The Tests Explained

I believe that it’s important that you have an understanding of what happens on test days and what is involved.

The Theory Test

Locally, the Theory Test can be taken either in Truro or Penzance. The Theory Test is in two sections. The first section is multiple choice and touch screen based. You will be asked to answer 50 questions and need to correctly answer 43 to pass. It is best to purchase the up to date version of the Highway Code and the Driving Test Success DVD in order to prepare yourself for the test. The second section of the Theory Test is the Hazard Perception Test. You will be shown 14 video clips featuring everyday events on our roads. You will need to click the mouse every time you see a hazard developing – for example a bus pulling out from a stop unexpectedly in front of an oncoming vehicle.
For details and all information relating to the Theory Test click here

You will take your test in the car you learned in. We will aim to arrive at the test centre about 10 minutes before your appointment time. This gives us time to park, use the toilet etc if necessary and to relax for just a minute or two in the waiting room.

Then the examiner will come out, ask to see your documents and ask you to sign an insurance/residency declaration. The examiner will ask you if you wish your instructor to accompany you on the test and he/she will then take you outside and ask you to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres.
You will then walk up to your car. The examiner will then ask you two of the safety/show and tell questions concerned with the general safety and maintenance of the car. (I will have previously issued you with the questions/answers and gone through them with you). The examiner will ask you to get in the car and to make yourself comfortable and you will then drive off. They will sit beside you with a mark sheet. You are permitted to make up to 15 minor faults and still pass. Minor faults are, for example, signalling late at a junction, approaching a junction a little too fast, getting a bit too close to the edge on a corner, changing gear at the wrong time etc etc.

However, you MUST not make any serious or dangerous faults (for example being in the wrong lane at a roundabout and hence causing other vehicles to slow or swerve to avoid you). Serious/dangerous faults will result in a fail. You will still, however, continue with the test. The Practical Test takes 40 minutes from the time the examiner first introduces him/herself. After the initial paperwork, sight check and safety questions etc you will be driving for between 30-35 minutes.