driving test

20 things you need to know

about A driving test

If your about to book and take a practical driving test, continue reading, as we have put together a step by step guide to everything you need to know about your forthcoming driving test.  

female driving examiner introducing herself
what am I tested on?

You’ll be tested on these 5 steps:

  1. Eyesight
  2. ‘Show me, tell me’ – vehicle safety questions
  3. Driving ability
  4. One reversing manoeuvre
  5. Independent driving
how long will it last for?

Normally a driving test will last around 40/45 minutes depending on traffic and sometimes the route the driving examiner takes you on.

If you’re taking an extended test, then this must last for at least 70 minutes.

how will the driving examiner mark the test?

During the practical test the examiner will note any driving faults on the driving test report (DL25) which is attached to their electronic tablet. The driving faults are categorised into minor, serious and dangerous in the appropriate box. An automatic fail, would be a result of one isolated serious or dangerous fault and also cumulative of minor faults. Anymore than 15, will be an automatic fail too. 

One you’ve completed the test, the examiner will verbally explain your result to you and then the report will be emailed over to you, with guidance on where to improve if any faults where recorded on your driving test.

main reasons why people fail?

Below we have listed the top 10 faults recorded, of all driving tests taken in the UK in the last year. 

  1. Observations at junctions
  2. Mirrors when changing direction
  3. Steering control
  4. Junctions turning right
  5. Move off safely
  6. Response to traffic lights
  7. Move off control
  8. Position normal driving
  9. Response to road signs and road markings
  10. Control – parallel parking
entrance to norris green driving test centre
Entrance to speke driving test centre

How many driving test centres are in Liverpool?

There’re two centres in Liverpool. Norris Green’s is located in north Liverpool. Speke’s centre is located in south Liverpool. 

Speke driving Test Centre

Location

  • Unit 3 Dakota Business Park Skyhawk Avenue Speke Liverpool Merseyside L19 2QR
  • 03002001122
  • Parking Available
  • Toilets available
  • Testing available: Cat B. ADI part 2. ADI part 3.
  • Cat B Pass rate 43%

Norris green Test centre

Location

  • Unit 3 Dakota Business Park Skyhawk Avenue Speke Liverpool Merseyside L19 2QR
  • 0151256 7130
  • Parking Available
  • Toilets available
  • Testing available: Cat B. ADI part 2. ADI part 3.
  • Cat B Pass rate 32.5%
Top tips to help you pass first time

Below we’ve listed what we would regard as our 4 key steps. By following the steps correctly should give you a realistic chance of passing your driving test on the first attempt.

OUR MOTTO

is 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail.' Unfortunately a large % of test fails are simply because candidates have taken a test before they should have.

TEST ROUTES

Test routes shouldn't be manipulated. However, we would recommend to get plenty of practice in the area you take your driving test, as there may be junctions that are bespoke to the area they're located.

UNDERSTAND

What a driving test entails. A test can feel a little alien to a driving lesson. We recommend taking Mock tests to gain an understanding of how you will perform.

TEST NERVES

Your nerves and how you manage them can play a big part in the outcome of your Driving Test. Try to understand your own nerves and work on calming strategies to manage them effectively.