Getting ready for your UK driving test? Deep breaths, you’ve got this. If it’s your first time or you’re used to driving on the other side of the road back home, the test can feel like a big deal. But understanding how it all works makes it a lot less intimidating.
At Remitly, we know that settling into a new country means figuring out all kinds of things, from banking and housing to driving on the “wrong” side of the road. This guide walks you through what the driving test looks like in the UK, how long it lasts, and what happens at every stage, so you can show up feeling calm, confident, and prepared.
How long is the driving test in the UK?
The practical driving test in the UK lasts about 40 minutes, just enough time to show the examiner you can drive safely and confidently. During that time, you’ll answer a couple of quick safety questions and drive on different types of roads so the examiner can see how you handle real-world situations.
It might sound like a lot, but most people say those 40 minutes fly by once the test gets going. There’s also a longer version called the extended test, which lasts about 60 minutes, but that’s only for drivers who’ve been disqualified and need to retake.
The route you get depends on your test centre. Busy cities in the UK like London might mean heavy traffic and tricky junctions, while smaller towns usually have quieter roads. No matter where you take it, every examiner follows the same structure, so the test is fair wherever you go.
What happens during the UK driving test
The test is made up of five parts, each designed to check a different driving skill. Knowing what to expect can take a lot of pressure off.
The eyesight check (2–3 minutes)
Your test starts with something simple: reading a number plate from about 20 metres away. It’s just to make sure your eyesight meets the legal standard for driving.
If you can’t read it clearly, the test will end there, so it’s worth checking in advance. Try practising with a friend before test day, and if you use glasses or contacts, make sure to wear them. The goal is simply to keep everyone safe.
‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions (about 5 minutes)
Next, the examiner will ask two quick safety questions known as ‘Show Me, Tell Me’.
Before you start driving, you’ll get a “Tell Me” question, something like, “Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before a journey.” Later, while you’re driving, you’ll be asked a “Show Me” question, such as, “When it’s safe, show me how you’d clean the rear windscreen.”
Don’t worry if you get nervous or forget something small. Your instructor will have gone through these with you, and they’re easy once you’ve practised. Even if you miss a detail, it’s only a minor fault.
General driving ability (20–25 minutes)
This is the main part of your test, the part where you show you can handle real roads safely and calmly. The examiner will guide you through a mix of driving situations, like roundabouts, junctions, and dual carriageways, to see how you respond.
If you’ve moved from another country, some things might feel unfamiliar, like driving on the left-hand side or giving way at roundabouts. That’s completely normal. With a bit of practice, those habits start to feel natural.
Reversing manoeuvres (about 5 minutes)
At some point, you’ll be asked to do one reversing manoeuvre. This could be a parallel park, a bay park, or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and reversing a few car lengths before joining traffic again.
The key here isn’t perfection, it’s patience and awareness. The examiner wants to see that you stay calm, check your surroundings, and stay in control. Take your time; you’ve done these many times in lessons, and this is your moment to show you’ve got it.
Independent driving (20 minutes)
The final part of your test is independent driving, which lasts around 20 minutes. This is where you’ll either follow a sat nav or traffic signs to a set destination.
Don’t panic about directions, the examiner sets up the sat nav, and it’s fine if you take a wrong turn. You won’t fail for going the wrong way as long as you do it safely. This part isn’t about your navigation skills; it’s about showing that you can drive confidently without step-by-step instructions.
Before and after the test
A big part of feeling calm on test day is knowing what happens before and after you get behind the wheel.
How long does it take to prepare for the UK driving test
Everyone’s learning journey looks a bit different, so try not to compare yourself to others. On average, most people take 40 to 50 hours of lessons before they’re ready for the test, plus a few extra hours of practice with family or friends if possible.
Before you can book your practical test, though, you’ll need to pass the theory test. It covers road signs, driving laws, and hazard perception, all the knowledge that helps you drive safely day to day. Think of it as your foundation for the practical test.
If you’re taking your test in a busy area like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, you might have to wait a few weeks, or sometimes months, for an available slot. You can always check the latest availability or rebook through the official GOV.UK booking site.
