Should I book my own test?
When it comes to booking your practical test- there are many options to consider. Firstly, should you book it, or allow your driving instructor to book it on your behalf. There are pros and cons to each. The following article will highlight the pros and cons for each.
If you book your own driving test: It is very important you or your instructor only books a test when you can show the level needed to safely pass a practical test. As a learner driver it is very difficult to understand exactly what is required of you to pass the practical exam. However, you will have a great understanding, and with the guidance of your driving instructor-you should be confident to know when you’ll roughly be ready, this is dependent on many factors.
Whilst on your test, your examiner will be checking to see that you can handle the car in road, traffic and weather conditions, completely un-aided. You will need to demonstrate your ability to obey the law whilst on your drive, applying all the skills that you had developed on your course of learning to drive. Your test route will consist of various road layouts to test you in as many different scenarios as possible. You are not permitted to drive on the motorway, but every other type of road could be present on your test.
Once this level is reached, and you are confident to be able to do so solo, this is when you should apply for your practical driving test.
If you book the test yourself-there are many things to consider:
1 Have you agreed a time and a place with your instructor?
2 How long are the waiting times?
3 Where are you going to take your test?
4 What time of day are you going to take your test?
5 Is your instructor free on the appointment time?
6 What happens if you are unable to make the test?
7 Are you able to move the test if you aren’t ready in time?
8 Is the instructor’s car available for the test?
9 What do you do if there are severe weather conditions on the day of your test?
10 What notice do you need for a full refund in the event of cancelling a test?
11 What happens if your instructors car is denied to participate on the day of the test or is involved in an accident/break-down prior to the test commencing?
There are lots of things to consider when deciding when to take a practical test. Your instructor will advise you on the best course of action. If you decide to take control of booking your own practical test, it is important to book the test through the DSAs website online. There are many 3rd party companies offering a booking service- however, they do charge you a booking fee to do so.
If you don’t have a driving instructor, then it is important that you provide a car that is suitable to take a test in. You will need to make sure you have appropriate learner insurance and that the car has a valid TAX disc and a valid MOT certificate. Also, you will need to ensure the car is in a road-worthy state, with good tyres, and plenty of fuel for your driving test. It is also advised to make sure you have a spare set of L plates, and that you have an appropriate rear-view mirror for the examiner’s use.
More information can be found on the DVSA’s website, which you can access here.
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