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Everything that has changed in the DVSA practical driving test — sat nav, independent driving, Highway Code updates, 20 mph zones and what's coming in 2026.
Get an Earlier Test DateA chronological overview of every significant DVSA practical test change since 2017.
The independent driving section was doubled from 10 to 20 minutes, now making up roughly half the test. Examiners use a TomTom sat nav for most routes. If the sat nav gives incorrect directions, following them safely is not marked as a fault — the examiner corrects the route.
The vehicle safety questions changed format. You answer the "tell me" question (verbal) before moving off, and the "show me" question (practical, e.g. using rear wash/wipe) while driving. This tests your ability to carry out simple safety tasks without compromising control.
A new manoeuvre was introduced: pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse back two car lengths, then rejoin traffic safely. In return, reversing around a corner and the turn-in-the-road were removed from the test. You may now be asked to do a parallel park, forward or reverse bay park, or pull up on the right.
The Highway Code was updated in January 2022 to introduce a clearer hierarchy of road users. Pedestrians have the highest priority, followed by cyclists, then motor vehicles. Drivers must give way to cyclists at junctions, and pedestrians crossing a road you are turning into have priority. Examiners mark failures to observe this hierarchy.
Wales introduced a national 20 mph default speed limit in built-up areas in September 2023. Many English councils have followed with local 20 mph zones. Exceeding the speed limit in a 20 mph zone is marked as a serious or dangerous fault and is an immediate fail. Pay close attention to speed limit signs during your test.
DVSA increased practical test fees in April 2023. The current fees are £62 for a weekday test and £75 for an evening or weekend slot. These apply across England, Scotland and Wales. Failing means rebooking and paying again — another reason to be well-prepared.
The examiner chooses one manoeuvre from the list below. The emergency stop is separate and carried out in around 1 in 3 tests.
Despite the changes above, the core structure and fault rules remain as they have been for many years.
As of mid-2026, DVSA has not confirmed any major changes to the practical driving test format. DVSA has previously indicated interest in reviewing the independent driving section and possibly extending it further, but no timeline or announcement has been made.
On electric vehicles: there are no EV-specific requirements in the test, though DVSA is gradually introducing EVs into its examiner fleet. Examiners may use an electric car on your test — the format and assessment criteria remain identical.
Common questions about the current DVSA driving test format.
Yes — the most significant changes came in December 2017, when DVSA extended independent driving to 20 minutes, introduced sat nav use, changed the "show me, tell me" format, and added the "pull up on the right" manoeuvre. In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated to establish a clearer hierarchy of road users, affecting how examiners mark junction and cyclist awareness.
In approximately 4 in 5 tests, the examiner uses a DVSA TomTom sat nav to give directions during the 20-minute independent driving section. In the remaining 1 in 5 tests, the examiner gives directions verbally instead. Either way, you are assessed on your ability to drive safely and independently without constant guidance.
You will be asked to carry out one of the following: parallel park (alongside the kerb), forward bay park (then reverse out), reverse bay park (pull in in reverse), or pull up on the right side of the road and reverse two car lengths. Additionally, around 1 in 3 candidates will be asked to perform an emergency stop — this is chosen by the examiner, not you.
The January 2022 Highway Code update introduced a hierarchy of road users. Pedestrians have the greatest priority, followed by cyclists, then powered vehicles. On the test, this means: you must give way to cyclists when turning at a junction, and you must give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road you are turning into. Failing to do so can result in a serious fault.
As of May 2026, DVSA has not confirmed any major format changes to the practical driving test for 2026. DVSA has previously signalled interest in reviewing the independent driving section and possibly extending it further, but no timeline has been announced. There are also no specific electric vehicle (EV) requirements for the test, though DVSA is gradually updating its examiner vehicle fleet to include EVs.
Yes — and it is becoming a more common source of faults. Wales has a national 20 mph default in built-up areas since 2023, and many English councils have expanded 20 mph zones. Driving above the posted limit, even by a small margin, can be marked as a serious or dangerous fault and result in an immediate fail. Always check speed limit signs, especially in residential streets.
Yes. The emergency stop remains on the practical test and is carried out in roughly 1 in 3 tests. The examiner will ask you to stop as quickly and safely as possible when they give a signal. There is no set point in the test for this — the examiner decides when to do it. You should be ready throughout.
Before you move off, the examiner will ask you a "tell me" question — a verbal answer about vehicle safety, such as how you would check the oil level. During the drive, the examiner will ask a "show me" question — demonstrating a practical task while driving, such as switching on the rear wash/wipe. Getting both wrong counts as one minor fault.
Show me tell me questions
Full list of every possible show me / tell me question for 2025.
Driving test manoeuvres
Step-by-step guides to parallel park, bay park, pull up on the right and more.
What to expect on test day
A full walkthrough of your practical driving test from arrival to result.
Driving test cost 2025
Current DVSA fees, cancellation rules and how to avoid the £10 change fee.
Get an earlier test date
Practical steps to move your driving test to an earlier date.
How test date swapping works
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