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Theory Test Comes First
You cannot book a practical driving test until you have passed your theory test.
Before Your Test
Driving test preparation in Redhill before your practical test
A successful practical driving test starts weeks before you sit in the car at the test centre. This guide walks you through every step, from booking the right tests to avoiding the most common mistakes on the day. Use it alongside your regular driving lessons in Redhill, Reigate and nearby Surrey areas so you arrive feeling calm, prepared and genuinely ready.
Theory First
You cannot book a practical driving test until you have passed your theory test.
Instructor Advice
Speak to your instructor before booking the practical test.
Test Ready
Arrive prepared, calm, legal and genuinely ready to drive independently.
Step 1
Book Your Theory Test First
You cannot book a practical driving test until you have passed your theory test. The theory test has two parts: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. Both parts must be passed in the same sitting. Book this early and study properly. Rushing it or failing it delays everything.
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Two Parts To Pass
The theory test has two parts: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. Both parts must be passed in the same sitting.
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Book Your Theory Test Here
Purpose of this link: this official GOV.UK page is where learners book their theory test. It should be used before attempting to book the practical driving test because the practical test cannot be booked until the theory test has been passed.
Book Your Theory TestSpeak To Your Instructor Before Booking The Practical Test
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes learners make. Do not book your practical test date without talking to your instructor first. Your instructor knows your current standard, your weak areas and how many more hours you realistically need. Booking a test too early puts you under pressure. Booking without checking your instructor's availability risks you taking the test in a car you are unfamiliar with, or without your trusted instructor beside you for the warm-up lesson.
A good instructor will give you an honest assessment. If they say you need more time, trust them. It saves you the cost and disappointment of a failed test.
Book Your Practical Test
Once your instructor agrees you are ready and confirms their availability, book your practical test through the official GOV.UK service. Be aware of waiting times, which can vary significantly depending on the test centre. Redhill Aerodrome Test Centre is the local centre serving learners from Redhill, Reigate, Horley and surrounding areas.
Purpose of this link: this official GOV.UK page is where learners book their practical driving test. Use it only after your instructor agrees that you are ready and confirms that they, and the car you plan to use, are available for the test date.
Book Your Practical Test
DVSA Guidance
Top 10 Reasons Learners Fail The Practical Test
Knowing why others fail helps you avoid the same traps. The DVSA publishes the most common reasons for test failure. Here they are, ranked, along with how to avoid them in your own driving lessons.
Purpose of this link: this GOV.UK / DVSA page explains the official top 10 reasons learners fail the practical driving test in Great Britain. It supports the list below and helps learners understand which faults are most common, so those areas can be practised before test day.
Read The Official DVSA Top 10 Fail Reasons1
Junctions (Observations)
Not making effective observations at junctions is one of the biggest causes of test failure. Look early, look again, judge speed and distance correctly, and only emerge when you are certain it is safe.
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Mirrors (Change Direction)
Not checking mirrors effectively before signalling, changing speed or changing direction can become a serious fault. The examiner wants to see that you know what is behind and beside you before you act.
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Move Off (Safely)
Pulling away without proper observations, or moving out from behind a parked vehicle into the path of another road user, can quickly become a serious or dangerous fault.
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Junctions (Turning Right)
Not positioning correctly or failing to judge oncoming traffic safely when turning right can cause hesitation, poor timing or unsafe gaps.
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Control (Steering)
Poor steering control can include mounting the pavement, crossing lane lines, steering too early or steering too late at junctions.
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Response To Traffic Lights
Failing to react correctly to traffic lights includes stopping past the stop line, continuing on amber when you could stop safely, or hesitating unnecessarily on green.
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Response To Traffic Signs
Ignoring or failing to obey road signs, speed limit signs, give way signs or warning signs can show poor planning and poor observation.
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Positioning (Normal Driving)
Driving too close to the kerb, too close to parked cars, or straddling lanes without good reason can make the drive unsafe and uncomfortable for other road users.
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Response To Road Markings
Not following lane discipline at roundabouts, ignoring road markings, or crossing solid white lines can lead to serious faults.
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Control During Reverse Parking
Poor control during reverse parking can include ineffective observations, poor accuracy, repeated uncontrolled correction or finishing in an unsafe position.
Use The Top 10 Fail Reasons In Your Lessons
Bring this list to your next lesson. Ask your instructor to spend time specifically on the areas that worry you most. The goal is not to feel perfect at everything. The goal is to feel confident that you can handle these common situations calmly and correctly when they appear on your test route.
Let's Make Sure.
