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Your Chiltern Learners instructor will discuss with you when they think you are ready to book your test. Don't worry if you feel that you are not quite ready, there is often several weeks waiting time to get a test, so there will be plenty of time to practice and drive the around the test area with your instructor before the big day.

To book your test you will need - Your provisional licence Your theory test certificate number A debit/credit card An idea of preferred dates and times - discuss this with your instructor first and bear in mind holiday dates etc. Details of any special requirements.

Remember to let your instructor know of your booking as soon as possible so that he can make sure he is available - you generally need to allow 3 hours for your test - an hours lesson beforehand, to get you warmed up and relaxed, the time of the test and de-brief and then the drive home.

Your practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes and is conducted by a DSA (Driving Standards Agency) examiner. He or she is not there to scare you but just to make sure that you are safe enough and competent enough to drive on public roads in the UK without supervision.

On the day make sure that you have - Your test appointment letter that you have read carefully Both parts of your provisional licence - if you do not bring both parts you test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee Your theory test pass certificate

The first thing that the examiner will ask you to do is read a number plate from a distance. If you need to wear glasses or contacts that is fine - just remember to have them with you!!

You will be asked to answer one "show me" and one "tell me" question. Your instructor will have gone through these with you and they are also available on the DVLA website.

The examiner is looking for a competent and safe driver - one who responds to situations sensibly and makes sound judgements. As well as general driving you will be asked to carry out two of the manoeuvres you have practised many, many times with your instructor. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

Despite anything you may have heard your examiner does want you to do well, take no notice of the "he's filled his quota for the week" type of comments you may hear. There are no quotas, just the requirement for you to show that you have good driving skills.

You are allowed to make 15 minor errors during your test so don't panic if you do something wrong, put it behind you and carry on, it may well be something small. One serious/dangerous error is enough to fail you though.

The examiner will tell you at the end of the test whether you have passed or failed. If you passed - well done! You have progressed from being a Chiltern Learner to being a Chiltern Driver! Your examiner will take your provisional licence from you. See "PASSED YOUR TEST?"

If you have failed the examiner will spend a few minutes with your and your instructor to explain why. You will be supplied with a test report to look at later. Don't worry, you can re-apply quickly and get another test booked. Your instructor will drive you home (this applies whether you have passed or failed), so why not use that time to ask lots of questions about what to do next time to get your pass?