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The big day

More than a million people fail the Practical Test every year, so it's quite common and nothing to feel bad about. Just bear in mind that everything on the driving test you should already know. There are no secrets, tricks or surprises

It's best to book your test after agreeing a good date and time with your instructor, since you'll be using his/her car for the test. The instructor might even book the test for you if you ask.

If you want to book it yourself, applications forms are available from your instructor or from your local Driving Test Centre.

So what exactly happens on the test?

Sometimes anxiety is based on the unknown, so here's what to expect. First, you'll meet the examiner at the test centre, and he/she will ask you for three documents: Your signed provisional driving licence, your Theory Test pass certificate, and any acceptable document that includes your photo and signature (ie: passport, ID, etc).

If you can't find an acceptable document, you must provide a photo of yourself that has been signed by an acceptable person such as a driving instructor, an MP, a minister, a lawyer, a teacher or a doctor.

Next, you'll be asked to sign an insurance declaration so that your instructor's car will be covered. Then you'll accompany the examiner outside, where you'll be asked to read a number plate from 67 feet away. If you cannot do this, your tests ends there, with the loss of your fee. So make sure to have your glasses or contact lenses if you need them!

After you've read the number plate, you'll be asked to sit in the car while the examiner records the model of the vehicle and the name of the driving school, etc.

Then the examiner will get in the front passenger seat, explain briefly how the test works, and then you'll be asked to start the car and move away.

The test lasts for 35-40 minutes. During that time, you will be asked to perform two or three slow manoeuvres, and maybe an emergency stop. You may also be asked to demonstrate a hill-start and an angled start. The rest of the time is taken up by general driving.

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