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.

Some minor driving faults are allowed. These errors do not create a danger for other road users, but if you make 16 or more of these mistakes, you will fail. You will also fail if you make a serious error.

When you've turned the engine off at the end of the test, the examiner will tell you whether you've passed or failed.

If you've passed, the examiner will fill in your pass certificate. This will be sent to DVLA with your provisional licence, and you'll then receive your full licence in under a week. In the meantime, you can drive on your own as long as you keep a record of your Driver Number!

If you've failed, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong.

Still worried about the big day? Here are some CarNet tips to ease the pressure:

1. Get a good night's sleep the night before
2. Wear comfortable clothes so you feel at your best during the test
3. Believe in your ability - If you feel confident, you'll act confident
4. Feel free to ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if needed. There is no rush
5. If you make a decision during the test that you think might be misjudged, tell the examiner why you made that decision
6. Drive smoothly. Make the ride comfortable for the examiner
7. If you come across a new situation during the test, do not rush through it. Hold back, think, and then act
8. Exaggerate your head movements while driving. Make it very clear to the examiner that you're looking in the rear view mirror and all around you. Don't just move your eyes. Move your whole head
9. Drive on the speed limit. You may think going slower than normal will help you pass, but in reality, it's just as bad as driving too fast, and will result in a fail

If you do fail the test, it's no big deal! Many people fail the first time, but they pass eventually!

We recommend that you don't take the test again too quickly. Work on your weaknesses with your instructor, and then try again in a few months! Legally, you have to wait at least ten days before you can re-sit the Practical Test anyway.

Where to next in learning to drive

• Learning to drive - home
• Theory FAQ
• On the road
• Beyond the test
• Your first car
• Links/resources