The driving test was initially introduced in the UK in 1935. During the intervening years several amendments have been made to keep the test up to date and make it more relevant to producing drivers capable of being safe road users in the 21st century.

The test will include an eye sight test (if you fail this the test will not continue). After the eye sight test you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from: Reversing round a corner, Turning in the road or a reverse parking. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop exercise. A standard driving test will take around 40 minutes to complete.

During the test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

During the test you should drive as your instructor has taught you. If you make any mistakes don't worry about it, it might be a less than a serious driving fault and may not affect your result. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. (16 or more will result in failure). However if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any point the examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.