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How to book your test

You cannot be given a test date until your driving test route and meeting point details have been confirmed with a driving examiner. You should get your test date within eight weeks of contacting the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

• How to book and manage your practical driving test appointment

What you'll complete in the practical test

All practical driving tests for specialist vehicles include an eyesight test and an emergency stop. If you fail the eyesight test, your test will not continue.

• Driving eyesight requirements

You will then be examined on your general driving and on at least one of these special exercises:

• reversing around a corner
• turning in the road
• reverse parking

Category K driving tests do not include a reverse exercise.

Category B1 vehicles

Before you can book a category B1 test, you must have passed the theory test and have a valid pass certificate. When booking the test, make it clear whether the vehicle you will be using is a bike-based or car-based design.

B1 - built like a car, with side-by-side front seats

This test will be carried out as a car test, with the examiner sitting alongside you giving instructions and watching how you drive.

• Practical test for cars explained

B1 - with controls and seating similar to a motorcycle

This test will be carried out as a motorcycle test without:

• the 'U' turn
• wheeling without the use of the engine
• the 'balance' question

The examiner will follow you on a motorcycle or in a car, giving you instructions over a radio system that DSA provides.

• Motorcycle practical test explained

Category F, G, H or K vehicles

These vehicles usually only have a single seat, or have a passenger seat where the examiner would not be able to watch the driver. The examiner will give you instructions at the side of the road and watch how you drive as you go around left and right circuits.

For very slow vehicles, such as pedestrian-controlled vehicles, your examiner may walk along near you where they can watch your driving.

At the end of the category F, G, H or K test, you'll be asked five questions on the Highway Code and other motoring matters. You'll then be asked to identify six different traffic signs.

Category H

Category H driving tests need you to drive the vehicle backwards and turn it around, using its tracks, to face the opposite direction. Your examiner will explain how you should perform this manoeuvre.

More useful links

• The Highway Code (travel and transport section)