• The practical driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes. Firstly you are required to do an eyesight test. You will then be asked 2 "Show Me / Tell Me" questions. These cover basic car maintenance, e.g. "Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working" and will be included as part of your training.

• After this you will be driving for about 35 minutes. The examiner will tell you where to go, so you don't need to worry about the route. During the drive you may be asked to perform an emergency stop. You will also be asked to complete 2 reverse manoeuvres from a choice of reversing around a corner, turn in the road, reverse park and bay parking.

• Some test routes include dual carriageway driving, as well as junctions and roundabouts.

• During the drive the examiner will keep a record of any faults committed. These are categorised into Driving, Serious and Dangerous Faults.

• Minor errors, e.g. missing a mirror check, are marked as Driving Faults. If you accumulate 16 or more Driving Faults, you will not pass your test.

• A Serious Fault will be recorded when a potentially dangerous incident occurs.

• A Dangerous Fault will be recorded if the examiner feels the fault has caused actual danger.

In either of these cases, you will not pass your test.

Further information and guidance can be found in the DSA book "The Official Guide to Learning to Drive".