Practical driving assessment (vehicle control and manoeuvres)
In the practical test you drive in real traffic while an examiner assesses control, observation, anticipation and respect for the rules. Faults are recorded as minor or serious; a serious fault in observation, control or safety normally fails the test.
Before moving off
Adjust seat, headrest and mirrors, fasten the belt, confirm doors are shut and the handbrake is on. Start the engine without revving and check the instruments. Move off only after mirror, signal and blind-spot check.
Control
Use smooth, progressive inputs. Pull away without stalling, change up early and select the right gear for the speed. Do not coast with the clutch down or in neutral, especially downhill. Brake in good time and finish gently; stop with the handbrake applied and the car square to the kerb. On a hill start, use the handbrake, find the bite point, add a little more power, then release progressively while checking the blind spot.
Manoeuvres
Reverse and bay parking, three-point turns and parallel parking are marked on observation as much as precision. Look all round, including over both shoulders, before and during the manoeuvre, and move slowly so you have time to correct. If you touch the kerb or misjudge the angle, stop, reassess and start again rather than forcing it.
Junctions and roundabouts
Approach at a speed that lets you stop, look, decide, then act. At a STOP sign, stop completely at the line. On roundabouts, give way to traffic already circulating, keep your lane and signal your exit.
Worked example
A hill start with a car close behind: handbrake on, first gear, clutch to the bite point, a little more accelerator, check mirror and blind spot, release the handbrake smoothly and pull away without rolling back. Rolling into the car behind is a serious control fault.
Traps that cost marks
Skipping the blind-spot check; coasting downhill; rushing a manoeuvre to finish quickly; stalling and then panicking instead of restarting calmly.