The Practical Test | DEC | Driver Education Center

The Practical test is about you showing the DSA examiner that you’re safe and confident on the roads.

The Practical Test in a Nut Shell:

Firstly the examiner will test your eyesight by asking you to read a number plate about 20.2 meters away. He / She will also ask you a couple of questions about the car (Show me and tell me). But mostly the test will be about showing your ability to drive safely and competently.

The test lasts around 40 minutes and is conducted by a DSA examiner. It’s very straight forward the examiner will tell you where to drive and what to do. The test will include two exercises (maneuvers) from: reverse parking, reverse into a side road, turning in the road, reversing into a bay, and of course driving on normal roads. All this needs to be done safely and considerately

As soon as your Practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you’ve passed or failed.
When you’ve passed or you may be unfortunate to fail; your DEC instructor will be there for you.

Reliability is a must but the car you take for the test has to meet a series of legal requirements (DEC have already sorted this out). If you want to take your own car that’s ok, however If your car falls short of the required standard, the examiner will cancel your test and you will lose your test fee. For further information go to: www.dsa.gov.uk

Mock Practical Test:

A DEC mock test shares exactly the same format as the real thing – think of it as a trial run. And to match the exam conditions even more, we’ll ask another instructor to be your examiner for your mock test

Top Ten Things to Sort Out:

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) publish reasons why learners fail their Practical test. Here are some of the main reasons for you to consider and sort out:

Use the mirrors effectively well before you change your speed or direction
Correctly use signals and not to give misleading signals
No undue hesitation or to cause other road users delay/li>
Move away from a stationary position with good effective observation
Demonstrate good lane position and discipline on roads and roundabouts and on bends
Use effective observation and good awareness and judgment when emerging out of minor roads
Quick and correct response to examiners instructions (for emergency stop) and move off taking effective observation
Use effective observation when turning in the road, with good control of the car and quick steering
To demonstrate: accuracy, good use of controls and effective all around observation when reverse parking (Parallel parking) or in a bay (Bay parking)
To demonstrate: accuracy, good use of controls and effective all around observation when reversing to the left or right (Reversing around the Corner)

Ready to Book Your Driving Test:

At DEC we can book your test for you and handle all the details. Your instructor will let you know which one of our UK driving test centers is best for you and that your instructor will be available on the day and time of your test. Call 02072413322* or contact us by e-mail

(* Calls may be recorded and/or monitored)