The driving test is made up of a theory and a practical test.
 

The Theory Test

The theory test has two sections:

• Multiple choice
• Hazard perception

The multiple choice part will test your knowledge of road safety, road signs and markings. You'll submit your answers using a touch screen computer. The hazard perception part records your ability to spot potential hazards and measures how quickly you respond through clicks of the computer mouse. If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.

It’s worth doing some studying before your test as not everyone passes first time. You can take practice tests online or buy a practice test pack.

Once you've passed the theory test and taken your driving lessons, you can move on to the practical test. Your driving instructor will help you decide when you’re ready to take the test. 
 

The Practical Test

The practical test starts with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. Then the driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes.

One exercise will be chosen from: reversing around a corner, turning in the road and reverse parking. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.

Your practical test contains 10 minutes of ‘independent driving’. At anytime in your test your driving instructor will ask you to drive independently to a particular location. You will be asked to follow either: traffic signs; a set of verbal directions and diagrams; or a combination of both. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

Throughout your practical test your examiner will be looking to see that you can drive, position and signal well, and that you have an overall safe standard of driving.

Booking your tests

You can book both your theory and practical test online at the Directgov Motoring website.