What to bring on the day
You’ll need your provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate, and a car that meets test requirements; it has to be insured, taxed, and have L plates on display. If you wear glasses or contacts, don’t forget those too.
What happens after the test
Once you’ve parked back at the test centre, the examiner will let you know how you did right away. To pass, you can have up to 15 minor faults, little things like forgetting a signal or hesitating too long, but no serious or dangerous ones.
If you pass, congratulations! You’ll get your certificate on the spot, and your full driving licence will arrive in the post soon after. If you don’t pass this time, that’s okay too. Over 50% of people don’t get it on the first try, and every attempt helps you get better. The examiner will explain what to work on, so your next test feels easier and more familiar.
Tips for your UK driving test
Even the most experienced drivers feel nervous before their test, it’s completely normal. You’ve spent weeks or months preparing for this moment, and now it’s just about putting everything you’ve learned into practice.
Practical tips to make the day easier
- Sleep well the night before. A good night’s rest will help you focus and keep calm.
- Eat something light. Skipping breakfast can make you jittery, but a heavy meal can make you sluggish.
- Arrive early. Getting to the test centre 10–15 minutes early gives you a chance to breathe, check your documents, and get comfortable before you start.
- Take deep breaths. If your nerves kick in, take slow, deep breaths before you move off.
- Don’t panic over small mistakes. Everyone makes them, even people who pass. The examiner wants to see safe recovery, not perfection.
- Practice under similar conditions. If your test is in the morning, try booking lessons at that time. The roads and your focus will feel familiar.
- Stay positive. You’ve worked hard to reach this point. Think of it as just another lesson, the only difference is that you’ll get your result at the end.
If you want a bit of extra support, apps like Driving Test Success or the DVSA official app are great for quick refreshers and practice clips. And if English isn’t your first language, it might help to review a few common test terms or road phrases in advance.
Driving in the UK as a newcomer
Whether you’re exploring the countryside on weekends, driving to work, or visiting friends and family, having a UK licence makes life feel that bit easier and more independent.
Driving in a new country can take some getting used to, though. The roads, the rules, and even the way people drive might feel different at first, and that’s okay. Everyone feels like a beginner again when they’re learning somewhere new.
Adjusting to UK roads
If you’ve come from a country where people drive on the right-hand side, switching to the left might take a little time. The same goes for roundabouts; they’re everywhere in the UK, and they might seem confusing at first. Once you’ve practised a few times, they’ll start to feel surprisingly natural.
You might also notice that roads here can be narrower and busier, especially in older towns and city centres. Don’t feel pressured to rush or squeeze through tight spaces. Slower, safer driving is always better than quick reactions.
Another difference is that most cars in the UK are manual, but you can take your test in an automatic if you prefer. Just keep in mind that an automatic licence only lets you drive automatic cars, while a manual licence covers both.
Blending in with local driving culture
British drivers tend to be polite and patient, especially with learners, so don’t be afraid to take your time. Use your signals, check your mirrors, and drive at a pace that feels right for you. If you stall or miss a turn, no one’s judging; it happens to everyone.
If you’re used to wide highways or slower traffic back home, UK driving can feel fast-paced at first for some newcomers. But give it a few weeks, and you’ll start to notice patterns: people keeping their distance, thanking each other with a wave, and following the rules closely.
Why those 40 minutes matter more than you think
Your UK driving test might only last about 40 minutes, but what it represents goes far beyond that short time behind the wheel. It’s 40 minutes that can change how you live day to day, giving you independence, flexibility, and confidence in your new home.
At Remitly, we know how much these moments matter. Whether it’s earning your licence, opening your first UK bank account, or settling into a new home, every step helps you feel more connected to your new home.
FAQs
How long is the independent driving part of the test?
It lasts about 20 minutes, which is roughly half of the total test time.
What happens if my driving test takes longer than 40 minutes?
It might overrun slightly because of traffic or delays, but the driving part remains around 40 minutes.
How many minor faults can I make?
You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass, as long as none are serious or dangerous.
What if I fail the eyesight check?
The test ends immediately, and you’ll need to rebook once you’ve confirmed your eyesight meets legal standards.
What’s the difference between the standard and extended test?
The extended test lasts around 60 minutes and is required only for drivers retaking after disqualification.