new driver accidents. Independent driving in the practical test involves the examiner using a sat-nav device in most tests, but they will ask you to follow directions signs in 1 test out of 5. There is no need to worry unnecessarily, because:
You'll be asked to perform one reversing manoeuvres out of the four you would have learned about in your course:
- Parallel park at the side of the road
- Park in a parking bay - by driving in and reversing out
- Park in a parking bay - by reversing in and driving out
- Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic
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 ONE question about basic car maintenance as part of the "Show Me, Tell Me" section. These questions come from a choice of 22, 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. At some point, the examiner will ask to operate a control as the second "Show Me, Tell Me" question. The examiner may mark things on their clipboard during the test, but don't assume that you've failed because of this. They allow you up to 15 minor faults.
If you pass:
The examiner will take 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 £20.
For details, CLICK HERE.
The examiner will also remind you about the Pass Plus scheme and
tell you about the New Driver's Act. You can find details by
clicking HERE
If you don't:
The examiner will email you a copy of your test report and offer an explanation as to why you
weren't successful 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:
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 and concentrate on your how nervous you are 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.
- No need to put on a show for the examiner. There are LOADS
of
rumours about moving your mirrors, driving well below the speed
limit, etc. 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.
- If you look at what the
examiner is writing, it'll only distract your attention from the road
and the faults will start to appear as anyway. 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
as if you're starting the test from scratch. 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.
