Phoenix Driving
Phoenix Driving
Section 6

The Practical Driving Test

About 40 minutes. Show what you have learned — safe, consistent driving, not perfection.

Full test structure

  1. 1Eyesight check — read a number plate from 20 m (new-style) or 20.5 m (older-style). Fail here and the test ends immediately.
  2. 2Tell Me question
  3. 3General driving and independent driving (20–35 minutes following sat nav or road signs)
  4. 4One manoeuvre
  5. 5Possible emergency stop
  6. 6Show Me question

Driver faults

Often called minors

Up to 15 allowed. Small mistakes that do not cause danger. Repeated same faults can escalate even under 15.

Serious faults

Could have caused danger

One serious fault fails the test. Example: poor observation at a junction that nearly causes a problem.

Dangerous faults

Actual or potential danger

One dangerous fault fails immediately. Example: pulling out without looking and forcing another vehicle to swerve.

Top 10 common reasons people fail

  1. 1Observations at junctions
  2. 2Mirrors when changing direction
  3. 3Moving off safely
  4. 4Positioning at right turns
  5. 5Steering control
  6. 6Response to signals
  7. 7Road positioning
  8. 8Manoeuvres
  9. 9Awareness
  10. 10Appropriate speed

Manoeuvres you may be tested on

You will be tested on one of the following

Parallel park
Reverse parallel to the kerb — common parking in real life.
Reverse bay park
Reverse into a marked bay — supermarket and car park parking.
Pull up on the right and reverse
Safe reversing in real situations.
Forward bay park
Drive forward into a marked bay — common parking.

Independent driving

Lasts 20–35 minutes (often most of the test). Follow the examiner’s sat nav (they set it up — you cannot use your own), road signs, or both. If a sign is covered, the examiner will help until the next one is clear.

Focus is safe driving, not perfect navigation. Minor wrong turns are usually not faulted if you observe properly.

The 27 DVSA competences
View list
  1. 1. Cockpit drill
  2. 2. Controls
  3. 3. Moving off
  4. 4. Stopping
  5. 5. Gear changing
  6. 6. Steering
  7. 7. MSM/PSL routine
  8. 8. Junctions
  9. 9. Roundabouts
  10. 10. Dual carriageways
  11. 11. Overtaking
  12. 12. Independent driving
  13. 13. Manoeuvres
  14. 14. Emergency stop
  15. 15. Night driving
  16. 16. Adverse weather
  17. 17. Awareness and anticipation
  18. 18. Hazard perception
  19. 19. Speed control
  20. 20. Road positioning
  21. 21. Mirror use
  22. 22. Signalling
  23. 23. Eco driving
  24. 24. Defensive driving
  25. 25. Passenger safety
  26. 26. Vehicle checks
  27. 27. Overall safety and attitude
Test day tips
Arrive early. Get good sleep. Breathe slowly if nervous. Remember it is just showing what you have learned. Local centres often include Gloucester, Swindon, and Cheltenham — check GOV.UK for current options.
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