Firstly don't forget your licence!
Secondly, breathe.....
- We will park outside the TC about 10-15 minutes before your test starts. We'll then change over and I'll drive the car into the TC car park to action a reverse bay park - this helps clear the road quicker as the queue of candidates waiting for their test can cause an obstruction, and it gives you the chance for a last minute moment to yourself.
- Toilets are on site so use them if required before the examiner meets you.
- It's then the waiting game and the waiting room can be fairly silent as the nerves kick in, so we'll just talk about anything.
- The examiners will come out of their office and call your name and ask to see your licence - no licence simply means no test.
- They will check the address on the licence is correct - if not, don't worry.
- They will check your photo and hand the licence back - they're just making sure they have the correct candidate.
- On their iPad is an insurance and residency declaration - you will be insured via myself, and as long as you're a UK resident, then tick the boxes on the iPad and sign your name.
- They will ask if you want your accompanying driver (me) to come on the test. This is your choice entirely. If you say 'yes', then I sit behind you, but take no part in the test - I'm purely an observer.
- If you say 'no', then I sit in the waiting room and they will ask if you want your accompanying driver to be present at the result - say 'yes' to this so I can hear the feedback (positive or negative!)
- Please note that any driving examiner can be accompanied by their senior examiner (SE) who you cannot refuse. Again, the SE is purely an observer to ensure their examiner is doing the job correctly.
You will then drive on various roads and traffic conditions for about 40 minutes, following the road ahead at all times, unless instructed otherwise. They will give directions in plenty of time, but please ask if you're unsure of directions. (the route is less important, so taking a wrong turn is fine as long as you action it safely).
You will action 1x reversing manoeuvre, and you may or may not action the emergency stop.
You will be asked to stop on the left a few times, and one will be a hill start.