Are You Ready for Your Driving Test? What the DVSA Expects

Are You Ready for Your Driving Test? What the DVSA Expects – And What We Do at PriPlus

When preparing for the practical driving test, it’s completely normal to feel eager—or even a little impatient—to get it booked and passed. But there’s something every pupil needs to know: taking the test too early not only risks a fail, but could also be dangerous.

At PriPlus Driving School, we follow official DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) guidance to ensure that all our pupils are not only test-ready, but also safe to drive independently.

What Does ‘Test-Ready’ Actually Mean According to the DVSA?

According to the DVSA's official standards, a pupil must be able to drive:

Independently, without instructor prompts or reminders
Safely, in a variety of road conditions and traffic types
Competently, performing all manoeuvres with control and confidence
Calmly, making good decisions under pressure

In short: if you passed today, would you be able to drive home on your own, safely and without support?

If the answer is no, then you're not ready—yet.

How PriPlus Instructors Help You Meet DVSA Standards

Driving instructors have a professional duty, backed by the DVSA, to only present pupils for test who meet the required national standard. This means:

No "just give it a go" test bookings
No pressure from pupils or parents changes the standard
We must assess risk, responsibility, and readiness

The DVSA is clear: instructors should not simply act as a taxi to the test centre. Our job is to help you become a safe driver for life, not just for test day.

When We May Refuse to Take You to Test

We will not support a test booking if:

You still rely on prompts for mirrors, gears, or positioning
You panic or hesitate in complex situations
You’ve not completed all the DVSA syllabus (e.g. dual carriageways, night driving, emergency stops)
You haven’t consistently demonstrated independent, safe driving

Your instructor has the final say—because safety comes first.

What the DVSA Can Do If You're Not Ready

DVSA examiners have the authority to refuse to conduct the test if they believe a candidate:

Lacks basic control of the vehicle
Appears nervous to a dangerous degree
Is a risk to other road users

In such cases:

The test will be cancelled on the spot
You will lose the test fee
Your instructor may also receive a note on their DVSA record

Our Promise at PriPlus

At PriPlus, we won’t take you to test unless we’re confident that:

You can drive for a full hour without prompts
You’ve had enough real-life experience in busy, rural, and urban settings
You feel calm and in control behind the wheel

If that’s not quite you yet, don’t worry—we’ll help you get there.

Remember:

“Passing the test means you’re ready to drive alone. Not just for the 40 minutes on test day—but for life.”

At PriPlus, we want you to pass first time for the right reasons—because you’re safe, skilled, and confident.

Not Sure If You're Test-Ready? We're Here to Help

If you're not sure whether you're ready for your test, speak to your PriPlus instructor, call 0333 772 9842 or contact us directly at www.priplus.co.uk. We’re happy to assess your progress and guide you honestly.