Mock test

Am I ready for my test?

The national driving test pass rate varies each year, but it’s usually around 45%. If your chances of passing are less than 50%, then you shouldn’t go for your driving test.  If you fail a mock driving test quite badly, you shouldn’t go for your driving test.

Why should I take a mock test?

Taking a mock driving test allows both you and your instructor to identify any areas of your driving that need improvement before taking the DVSA practical driving test. 

When should I take a mock test?

It is beneficial to take the mock test a couple of weeks or so before the real driving test.  This allows time to either work on any identified areas for improvement, or time to cancel/re-arrange the test within the required 3 working days to avoid losing the test fee.

What if I fail my mock test(s)?

If you have taken a mock test 1-2 weeks prior to your test and failed quite badly, your instructor (with reluctance) may advise that you’re not ready for your test, and that you should postpone the date or increase lessons leading up to your test.

Why doesn’t my driving instructor want to take me for my driving test?

Driving instructors have a moral obligation to ONLY take learner drivers to the test centre who they believe stand a good chance of passing. Driving instructors who take pupils for their test before they are ready not only put their car at risk, but also will be identified by the DVLA as requiring further training and testing themselves (known as a standards check).  

Driving instructor standards checks

The DVLA prioritise driving instructor standards checks using information from their ‘driving test analysis report’. This data is a summary of driving faults, serious faults and examiner intervention faults committed by their pupils on their driving test.    Based on these faults, the DVLA identify instructors who appear to be presenting candidates that are demonstrating a lower standard, and require further training and testing themselves.

Driving Instructor Handbook (official handbook)

An approved driving instructor (ADI) has a moral obligation to advise the learner to apply to sit their practical driving test ONLY when they believe the learner is ready for it and has satisfied all criteria ……….. Allowing a learner to go forward for the driving test before they are ready may damage their confidence and your reputation as an ADI.

Useful link(s)