13 Things You Probably Don't Know About The Drivers Test

Here are 13 facts about the driving test* that most Learners that I talk to on driving lessons are not aware of:


1.  You never get asked to pull over on the right side of the road (likewise, the reverse parallel park manoeuvre is only ever done on the left side of the road).

2.  You can have the radio on quietly if you want.

3.  It is not intended to be a test undertaken in silence, nowhere does it say "no talking".

4.  The bay park manoeuvre for the test is always done by reversing, however, if you had one of the other manoeuvres on your test, then you will only be asked to drive forward into a bay back at the Test Centre.

5.  As unlikely as it is, you COULD be asked to perform a right reverse around the corner.

6.  You will be asked to pull over about 6 times at various stages of the test.

7.  You can have any person aged over 16 observe your test in the back seat.

8.  Making a directional mistake on the 10 minute 'Independent Drive' section need not cause a test fail.

9.  You do not have to use a driving school vehicle for the test.

10.  It is possible to fail your driving test by repeatedly driving too slow for the conditions.

11.  For the reverse parallel park manoeuvre you often park up behind one vehicle, not between 2 vehicles.

12.  It is not the responsibility of the examiner to supervise your driving, only assess it.

13.  There is no credible evidence to suggest that there is a set quota of pass/fails from the DSA examiners per week. 

* relevant to car practical tests undertaken at Peterborough Test Centre, Cambs.