How to pass your practical driving test

In 2019-20, the pass rate for the UK’s practical driving test was 45.9%, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that administers it. That means a majority of drivers will fail on their first attempt.

So how do you join the lucky few who only have to sit the test once? You pay attention in your lessons, develop solid driving skills, practice with a licenced family member or friend, and know what to expect going into the test.

What does the practical driving test involve?

There are five parts to the practical driving test:

These parts typically take around 40 minutes to complete.

How to pass the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions

‘Show me, tell me’ questions are designed to test your knowledge of car maintenance and general vehicle safety and for you to demonstrate you know what to do in the event of an emergency. But you don’t have to be a mechanic to nail these questions. Here’s how:

Missing one or both questions in this part of the test means you receive a driving fault or minor. If you accumulate 15 of these minor faults throughout your test, you’ll fail.

Top driving tips

Good driving practice will both help you pass your practical driving test and stay safe on the road in the future. Solid driving skills can also help you save on your car insurance in the future if you opt for a telematics policy, often the cheapest option for young drivers.

How to make sure you pass the first time

Remember how in school learning the information was only half the battle and you also had to learn how to take the test? The practical driving test is like that too. Arrive prepared, avoid common pitfalls, stay calm, and you’re set for success.

Here’s how else to give yourself the best chance of passing the first time:

What next?

You have passed your driving test, congratulations! Now you are ready to go out on the road and enjoy the freedoms that come with a full driving licence.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to take to the roads solo though. Most important of all is considering motor insurance.

You will have probably been on alearner driver insurance policy whilst you were getting to grips with driving, but this won't be valid now you are fully licenced. 

To understandhow much car insurance for a new driver in the UK might cost and the factors that affect it, take a look at our full guide.

We recommend you either look at new driver insurance, or young driver insurance, depending on your age!

You might have passed your test, but you are likely still quite an inexperienced driver.

Going through anadvanced driving course - such as the pass plus course - will not only further improve your driving skills and provide you with vital on the road experience, but will signal to insurance companies that you are an able and more capable driver.

This means that you will likely be offered cheaper vehicle insurance than you would be otherwise.