Looking for answers to your driving test questions? This comprehensive FAQ covers by John Nicholson with over 10 years of hands-on experience in the driving school industry all common driving-related queries, including test lessons, moving off, stopping, junctions, speed and positions, signals, and more. Learn about maneuvering at roundabouts, crossing traffic, and other essential driving topics to pass your driving test with confidence.
I have been in the trade for over 10 years and mastered how students can pass the driving test and become safe drivers creating online courses and passing my knowledge on to you, please see my pass rate for the final two years in the job before focusing on JNDS Online.
Not only do I answer frequently asked questions, I answer questions which I have based around the dl25 report which is the examiner marking sheet that is going to be used to determine if you are a safe driver and examiner will give you your licence and by the way this is coming from a fully qualified driving instructor of 10 years and some one who has mastered the driving test and pout together jndsonline for you.
The test lasts 38-40 minutes. This includes approximately 30 minutes on the move, plus the brief/debrief, eyesight check, and 'show me, tell me' questions. |
Yes. They are trained to make you comfortable. They will not answer driving-related questions, but they will happily reiterate directions if you forget where you're going. They will gauge your willingness for small conversation at appropriate times. |
No. The UK national pass rate is about 48-50%, which naturally fluctuates. The emphasis is on whether you can drive safely and plan well. If you are test-ready, you will pass. |
No. The examiner is only there to assess you. You must provide a suitable car, which can be your own (accompanied by someone over 21 who has held a license for 3+ years) or your driving instructor's car. |
The pass rate is around 48-50 percent. |
People often take the test for granted, revising at the last minute. Get the correct materials and put in proper revision time. |
Yes, revise differently. Use flashcards or audio in short bursts (e.g., 5-10 minutes before sleeping) starting weeks before the test. This avoids long, tedious reading. |
Keep revision short and sweet. Use flashcards to keep the answers concise and visually-based. Short, focused revision sessions prevent it from becoming a chore. |
Absolutely yes. Checking your blind spot (the area covered by the car's pillars between the glass) must be the last thing you do before moving off. Failing to check will result in a fail. |
No, signal when necessary. Signal for anything that will benefit, such as pedestrians or other road users, to show effective observations. If there is nothing visible, do not use a signal. On an extremely busy road, you can use a "begging signal" after about 15-20 seconds of waiting. |
The examiner will ask you to stop at least three times. You must stop somewhere safe, convenient, and legal. This means not in front of a driveway, not double parking on a narrow road, and not on prohibitive road markings. A designated stop is also possible (e.g., next to a lamppost). Anything within a drain's width of the kerb is acceptable. |
Use the MSM routine (Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre). In an urban area, start checking mirrors about 8 car lengths from the junction, and signals should follow shortly after the mirrors. On faster roads, the MSM routine should start around 300 yards out. Ensure you don't signal too late or for an earlier junction. |
The ideal speed is between 10-15 mph. Approaching faster can lead to faults linked to coasting, brake control, or forward planning issues. |
Use effective observations. Look a minimum of two times in both directions before committing. Always look left last for a left turn and right last for a right turn. Look well down the new road for obstructions and markings. |
For turning right, look for the centre line or follow the painted arrow. Allow space for a car turning right in front of you. If at traffic lights and you're in the middle of the right turn position when the light changes to red, continue if safe. Research Nearside-to-Nearside and Offside-to-Offside positions. |
You should drive to the road and weather conditions. If the road is straight and clear, you should drive at the speed limit. Driving too slow when safe to go faster will be marked on the test as a lack of appropriate speed/progress. |
In the UK, drive predominantly on the left side, approximately 1 meter from the kerb. Do not use the centre line to gauge position, as this can cause you to drift right in a wider lane. This is marked as normal road position. |
Yes. If you cut a corner on a right turn, you may enter the road on the wrong side and obstruct or fail to see approaching traffic. Drive slower on the right turn to reach the centre line of the road you're entering; this significantly improves visibility. This is marked as junctions, cutting corners. |
Absolutely not. You check mirrors at three specific times: when signaling, when changing direction (e.g., passing a parked car), or when changing speed (e.g., braking for a red light). Always check mirrors before signaling. |
Signaling is marked on the DL25 report for signalling when necessary, timing of the signals, and signaling correctly. |
Use LADA (Look, Assess, Decide, Act). If crossing a road of 40 mph or more, ask if you could safely walk there and back again before moving the car. Taking a gap that slows down the approaching vehicle could be marked as a fault. Trust your ability and avoid hesitating too long. |
Following the Highway Code update (2022), approach junctions with caution. Make eye contact to gauge their response. If they are already on a junction or crossing, you must give way. If they are on a pedestrian refuge or just on the roadside and have not stepped into the road, you do not give way unless they step out in front of you. Never stop for a pedestrian when exiting a roundabout if it compromises safety due to multiple lanes. Faults are marked under response to other road users. |
No. The examiner will first ask you to pull over. They will then brief you, asking you to stop quickly, safely, and under full control when they give the command. They will check their mirror, give a shoulder check for safety, then raise their hand and shout "Stop." |
The examiner is unlikely to fail you for this but will give feedback. It's about your car control: changing gear at the correct time, accelerating efficiently, and proper braking. Driving efficiently saves money on fuel, wear and tear (brakes, engine, gears), and is better for the environment. |
Reduce speed, using the brake pedal. Look for a safety pocket on your left. Proceed slowly, giving parked cars roughly: 1 meter in 3rd gear, 2 feet in 2nd gear, and 1 foot in 1st gear. If in doubt about fitting through, get into a holdback position and wait.
If you have a tailgater, slow down a little to create a bigger gap to the car in front. This compensates for the reduced stopping time caused by the tailgater, giving both you and them more time to react and brake safely. |
Use the 2-second rule in dry weather, 4 seconds in wet weather, and 10 times more in snow/ice. Use a fixed point (like a lamppost) to gauge the distance. |
Keep to the left on approach until you know your planned exit. Generally: Left lane for left (Exit 1), Left lane for ahead (12 o'clock rule), and Right lane for right (after 12 o'clock), unless markings/signs indicate otherwise. This is marked as lane discipline on the DL25 report. |
Wait for anything on the inner lane from your right. If the inner lane is clear, then look at cars from your right on the outer lane: check their signals, watch their wheels, and observe the driver. Look for gaps, not cars. |
The two markings are: 1) Control (keeping the vehicle under control at all times) and 2) Observations (effective all-around checks). You will only be asked to perform one of the four maneuvers on the test. |
It depends on the drive, but you are allowed up to 3 shunts (fixes). If you are making progress with fixing it during each shunt, you will likely receive a Driver Fault, not a fail. Practice deliberately getting it wrong so you can confidently fix it. |
No, not necessarily. If you gently touch the kerb and react composedly by shunting/fixing the position, you can pass with a Driver Fault. You will fail if you hit the kerb hard or start mounting it. |
As you come into the bay, start looking ahead. Many students look down the side mirror too long and lose track of the car's direction, resulting in a crooked finish. Choosing a bay on the right is often more straightforward since you drive on the left. |
Two car lengths is a guide, the examiner won't measure it. Take a mental note of your car's length. Use a fixed point in the road/pavement and glance ahead until you've reversed approximately that distance. |
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