26/08/2026
🚗 DRIVING TEST COMING UP? HERE'S WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS ON THE DAY...
If your son or daughter is learning to drive, this might be useful for you too — particularly if you're helping them practise or they're planning to take the test in their own car.
For many learners, not knowing exactly what will happen on test day can make the nerves worse, so here's a simple guide.
📍 ARRIVING AT THE TEST CENTRE
If you're learning with a driving instructor, you'll normally have a lesson beforehand and your instructor will make sure you arrive at the correct time.
⚠️ Don't arrive too early!
At Chichester, and at many other test centres, you're asked not to arrive more than 5 minutes before your test time. This helps avoid congestion with candidates returning from the previous test.
If you're taking the test in your own car, that's absolutely fine too — but it's your responsibility to make sure the car meets the DVSA requirements.
It must be roadworthy, properly insured for a driving test, taxed and have a valid MOT if required. You'll also need L plates front and rear and an additional interior mirror for the examiner.
And don't forget your UK driving licence!
👋 MEETING THE EXAMINER
The examiner will introduce themselves, check your driving licence and ask you to check that the email address they have for you is correct — this is where your test result will be sent.
You'll also be asked to confirm a few details and declarations and then sign the examiner's tablet.
Next comes the eyesight check, followed by one "Tell Me" vehicle safety question.
🚘 THE DRIVE
You'll drive for around 35 minutes in a variety of road and traffic conditions, including a period of independent driving.
And don't panic if you take a wrong turning!
Going the wrong way isn't a driving fault. What matters is that you continue to drive safely.
🅿️ MANOEUVRES
You'll be asked to carry out one reversing exercise.
There's also an emergency stop on approximately 1 in every 7 tests, and during the drive you'll be asked one "Show Me" vehicle safety question.
🏁 BACK AT THE TEST CENTRE
At the end, the examiner will tell you whether you've passed and explain any faults recorded.
Your instructor — or the person accompanying you if you've used your own car — can listen to the feedback if you want them to.
Remember: you don't need a perfect drive to pass.
The examiner wants to see that you can drive safely, independently and consistently without someone beside you telling you what to do.
👨👩👧 If you're teaching your son or daughter to drive, don't just practise something until they can do it once.
Practise until they can do it safely and consistently without your help.
Paul Kerr Driving School
Driving Test Success Since 1983 🚗
