Who sits in the car during a practical driving test?

The examiner conducts the test and assesses the candidate. Whether the instructor is present and how the vehicle is arranged depend on the procedure and local organisation.

Roles inside the car

The candidate sits in the driver’s seat and carries out the requested tasks. The government examiner gives the necessary instructions and assesses your skills and behaviour against the test criteria. When a driving school organises the test, the instructor may be present under the applicable arrangements; their role is not to suggest answers or direct you during the assessment. The exact occupants may depend on the test centre, vehicle availability and organisational rules: ask your school or UMC how your session will be run.

The category B test vehicle must meet the MIT requirements, including dual controls. The person authorised to use those controls and the examiner have different roles. If you are a private candidate, do not assume you can arrive in any car: ask the UMC which documents and accompanying person are required and how the vehicle’s suitability is checked. If the school provides the car, confirm the meeting time and how to get there so you do not confuse the departure point with the test centre.

How to behave during the test

Listen to the instruction, think it through and ask for clarification if it is unclear, provided you can do so safely. Do not seek confirmation from your instructor through gestures or eye contact: keep your attention on the road and tell the examiner if you have not understood the route. The examiner may indicate a direction or manoeuvre; it remains the driver’s responsibility to check the surroundings, signs and right of way.

Before the test, ask who will accompany you, which documents to bring and where to meet. If you need accessibility arrangements or an adapted vehicle, contact the UMC in advance to make sure the vehicle and organisation will work for you. The examiner is not a passenger you need to please: they assess whether you can drive independently and safely within the rules. If you do not pass, ask how to receive the report or result and what steps to take to book another attempt.

Confirm the arrangements

• Ask your school or UMC who is expected to be in the car.
• Check who provides the car and which requirements it must meet.
• Confirm the meeting point, documents and time before test day.

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