Practical Test | Edinburgh Driving Schools

You must bring both parts of your licence to your theory and practical tests if you do not you will not be allowed to sit your test (if you have the old style paper licence you must bring a valid passport with you).

Practical Test

You will be picked up 1 hour before your test by your instructor in the same car that you have taken all your lessons in. You instructor will put you at ease and get you relaxed for your test. You will recap your manoeuvres en route to the test centre.

The examiner will call out your name and get you to sign a declaration stating the car you are using is fully covered by a valid policy of insurance which satisfies the requirements of the relevant legislations (which all our cars have) and that you live/have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months.

The examiner will ask you if you would like your instructor to accompany you on your test (this is entirely your decision).

You will then have your eyesight test where you must read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters (new style plate) or 20.5 meters (old style plate). Failure to do so will result in the test being terminated and loss of fee.

You will then be asked 2 questions from the show me tell me bank

The test will last for around 40 minutes and you will be accessed on your general driving skill and also on 1 of the 3 reversing manoeuvres that you have been taught. You must not accumulate more than 15 minor driver faults or occur a serious or dangerous fault (major) if you do then you will fail your test. You will also perform a 10 minute independant drive.


You will be given the outcome of your test on completion and your instructor may sit in on your debrief if you wish them to do so.

Show Me - Tell Me

You will be asked 2 questions from this bank of examples
Questions in red with the answer in black.

1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (May need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

2. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

4. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (May need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

5. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

6. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to re-fit valve caps.

7. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

8. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

9. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

10. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

11. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

12. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

13. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

14. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

15. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to on.

17. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

18. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

19. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Special Needs

If you have special Needs the DSA can provide facilities for you at the time of your test. These include:

1. British Sign Languages
2. Foreign Language voiceovers
3. Translated assisted tests
4. Extra time

Visit www.dsa.gov.uk for further information or contact PremierSchool of Motoring on 07890 857803. We are happy to answer any questions or give assistance.