Findley's Driving School of Nuneaton
Let my professionalism be your guide!


The tests that you must take

Information about the tests that you have to take

Tests to be taken

Information about the tests that you have to take.

It pays to be well prepared!

I do understand how people become confused
about how many tests there are and in which
order they have to be taken.

There are three tests that you have to pass
and they are in the following order:

The Theory test and the Hazard Perception test

These are seperate tests which are taken
consecutively on the same day.

There is a short gap between them so that you can relax
but you do take one straight after the other.

After the pass certificate has been awarded
you are then eligible to apply for your practical driving test.

This brings us on to the Practical Driving Test
which includes the Show Me / Tell Me questions.

The order of the tests is as follows

Theory and Hazard Perception Tests

The theory test needs practice before you take it. I recommend that you buy a set of up to date cd/roms containing all that you will need to pass both the theory and hazard perception test at the first attempt.

Apps are available for mobile devices which are also helpful. Many pupils of mine have found the app on their mobile very convenient to practice the theory test whenever they have a few spare minutes. Certainly practicing for the hazard perception test is easier on a larger screen.

A lot of people are nervous about taking these tests. Keep practicing until you have been successful on your last three successive attempts. It is better surely to practice a lot in private and pass the test on the first attempt rather than keep on paying those test fees!

Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test should not be attempted without first making certain that you are up to standard on all of the required manoeuvres and that you are a competent and confident driver.

Professional tuition is always the best method of preparation for the practical driving test. No-one knows better how to teach you to manage the local traffic conditions, junctions and not forgetting of course, those manoeuvres, than your experienced local instructor.

Show me / Tell me questions

The Show me / Tell me questions are an integral part of the test these days.

At the beginning of your test you will be asked one of the Tell Me questions.

The second question from the Show Me catagory will be asked while you are driving the car.

Do not worry about this process unduly. I will have shown you around the car well in advance and prepared you for this. Expert mechanical knowledge is not required. You will become familiar with all of the questions from the Show Me catagory because I shall make certain that you practice them while you are driving.

These questions help you to know the basic checks that should occur regularly on your car anyway, and a few ways of knowing in advance if something is beginning to go wrong with the major systems, as well as effective use of your cars ancillary controls.

Questions and Answers about The Tests that You Must Take:

Can I take the Theory and the Hazard Perception Test on different days because I am great at one but not the other?

Unfortunately not, they have to be passed at the same appointment. I do understand the frustration of pupils in this position. Do make sure that you have practiced both extensively before booking your test appointment.

Which resources would you recommend for practicing?

I only recommend the official DVSA materials. Others are available but my preference, especially for the electronic versions, remains the official DVSA materials.

If I have my Theory and Hazard Perception test booked can I book a Practical Driving Test if I take a long dated test to enable me to re-take if necessary?

The tests have to be passed in strict order. When you pass your Theory and Hazard Perception Test you will be issued with a letter which contains your pass number. As part of booking your Practical driving Test you will have to enter this number. With this system in place there is no way that you can book your Practical driving Test before passing your Theory and Hazard Perception Tests.

Are the Show Me and the Tell Me questions really that important?

I think so! If you cannot turn on your headlights, de-mist your screen or clean your windows whille driving you could be in a pickle. The Tell Me questions have their uses too. If you know a little about your vehicle you will be better equipped to understand what is required to maintain it to a high standard of safety and efficiency.

Is it true that you cannot fail your practical driving test if you get a Show Me or a Tell Me question wrong?

This is true in itself; but what many people have failed for across the country is becoming distracted from their driving while trying to remember where a certain control is. Messing up the Show Me question is not a fail in itself at the moment but anything that happens while you are demonstrating the necessary control will be judged by the driving test examiner in its own right.

I don't really want to bother with the Show Me and Tell Me questions if I cannot fail for not doing them. Are you going to make me learn them?

Yes! They are not only required they are useful.