Introduction to the UK Driving Practical Test

The DSA Practical Driving Test has been compulsory for all drivers since 1935. Up until 1996 it was the only driving test that learners were required to pass in order to receive their full licence. From 1996, however, the Driving Standards Agency introduced a compulsory Theory test which must be passed before learners can take the practical test itself.

What you are being tested on .

In recent years, much more information has become available about the content of the driving test and how it is marked.  At the same time, greater demands have been placed on the candidate in order to pass first time.

The Key Skills

The syllabus set out by the DSA for learning to drive is outlined in the following 24 key skills:

1.    Legal responsibilities
2.    Cockpit checks
3.    Safety checks
4.    Use of controls and instruments
5.    Moving away and stopping
6.    Safe positioning
7.    Mirrors - Vision and use
8.    Signals
9.    Anticipation and planning
10.    Use of speed
11.    Other traffic
12.    Junctions
13.    Roundabouts
14.    Pedestrian crossings
15.    Dual carriageways
16.    Turning the vehicle around
17.    Reversing
18.    Parking
19.    Emergency stop
20.    Night driving
21.    Weather conditions
22.    Environmental issues
23.    Passengers and carrying loads
24.    Security.

Professional instructors will be able to interpret and give practical guidance of what is required. Test candidates who are clear about what is expected are more likely to pass first time.

DSA have also published details in their booklet “The Official Guide to Learning to Drive”.