Your driving test

What happens during the test

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

• an eyesight check
• ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
• general driving ability
• reversing your vehicle
• independent driving

The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars.

How long the test lasts

You’ll drive for around 40 minutes.

Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

• 20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
• 20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, such as AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions – see video below

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

You’ll be asked the:

• ‘tell me’ question at the start of your test, before you start driving
• ‘show me’ question while you’re driving

Show me, Tell me…

Below if the Official DVSA guide to the driving test ‘tell me’ questions (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test. You’ll do this before you start driving. Watch the video so you know what to expect.

Booking your test

If you have lessons with In2gear, we automatically help book your driving lesson and supply you with the use of the car you have learnt to drive in.

Since the pandemic, which has caused a massive backlog, driving test appointments can take up to 6 months to get. With In2Gear we make sure you do not have to wait longer than necessary and help you book a slot when the time is right.