The DVSA's Ready to Pass campaign is clear about what "ready" looks like. Before you book, you should be able to answer yes to these five questions, based on official advice:
- 1. Do you drive independently, without prompts or step-by-step instructions from your instructor?
- 2. Have you stopped making serious or dangerous mistakes during your lessons?
- 3. Can you pass mock driving tests calmly and consistently?
- 4. Have you practised ways to manage your nerves so they do not take over on the day?
- 5. Has your instructor clearly told you that you are ready?
If the answer to any of these is no, the most sensible next step is not to book the test. It is to spend more time on that area until it feels solid. A test moved back is a sign of good judgment, not failure.
Purpose of this source link: this official Ready to Pass page supports the readiness checklist and explains why learners should only book when they can drive independently, avoid serious mistakes, pass mock tests, manage nerves and get instructor approval.
Check If You Are Ready To PassPurpose of this guidance link: this official Ready to Pass page explains what happens during the driving test, including the eyesight check, Tell Me question, general driving ability, independent driving, manoeuvres and Show Me question.
What Happens During The Driving Test
Mock Test Readiness
What a Proper Mock Test Should Look Like
A mock test is a realistic practice session designed to replicate the real driving test as closely as possible. It is not simply a harder lesson. Your instructor should treat it exactly as an examiner would.
A proper mock test includes:
- A realistic test-style drive with no teaching, prompts or step-by-step help unless there is an immediate safety risk.
- A mixture of road types that reflect the kind of roads you may meet around Redhill, Reigate, Horley and the Redhill Aerodrome Test Centre area.
- Independent driving practice, using either a sat nav, traffic signs, or a combination depending on the exercise.
- One set exercise, completed independently and without guidance.
- The possibility of an emergency stop, so you know how to respond promptly and safely if asked.
- A full debrief afterwards where your instructor gives you an honest assessment, including any faults and whether the standard for a pass was met.
If you can complete a mock test without serious or dangerous faults and without prompting, you are close to test standard. If you cannot, the mock test has done its job. It has shown you and your instructor exactly where to focus your remaining lessons.
Read DVSA Mock Test Guidance
Real Driving Test Procedure
What Happens During the Real Driving Test
Knowing the exact procedure removes uncertainty. This section follows the structure published by official DVSA and Ready to Pass guidance for learner drivers.
1
At The Test Centre
The examiner will call you by your full name and greet you. You will be asked for your driving licence and will need to confirm the required declaration before the drive begins.
2
Eyesight Check
You must read a vehicle registration mark from 20 metres. If you need corrective lenses, you must wear them for the whole test. A failure here ends the test immediately.
3
Tell Me Question
You will be asked one vehicle safety check question. You explain the answer verbally, before you start driving.
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The Drive
You will drive on a variety of roads and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. The examiner's instructions must be clear and given in good time. The drive includes:
- Independent driving explained: You will drive independently for part of the test, following directions from a sat nav, traffic signs, or a combination of both. The examiner will tell you which method is being used before the section begins.
- Sat nav or traffic signs: If following a sat nav, the examiner sets it up for you. You cannot use your own sat nav. If following signs, you navigate to a destination given by the examiner. Going off route is not automatically a fault, provided you continue to drive safely and legally.
- Normal stops and moving off: The examiner may ask you to pull up on the left and move off again. You must move off smoothly and safely, with effective observation and correct use of signals when needed.
- One manoeuvre: The examiner will ask you to complete one reversing manoeuvre. The manoeuvre tests control, accuracy and effective all-round observation.
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Pull Up On The Right And Reverse Two Car Lengths
The examiner will ask you to pull up on the right when it is safe. Once stationary, you will reverse approximately two car lengths in a straight line, keeping good control and observing throughout.
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Parallel Park
The examiner will ask you to reverse park behind a parked vehicle. You must keep good control, observe all around and finish in a safe, legal and reasonably accurate position.
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Bay Park (Reverse)
You may be asked to reverse into a parking bay and then drive out safely. Control, accuracy and observation are more important than rushing.
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Bay Park (Forward)
You may be asked to drive forward into a parking bay and then reverse out safely. Check all around before and during the reverse movement.
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Possible Emergency Stop
The examiner may ask you to perform a controlled stop. They will say "Stop" and may raise a hand. You must stop promptly and under full control, then observe all around before moving off.
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Show Me Question
While driving, you will be asked one vehicle safety check question. You must demonstrate the control safely, without losing control of the vehicle.
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Back At The Test Centre
The examiner will tell you the result and explain any faults. If you pass, you can drive immediately, provided the vehicle is legal and you are properly insured.
