The test is set by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and is to check your overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in Failure). However if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.

What is included in the test? First you will be asked to read a number plate from a certain distance away. ( Fail this and the test goes NO further.)

Secondly, you will be asked two vehicle safety questions.Then you will be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises, chosen from:

• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking

You may aslo be asked to do the emergency stop exercise.The test lasts approx. 40 minutes.

Vehicle Safety Questions.

These are basic safety questions that all drivers should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some of the checks involve opening the bonnet of the vehicle to identify where the fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check the levels.

More vehicles are equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It is acceptible for the cadidate to refer to the vehicle information system if fitted when answering the questions on fluid levels and tyre pressures.

Two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both answered incorrectly will result in a driving fault being recorded.

Questions have been modified, as from the 1st July 2008.

• Direct Gov/Motoring for more information and current test fees.
• DSA for more information.