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 and availability.
Goodmayes
-
Barking
-
Wanstead
-
Loughton
-
Chingford
Hornchurch
- Wood Green
-
Enfield -
Sidcup
-
Erith
-
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.
Want To Book a Practical Test?
Practical tests can be booked for you.
Alternatively, you can call the DSA on:
0300 2001122 (Calls charged at local rates)
Or manage tests online by clicking on the links below.
Book your practical test here:
Change your practical test here:
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 DSA. But if your test is cancelled by the DSA 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
From October 4th 2010, the practical test has changed. Now you will be asked to drive independently
for 10-15 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 maps & direction
signs. The confusion that comes out of this is a major factor in
new driver accidents. Independent driving in the practical test
involves the examiner using either directions signs, diagrams, or
a combination of both, to reach a certain
destination, instead of the traditional turn-by-turn directions.
There is no need to worry unnecessarily, because:
- It is not a test of memory or direction. If you go off
route, the examiner will redirect you.
- As long as you don't give any misleading signals, you will
not pick up any faults for getting lost.
- Because of this, the route may be a little longer, but it
means only one reverse manoeuvre from now on.
- The examiner will let you know when the independent section
starts and finishes.
To see Independent Driving in action, click here:
Reverse ManoeuvresYou'll be asked to perform one reversing manoeuvres out of the
four you would have learned about in your course:
- Turn in the road (three-point-turn)
- Reverse to the left (reversing around
a corner)
- Parallel parking
- Bay parking
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
nineteen, 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 because of this. 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 £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 give 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:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- 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. 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.
- 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.
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