Parental Assistance

 

If you are planning on helping a learner driver to pass their test please read the following information to ensure that you are giving them the best information that you can.

 

The practical driving test consists of several components and will last for about 40 minutes. During that time the candidate will need to demonstrate that they can:-

 

• pass an eyesight test

• answer two Show Me / Tell Me questions

• drive for the remainder of the test time.

 

During the drive the candidate-:

 

• may be asked to pull up next to the kerb up to half a dozen times

• may need to demonstrate the controlled stop

• will need to demonstrate a reverse manoeuvre

• will need to drive for about 10 minutes independently

 

If the candidate can perform the above tasks without gaining more than 15 driving faults then they will pass the test. If they sustain either a serious or a dangerous fault then they fail the test there and then.

 

Your vehicle must:

• be properly insured and taxed

• be roadworthy and have a current MOT if it needs one

• be checked and fixed if it has a known safety fault

• have a seatbelt for the examiner

• have an interior rear-view mirror for the examiner (these are available from most motor stores)

• have a proper passenger head restraint (not a slip-on type)

• be a smoke-free environment (you can’t smoke in the vehicle just before or during the test)

• have 4 wheels

• be able to reach at least 62mph

• have a speedometer measuring speed in mph

• have no warning lights showing - for example, the airbag warning light

• have L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear

• have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kilograms

 

MAM is the maximum weight of the vehicle including the maximum load that can be carried safely while used on the road. This is also known as ‘gross vehicle weight’.

 

Your test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee if your car doesn’t meet the rules.