Practical Driving Test
The first two things an examiner will test you on, will occur prior to turning the key in the ignition. Firstly, applicants will be given an eyesight test to make sure that they are equipped to safely drive a vehicle. This is done by reading aloud the licence plate of another car in the vicinity, which is over 20.5 meters away. Once this is tied up, candidates are then asked two questions relating to the function of the car, affectionately coined, the 'ask me, tell me' test. E.g. 'open up the bonnet and TELL ME where you would check the oil.' The failure in either of these questions results in a minor fault being added to the examiners score sheet.
Once in the car, the driver will be asked to pull away safely, thus beginning the driving element of the practical test. This stage sees them judged on a host of driving attributes, with mistakes being marked down in the form of either a major or minor fault. Drivers are allowed a maximum of 14 minor faults and no major faults. During the approximately 20 minute drive, the examiner is required to ask for the completion of a select number of tasks at his or her discretion.
Whilst in undergoing the driving exam, applicants are tested of the performance of two driving manoeuvres. These are selected from two of the following; reversing around a corner, a turn in a road, parallel parking and reversing into a parking bay. Success in these is essential, as failure to negotiate a manoeuvre will result in a major fault. Depending on the disposition of your examiner, you may also be asked to perform an emergency stop. This will be explained to you before you drive away from the testing centre, and will usually be prompted by a heavy handed slap on the passenger's dashboard.
Upon the conclusion of the driving exam, your examiner will let you know immediately your result, and present you with a copy of your test sheet. In most cases, if you have failed you will be notified promptly.
For those who do pass their driving exam, there are a plethora of options in enhancing driving skill and minimising risk when travelling alone for the first time. The 'pass plus', is an exam often undertaken by new drivers, allowing them to gain experience on motorways and busy roads with the aid of an instructor. 'P Plates' are also a tactic employed by those wishing to enlighten the public to their relative amateurism behind the wheel. Also, in the subsequent two years after a successful driving exam, the license will only be issued with 6 points leeway, discouraging the ferocious driving associated with the newly qualified.