The official DVSA guidance for examiners is published here: DVSA guidance for driving examiners carrying out driving tests
Test Car Preparation
If You Are Using Your Instructor's Car
If you are using your instructor's car, your main job is to arrive ready, focused and on time.
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Insurance, L Plates And Mirror
Your instructor will ensure the car is fully insured for the driving test, has L plates displayed and is fitted with an extra rear-view mirror for the examiner.
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Legal Requirements
All legal requirements such as MOT, tax, tyres, lights and warning lights are your instructor's responsibility when you use their car.
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Your Job
Your job is to arrive on time, have a good warm-up lesson and focus on your driving.
Test Car Preparation
If You Are Using Your Own Car
If you use your own car for the driving test, you must make sure it meets the legal and test requirements.
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Insurance
You must have learner insurance that specifically covers a practical driving test. Check your policy wording or call your insurer to confirm.
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L Plates
L plates or L stickers must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of the car. They must not obstruct your view.
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Extra Mirror
You must provide an additional rear-view mirror for the examiner. These are inexpensive and available from most automotive shops or online.
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MOT
If your car is over three years old, it must have a valid MOT certificate.
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Vehicle Tax
The car must be taxed. Even zero-rate vehicles must be taxed.
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Tyres
All tyres must have at least the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and be free from cuts, bulges or uneven wear.
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Lights And Indicators
Check that headlights, brake lights and all indicators are working. Ask someone to walk around the car while you test them.
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Windscreen
Check the windscreen and all windows for cracks or chips, particularly in the driver's line of sight. Significant damage can cause the examiner to refuse to conduct the test.
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Dashboard Warning Lights
No warning lights should be showing on the dashboard. Any warning light may cause the examiner to refuse to conduct the test.
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Clean And Tidy
The car should be clean and free from clutter. Remove all loose items from the seats and footwells. A tidy car shows the examiner you have prepared properly.
Use The Test Centre Properly
- Do not practise in the test centre car park. It is not a practice area and offers no advantage over any other car park. Unauthorised practice there can disrupt other learners and the businesses around the centre.
- Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your test time. Arriving too early can cause problems for other learners who are still out on their test and returning to the centre. If you arrive significantly early, wait away from the test centre and return closer to your appointment time.
Feel Fresh, Comfortable And Ready
You are not marked on your appearance, but feeling fresh and comfortable helps you focus. Wear clean, comfortable clothes and shoes you have driven in many times before. Avoid strong perfumes, aftershaves or anything that could be distracting in a confined space. Both you and the examiner will be sitting in the car together for around 40 minutes, so basic personal hygiene is a simple courtesy that helps create a calm, professional environment.
Managing Your Nerves During The Test
How To Stay Calm And Focused
Nerves are normal on test day. The key is to understand what the examiner is doing, what they are looking for and how to keep driving safely if you feel pressure.
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Your Examiner Is Not There To Fail You
Examiners are trained professionals doing a job. They do not have quotas for passes or fails. They want to see you drive safely and legally. If you meet the standard, you pass.
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Examiners Are Trained To Deal With Nervous Learners
They see nervous people every single day. Feeling anxious is normal, and it will not count against you.
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Do Not Expect Praise Or Feedback During The Test
The examiner will not praise your skill at a difficult junction, and they will not point out faults unless they need to intervene verbally or physically to keep everyone safe. Silence does not mean you are failing. It usually means you are driving without needing help.
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If You Think You Have Made A Mistake, Keep Driving Safely
What feels like a serious fault to you may only be a minor fault to the examiner, or not a fault at all. Overthinking a perceived mistake is what often leads to further, genuine faults. Take a breath, refocus and continue safely.
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The Examiner Is Not Looking For A Perfect Drive
They are looking for a safe, legal and composed drive. Small imperfections that do not affect safety are not what they are assessing.
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You Can Talk, Or You Can Stay Quiet
The examiner will respect your preference. If you prefer to drive in silence so you can concentrate, that is fine. If chatting calmly helps you relax, you can do that too. Just keep your focus on the road.
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Commentary Driving Is Allowed
If talking yourself through what you are seeing and doing helps you stay calm and focused, quiet self-commentary can help. Keep it short, stay aware and keep full attention on the road.
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If Navigation Is Confusing, Ask For Clarification
Sat nav directions can be unclear near complex junctions. If an instruction is unclear, you can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it. You are still responsible for safe lane choice, observation and legal driving.
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Do Not Ask The Examiner For The Speed Limit
They will not tell you. You are expected to read the road and identify the correct speed limit from signs and the road environment. If a sat nav displays a speed limit, verify it from the road signs around you.
