Driving Test Questions

Your driving test questions, answered

Preparing for your driving test? Here are straightforward answers to questions about test day, common mistakes and knowing when you’re ready.

These answers cover the practical car driving test in England, Scotland and Wales.

What happens during the driving test?

You’ll complete an eyesight check, answer two “show me, tell me” vehicle safety questions, drive in different road and traffic conditions, and carry out a reversing exercise.

Part of the drive involves following a sat nav, traffic signs, or a combination of both. The examiner will explain what you need to do.

How long does the driving test last?

For a standard car driving test, you’ll drive for around 35 minutes. There are also checks and questions before you start driving, followed by your result and feedback afterwards.

How many driving lessons do you need?

There is no minimum number of lessons you must have before taking your test. How many you need depends on how quickly you learn. Work with your instructor to assess your progress and decide when you’re ready.

PASS FIRST TIME uses clear illustrations and short, simple explanations to help you prepare between lessons and get more from your practice. Don't forget it comes with a FREE Serious Fault Tracker to record your driving faults, track your progress and focus on what to practise next.

What do I need to bring to my driving test?

Bring your UK provisional driving licence and a suitable car. Most learners use their instructor’s car. If you use your own, check that it meets the driving-test requirements.

If you have a paper licence rather than a photocard, bring a valid passport too. Northern Ireland licence holders need their photocard and paper counterpart. You must also bring your theory test certificate if you took your theory test in Northern Ireland.

Check the official requirements before test day so missing documents do not prevent your test from going ahead.

How many minors can you have on your driving test?

You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, often called “minors”, provided you make no serious or dangerous faults.

A driving fault is not potentially dangerous, but repeating the same fault can lead to it being assessed as serious. Our blog, “How Many Serious Faults Are Allowed on a UK Driving Test?”, explains the difference in more detail.

Will I fail my driving test if I stall?

Stalling does not automatically mean you have failed. The circumstances matter, including whether you create danger, how you recover and whether it happens repeatedly.

If you stall, focus on securing the car, restarting and making the necessary observations before moving off safely. Practise recovery with your instructor so it feels familiar rather than frightening.

Will I automatically fail my driving test if I hit the kerb?

Not every contact with the kerb is assessed in the same way. The examiner considers your control of the car, your speed, the circumstances and any risk created. Mounting the pavement is different from a light touch during a manoeuvre.

Avoid trying to decide your result while driving. Concentrate on maintaining control and continuing safely.

Can I fail my driving test for hesitation?

Yes, undue hesitation can affect your result. The examiner assesses whether you make appropriate progress rather than waiting unnecessarily when it is safe to proceed.

That does not mean you should rush or take an unsafe gap. Work with your instructor on recognising safe opportunities and acting confidently when they arise.

Will I fail if I take a wrong turning?

No. Taking a wrong turning does not itself earn you a fault. The examiner will help you get back on route.

Keep driving safely and follow road signs and markings. Do not make a sudden turn or unsafe lane change just to follow a direction.

What happens if I get a “show me, tell me” question wrong?

You’ll receive one driving fault if you get one or both questions wrong.

However, you can fail if your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering the “show me” question. Practise finding and using the controls in your test car so you can operate them without losing concentration on the road. Check out our Show Me Tell Me Questions and Answers guide covers both questions in detail.

How do I know if I’m driving test ready?

Discuss your readiness with your instructor. You should be able to drive safely and consistently without prompts, handle unfamiliar situations and recognise areas that still need improvement.

Our driving test ready Serious Fault Tracker helps you record your driving faults, their fixes and what you need to practise next. It’s included at no extra cost with the PASS FIRST TIME guide, giving you a practical way to keep track of feedback between lessons.

The tracker helps you see how much you’re progressing and keeps your lessons focused on clear goals. Use it alongside your instructor’s feedback to assess when you’re ready for your driving test.

Explore the PASS FIRST TIME guide and included Serious Fault Tracker.