About the DSA Driving Test

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) driving test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long. During this time the examiner will try to ensure that you cover a wide variety of different road conditions. From quiet low speed roads to busy high-speed roads, town or city centre driving. You will also be required to undertake several set manoeuvres. The examiner may require you to undertake two of the following manoeuvres and optionally the emergency stop:

During the test the examiner will tell you in good time which way to go. If you go the wrong way do not panic the examiner is testing your ability to drive not your ability to follow directions. It is better to go the wrong way correctly than to go the right way incorrectly. If at any time you are unsure what the examiner requires do not hesitate to check what he or she wants; the examiner appreciates that you may be nervous and will be happy to repeat any instructions or clarify any instructions given.

While you are driving the examiner will note any driving faults on the driving test report form (DL25). The driving faults are categorised into minor, serious and dangerous and are recorded against the appropriate headings shown below. Each fault is denoted by a slash ‘/’ in the appropriate box. At the end of the test the examiner will total up the number of minor driving faults under each heading and overall. If you commit 16 or more minor driving faults you will unfortunately fail the driving test. If you commit one or more serious or dangerous driving faults you will also fail the test. Even if you feel you have failed the test you should continue to try, as the test will help you to identify where you need more practice. At the end of this web page we have listed all the common driving faults committed by learners under each of these headings. By checking through the list you may find some that you are guilty of.

Booking the driving test

You can obtain a driving test application form from any driving or theory test centre or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line on 0300 200 1122, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. If you are able to pay by credit or debit card you can book a driving test appointment direct on the same numbers without the need to complete an application form. You will however, need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate number and your driving school code (260212) if you are being trained by me. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card as confirmation within a few days.
You can now book online – using this link Book your Driving Test

Cancelling a test

You are required to give a minimum of three clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of the test and can get a doctor to verify this, the DSA will refund the test fee.

At the test centre

You must take the following items with you to the test centre.
1. Your theory test pass certificate;
2. Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence or your signed driving licence and photographic identification. Acceptable forms of photographic identification include:

Driving test: “Show me - Tell me”

At the start of the driving test candidates are asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault (i.e. minor fault) being recorded. The questions that are used by the examiner are as follows:

Open the bonnet, identify:

Tell me how you would check that the:

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Show me how you would check the:

The examiner will use one of the following 12 combinations, of the questions above, on the test.

Combination 1

1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe checking of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

2. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning (Although a “Show me” question, examiners should recognise and accept that candidate’s answers may involve a significant proportion of explanation rather than demonstration).

Combination 2

1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level?

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.

2. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Combination 3

This combination will only be used where the test centre has a car park and where annoyance will not be caused to others.

1. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level?

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

2. Show me how you would check if the horn is working (off road only)?

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary)

Combination 4

1. Open the bonnet, identify where the fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low marking.

2. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.

Combination 5

1. Tell me how you would check that the engine brake lights are working on this car?

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflection in windows, garage doors etc or ask someone to help.

2. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Combination 6

1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working?

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Combination 7

1. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth that their general condition is safe to use on the road?

No cuts and bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breath of the tyre and around the entire outer circumferences.

2. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.

Combination 8

1. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working?

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round the car.

Combination 9

This combination will only be used where the test centre has a car park and where annoyance will not be caused to others.

1. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

2. Show me how you would check if the horn is working (off road only)?

Check is carried out by using control.

Combination 10

1. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

2. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. (Although a “Show me” question, examiners should recognise and accept that candidates answers may involve a significant proportion of explanation rather than demonstration).

Combination 11

1. Open the bonnet identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe checking oil level against the minimum/maximum marker.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working?

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) walk round car.

Combination 12

1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level?

Identify high/low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working?

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) walk round car.