To be allowed to drive a car in the United Kingdom you must pass both a theory and a practical driving test.

Practical Test

The test centre used by Right Start Motoring is Burton-on-Trent, however other test centres are available, depending on your location and the dates available when it is time to book your test. On the day of your test it is normal to have a one hour lesson before the test to finally familiarise yourself with the area around the test centre, check that all your skills are in order, and most importantly, to help you relax!. Before the test begins the examiner will ask you one of the Show Me/Tell Me question combinations (see relevant page), but don't worry - this will all be explained well in advance of your test.

The test itself lasts around 40 minutes and you will usually be asked to perform two of four manouevres:

• A parallel (reverse) park behind a parked car
• A turn in the road (often referred to as a 'three-point turn')
• A left-hand reverse around a corner
• A (reverse) bay park

The examiner may also ask you to perform an emergency stop. All of these manoeuvres will be covered fully in your lessons, and you will be discouraged from taking your test until the instructor believes that you can perform them to a standard that will enable you to pass the driving test.

During the test the examiner is watching the standard of your driving but also your awareness of the road ahead and situations occurring around you. You are allowed to make 15 minor faults, as long as you do not make the same minor fault three times. Your instructor will go through this more thoroughly with you as you near test standard.