How long is a driving test?

You’ve waited weeks, maybe even months, for the big day. You’ve practised every manoeuvre and perfected those mirror checks. As the moment arrives, a new question lingers: how long does a driving test last?

This structured examination is designed to assess your skills, awareness, decision-making and composure under pressure. Every minute counts, so knowing how long a UK driving test takes can help you stay focused and avoid surprises.

How long is a practical driving test?

From the moment you meet your examiner to the final verdict, the whole process takes around 40 minutes. If you’re taking an extended test due to a previous disqualification, it will last at least 60 minutes. This includes time spent on safety checks, driving in various conditions and receiving your results.

You’ll cover a variety of roads, handling different traffic situations and demonstrating set manoeuvres. The time is organised to ensure you can be assessed fairly, without unnecessary delays or interruptions.

How long does each part of a driving test take?

The test consists of several sections, with each lasting for different durations. These include:

• Eyesight check: Less than five minutes. You must read a number plate from a distance. Failing this means instant disqualification.
• ‘Show me, tell me’ questions: Around five minutes. The examiner asks you a ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and a ‘show me’ question while you’re on the move.
• General driving: Roughly 25 minutes. This includes following directions from the examiner and responding to real-world traffic.
• Manoeuvres: About five minutes. You’ll be asked to complete one of the possible reversing exercises.
• Independent driving: Around 20 minutes. You’ll follow a sat-nav or road signs without step-by-step directions from the examiner.

How soon before my test should I arrive at the test centre?

Plan to be there at least 10 minutes early. Arriving late can cost you your test fee, as examiners run on tight schedules and won’t wait. However, don’t arrive excessively early, either, as waiting too long can heighten nerves.

Does anything happen before I start to drive and how long does this take?

The examiner will introduce themselves, check your provisional licence and confirm your details. They’ll then conduct the eyesight check and ask you one ‘tell me’ question. This takes about five to 10 minutes before you actually start driving.

What happens during each part of the practical test?

Once in the car, you’ll begin with general driving. The examiner gives clear instructions in advance, directing you through various traffic conditions. At some point, you’ll be asked to pull over and move off again in different scenarios.

The manoeuvre could be a parallel park, bay park (either forwards or reversing) or pulling up on the right and reversing a short distance before rejoining traffic.

During the independent driving phase, you’ll follow either a sat-nav or road signs. The examiner won’t guide you unless you go off route. Getting lost isn’t a failure, as long as you’re safe.

Choose learner driving insurance from Tempcover

Thinking about learning to drive? Before you practice with a friend or family member, you’ll need to take out the right learner driver cover. This ensures you can take to the roads legally without needing to commit to a long-term policy.

Get a quote online to find the right option for you. For further information or advice, feel free to contact our friendly team who will be more than happy to assist.