The UK driving test is designed to assess whether a candidate can drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions. The test criteria are divided into several key areas, and candidates are evaluated on their ability to perform in each of these areas. Here are the main components and criteria for the UK driving test:

1. Eyesight Check

• Before the driving part of the test begins, you’ll be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters (or 20.5 meters for older-style plates). If you fail this check, your test will not continue.

2. Vehicle Safety Questions (Show Me, Tell Me)

• You’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions, commonly referred to as the "show me, tell me" questions. These questions assess your knowledge of basic vehicle safety and maintenance.

• Tell Me: You’ll be asked a question about vehicle safety, such as how to check the oil level.

• Show Me: You’ll be asked to demonstrate a safety task, such as showing how to clean the windscreen using the car’s controls.

3. General Driving Ability

• You’ll be assessed on your ability to drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions. This includes:

  • Control: Your ability to control the car, including steering, clutch, gear changes, and braking.

  • Observation: Your awareness of your surroundings, including mirrors, blind spots, and other road users.

  • Positioning: Your ability to position the car correctly on the road, including lane discipline and positioning for turns.

  • Use of Speed: Your ability to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions, including adherence to speed limits.

  • Response to Signs and Signals: Your ability to understand and respond correctly to road signs, traffic lights, and road markings.

  • Anticipation and Planning: Your ability to anticipate the actions of other road users and plan your driving accordingly.

4. Reversing Exercises

• You’ll be asked to complete one of the following reversing exercises:

  • Parallel Park: Parking behind a parked car.

  • Bay Park: Parking in a parking bay (either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out).

  • Pulling Up on the Right: Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reversing for two car lengths, and then rejoining traffic.

5. Independent Driving

• For about 20 minutes of the test, you’ll be asked to drive independently. This could involve:

  • Following directions from a sat nav (provided by the examiner).

  • Following traffic signs to a destination.

• This part of the test assesses your ability to drive without step-by-step instructions from the examiner.

6. Use of Mirrors

• You’ll be assessed on your use of mirrors to ensure you are aware of what is happening around you. This includes checking mirrors before signaling, changing speed, or changing direction.

7. Use of Signals

• You’ll be assessed on your ability to signal correctly and in good time to inform other road users of your intentions.

8. Eco-Safe Driving

• Although not a pass/fail criterion, the examiner will assess your ability to drive in an eco-friendly manner, such as smooth acceleration and deceleration, and appropriate gear usage.

9. Dealing with Junctions and Roundabouts

• You’ll be assessed on your ability to approach, navigate, and exit junctions and roundabouts safely and correctly.

10. Meeting, Overtaking, and Crossing Traffic

• You’ll be assessed on your ability to safely meet, overtake, and cross paths with other vehicles, including dealing with oncoming traffic and passing parked cars.

Passing the Test

• To pass the driving test, you must:

  • Make no more than 15 minor driving faults (often called "minors").

  • Have no serious or dangerous faults (often called "majors").

Test Duration

• The practical driving test typically lasts around 40 minutes, although this can vary depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.

Result

• At the end of the test, the examiner will inform you whether you have passed or failed. If you pass, you’ll be given a pass certificate and can apply for your full driving license. If you fail, you’ll receive feedback on your performance and can book another test after a minimum waiting period.

Additional Notes

• If you’re taking the test in a car with an automatic transmission, you’ll only be licensed to drive automatic vehicles. If you pass in a manual transmission car, you’ll be licensed to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

This comprehensive assessment ensures that new drivers are prepared to drive safely and responsibly on UK roads.