Practical Test Preparation
There are currently three test centres in Nottingham, at Chilwell, Colwick and Watnall, I have experience at all three test centres and the areas where tests are undertaken (but noting that many test routes changed in December 2017 as part of the change in format to the practical driving test).
I have prepared three guides (one for each of Nottingham’s test centres, at Chilwell, Colwick and Watnall), which are available on a private page in this website.
If you are learning to drive with me, it is important that you have had a discussion with me about your readiness to take a test (and are aware of my current availability) before you book a test.
The Show Me/Tell Me questions are published on my website, along with official videos from DVSA. The Tell Me question is asked at the beginning of the test while the Show Me question is asked during the test, while you are driving.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, DVSA introduced new standard operating procedures for their examiners. These changes mean that candidates are no longer given the option to have their instructors in the car during the test or at the feedback session at the end of the test.
Test Routes
Some people are very keen to know test routes. The DVSA no longer publish their test routes (for the simple reason that they want you to demonstrate that you can drive competently and safely on any road and not just remember how to drive on specific roads). While you might find some documents published on the Internet, these will be old routes (when the DVSA did publish them) and there are no such documents for Chilwell or Watnall, as these both opened after 2013. My personal view is that there is a balance between being familiar with the test area (rather than test routes) and being able to drive on any road in less familiar areas (after all, once you’ve passed your test, you will end up driving in areas where you’ve never driven before). However, I do think it would sensible to be aware of specific key junctions and roundabouts that you might encounter on your test (and it can help reduce the nerves on the day if you are driving in a familiar area). As you do need to be equipped to drive on any road that you’ve not driven on before (not just for your test but for after your test), I usually suggest a mock test in an area you’re less familiar with (prior to booking your practical test date), to confirm your readiness to take the test, but then focus your lessons primarily on roads within the test area. This is something we’ll discuss in more detail in preparing for your practical test.
Mock Test Service
All my learners will have a mock test during one of their lessons, as part of their test preparation.
For people not learning to drive with me, I offer a mock test service at a cost of £85 (for 2 hours plus a written report sent to you at the end of the day). My mock test service is aimed specifically at learners who are not learning to drive with me i.e. they are taking lessons with another driving instructor or with a family member or friend. This mock test service provides a totally independent assessment of your driving standard (by a fully qualified driving instructor) and also provides for the opportunity of driving in test conditions (i.e. being examined by a total stranger, as is the case when driving in the presence of an examiner on the test, which can make you feel more nervous than usual).
The session incorporates an initial 10 minute discussion and then involves a 15 drive (approx), aimed at allowing you to become familiar with my car (as it is probably different to the car you’re used to driving) while driving to a suitable location to start the mock test. The mock test involves a 40 minute drive (the amount of driving expected in a practical driving test) but would also aim to assess (not teach) all four test manoeuvres. The route depends largely on your location but would, ideally, be a typical route used at the test centre where you plan to take your test (from a selection of test routes that I’ve witnessed used by examiners at Chilwell, Colwick and Watnall test centres). If this is not possible, I will plan to mimic the conditions and challenge of a typical test route. At the end of the mock test, I will spend some time with you to discuss my assessment and provide you with guidance on areas to work on (with your own instructor or family member) leading up to your test date.
Please note that having a mock test is a specific service and is arranged on the clear understanding that there is no expectation of using my car to take your test in, as I only allow my car to be used on a test by learners who have had lessons with me AND who I am satisfied have reached a standard that could pass a test.
If you are interested in my independent Mock Test Service (or any other of my services), please contact me using my contact form, by telephone or send me a message (text or WhatsApp) using any of the contact details at the bottom of this page.