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When Adjusting A Parking Manoeuvre, Do It Safely
If you need to adjust your position during a bay park or parallel park, do so calmly and safely. Observe all around you, correct your position and finish when you are satisfied.
Show Me Tell Me Questions
The Complete Guide To Show Me, Tell Me Questions
The "Show Me, Tell Me" questions are part of your practical driving test. The examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions. You will be asked one "Tell Me" question at the beginning of the test, before you drive, and one "Show Me" question while you are driving.
The "Tell Me" questions check your knowledge of basic vehicle safety and maintenance. The "Show Me" questions check that you can safely operate the car's ancillary controls, such as wipers, demisters and windows, while keeping full control of the vehicle. These questions are an important part of the test and are worth learning properly.
This guide covers every official DVSA question for a typical petrol or diesel car, with the exact answers you need to know.
Official Show Me Tell Me Questions
Tell Me Questions
Tell Me Questions Asked Before You Start Driving
These are the 14 possible "Tell Me" questions. The examiner will ask you one. You explain the answer verbally. You do not need to physically demonstrate anything unless the question involves opening the bonnet and identifying the item.
1
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
2
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer: Information will be found in the manufacturer's guide, inside the fuel cap, or on the driver's door pillar. Check pressures when tyres are cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Do not forget the spare tyre. Refit the valve caps afterwards.
3
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
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Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is legal to use on the road.
Answer: Check that there are no cuts or bulges. Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
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Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer: Turn the ignition on, then operate the headlight switch. Walk around the vehicle to check that both headlights and both tail lights are working.
6
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Answer: A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
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Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the vehicle to check that all indicators are working correctly.
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Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer: Press the brake pedal and either make use of reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm the lights are working.
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Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer: Before starting the engine, apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel. The steering should feel light and not heavy when the engine is started. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
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Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.
Answer: Turn the ignition on. Switch on the dipped headlights, then operate the rear fog light switch. Check that the warning light on the dashboard is illuminated. You would use the rear fog light when visibility drops below 100 metres.
11
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
Answer: Turn the ignition on. Switch on the dipped headlights, then push or pull the indicator stalk away from you or towards you, depending on the car. A blue warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.
For the three bonnet questions, you only need to open the bonnet, point to the correct item and explain how you would check the level. Do not remove any caps, pull out the dipstick or touch a hot engine unless your instructor has specifically asked you to practise safely in a lesson setting.
12
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Identify the dipstick. Explain that you would remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again and check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings.
13
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Answer: Identify the coolant reservoir. Check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the reservoir. Never open the cap when the engine is hot. Top up if required.
14
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer: Identify the brake fluid reservoir. Check the fluid level against the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the reservoir. The fluid level should not fall below the minimum mark.
Show Me Questions
Show Me Questions Asked While You Are Driving
These are the 7 possible "Show Me" questions. The examiner will ask you one while you are driving. You must physically demonstrate the action while keeping full control of the car. Only do it when you are confident it is safe.
1
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Answer: Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper control. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not look down at the controls.
2
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Answer: Operate the front windscreen washer and wiper control. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not look down at the controls.
3
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
Answer: Turn the headlight switch to the dipped beam position. Check that the green dipped beam warning light is showing on the dashboard.
4
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
Answer: Press the rear demister button. Check that the warning light on the dashboard or on the button itself has illuminated. Keep your eyes on the road while you do this.
5
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
Answer: Press the horn firmly in the centre of the steering wheel. Only do this when it is safe and appropriate.
6
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
Answer: Set the heating controls: temperature to warm, fan speed to high and air direction to the windscreen. Press the air conditioning or front demister button if the car has one.
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When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?
Answer: Use the electric window switch to open and then close the side window. Keep your eyes on the road.
Tips for Test Day
Final Show Me Tell Me Preparation
- Learn the "Tell Me" answers properly. You do not need to sound robotic, but you should know the important safety phrases and legal details.
- Practise the "Show Me" controls until they are second nature. You must be able to find the wipers, demister, horn and window switches without looking down for long periods.
- Only demonstrate when it is safe. If the examiner asks a "Show Me" question and you are approaching a difficult junction, it is fine to wait until the road ahead is clear and straight before you take your hand off the wheel.
- Ask your instructor to test you. In the weeks before your test, ask your instructor to run through all 21 questions during your lessons.
Ready For Your Practical Test?
Go Ahead Driving School can help you prepare for mock tests, difficult junctions, manoeuvres, Redhill driving test routes, confidence, and the Show Me Tell Me questions.
- Mock driving test preparation
- Common test fault correction
- Show Me Tell Me question practice
- Nerves and confidence support
- Final test day warm-up lessons