Did you know, failing the practical driving test is possible, without even taking the exam? It\u2019s true! Nearly 5,000 provisional licence holders a year fail their driving test, without even turning the key in the ignition. How??? Here\u2019s what\u2019s happening and how you can avoid failing your test before you even start!<\/p>\n
Provisional licence holders are wasting more than \u00a3300,000 every year by failing practical driving tests, without even leaving the test centre<\/a>.<\/strong> Almost 5,000 learner drivers turn up for their practical test appointments in vehicles that don\u2019t meet basic government standards.<\/p>\n As a result, learners are losing their \u00a362 fee. A recent freedom of information request submitted to the DVSA by Money Saving Expert, revealed that missing \u2018L\u2019 plates, no extra interior rear view mirror for the examiner and even turning up without a vehicle, were some of the reasons for practical driving test failure, without even getting into gear.<\/p>\n How To Avoid Failing Practical Driving Tests Before You Even Start<\/strong><\/p>\n Step 1<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re using your own vehicle for your practical driving exam, it needs to be taxed, roadworthy, insured and have a valid MOT certificate.<\/p>\n Step 2<\/strong><\/p>\n Check that your vehicle has no tyre damage and that they meet legal tread depth requirements \u2013 if you\u2019re unsure, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Your vehicle must be able to reach a speed of at least 62 mph, and if it\u2019s a car, must have four wheels. Your vehicle should have no warning lights showing.<\/p>\n Step 3<\/strong><\/p>\n Your car should be fitted with an extra interior rear view mirror, L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, plus a rear and passenger side seatbelt for the examiner and an adequate passenger head restraint.<\/p>\n Step 4<\/strong><\/p>\n Show up to your practical driving test appointment<\/strong><\/a> with the following documents:<\/p>\n * Your UK driving licence * Your theory test pass certificate<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Summary and checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n If you opt to take your practical test in your own car, your motor must:<\/p>\n * Be taxed.<\/p>\n * Be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company).<\/p>\n * Be roadworthy and have a current MOT (if it\u2019s over 3 years old).<\/p>\n * Have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light.<\/p>\n * Have no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre – you can\u2019t have a space-saver spare tyre fitted.<\/p>\n * Be smoke-free – this means you can\u2019t smoke in it just before or during the test.<\/p>\n * Be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer.<\/p>\n * Have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n