​What Happens in the Driving Test

The practical driving test for cars usually lasts around 35 to 40 minutes, and it is divided into four main parts: an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions, general driving ability, including independent driving, and one reversing exercise. If you are taking an extended test, it can last much longer.
At the start, you will be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away, and you must pass this eyesight check to continue. You will then answer one “tell me” question before driving and one “show me” question while driving, covering basic vehicle safety and control knowledge. (see below)

What to Expect on the Road

During the main drive, the examiner will assess how safely and confidently you deal with real traffic conditions. You will normally drive in a mix of road types, but not on motorways, and you will also spend part of the test driving independently by following either a sat nav, road signs, or both.
You will also be asked to complete one reversing manoeuvre, such as parallel parking, parking in a bay, or pulling up on the right and reversing. The examiner is checking that you can drive safely, make good decisions, use your mirrors properly, and respond calmly to different situations.
​

Driving Test Results and Outcome

You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass, but one serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail. Your result is usually given straight after the test, along with feedback on what went well and what needs improvement.
​
The best way to prepare is to practise all parts of the test in advance, including the show me, tell me questions (see below), independent driving, and common manoeuvres. A calm, well-prepared learner is usually in the strongest position to perform confidently on test day.

​Booking a Driving Test

To book a UK driving test, you need to have passed your theory test first, and you book the practical test yourself online through the official DVSA service. You’ll need your driving licence number, a debit or credit card, and your instructor’s personal reference number if you want to check their availability for the test.

Driving Instructors can no longer book for you
A recent change to the process is that booking now works through a queue system, and you can book a test up to 24 weeks in advance. There is no separate waiting list or cancellation list, so learners usually check regularly for earlier dates if they want to move their test sooner.

Recent Changes
There have also been several updates affecting how driving tests are booked and managed. From May 2026, only learner drivers can book, change, or swap a car driving test, and from June 2026 there are further limits on changing the test location, with moves only allowed to the three nearest centres to the original booking.

Book your driving test

Test Centres in Norwich

Norwich (Peachman Way): Plot 16A, Peachman Way, Broadlands Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0WE.
Norwich (Jupiter Road): Jupiter Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6SS.
King's Lynn: Rollesby Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, PE30 4LS.

Show and Tell Questions

At Thames Driving School Norwich Branch, we help learners prepare for the driving test with clear guidance on the Show Me, Tell Me questions. These questions are designed to check that you understand simple vehicle safety checks and can demonstrate basic control knowledge with confidence on test day.
The examiner will ask one question at the start of the test before you begin driving, and another while the car is moving when it is safe to do so. Learning these questions in advance can help reduce nerves and improve your chances of a calm, confident test.

Why They Matter

Show Me, Tell Me questions are an important part of the practical driving test because they help show that you can look after the vehicle you are driving and understand essential safety checks. They cover areas such as brakes, tyres, lights, demisters, windscreen washers, horn use, and basic under-bonnet checks.
If you answer these questions incorrectly, it may result in a fault on your test, so it is well worth practising them with your instructor before your test date. At our Norwich Branch, we make sure our pupils are properly prepared and comfortable with every part of the test process.

How We Help

Our Norwich Branch instructors will guide you through the full range of Show Me, Tell Me questions and show you how each check works in a real car. We explain everything clearly and patiently so that you can learn at your own pace and feel ready for your driving test.
We also encourage learners to practise outside of lessons by reviewing the questions regularly and speaking the answers aloud. The more familiar you are with them, the more confident you will feel when the examiner asks.

Learn With Confidence

Preparing for your driving test is about more than just learning to drive safely on the road. It is also about understanding your vehicle and being ready for the questions that help prove your knowledge and awareness.
At Thames Driving School Norwich Branch, we aim to give every student the support, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. With patient instruction and careful preparation, you can approach your test feeling ready for every part of it.

Patient and friendly driving instructors

Our Norwich driving instructors will work with you closely to build your confidence and skills to make you into a confident and experienced driver

Helping you to pass your driving test quickly

Learn

Learn to drive quickly and safely with our great driving instructors in Norwich

Help

We respond to your driving needs and learning requirements.

Pass

Learn to drive more quickly with our fast driving test results.

Book your driving lessons with us

Drop us a line, and we will call you back at a time to arrange your driving lessons.

BOOK NOW

Driving test success stories in Norwich

A big part of our success is the way lessons are tailored to each student’s pace and ability. Review after review mentions first-time passes, improved confidence, and instructors who genuinely care about learner success, which is why so many students recommend Thames Driving School to others.

Join our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive promotional material, updates and special offers from our Norwich branch