Taking your practical driving test at the Bridgend test Centre

 

To take your DVSA Driving test in Bridgend, your vehicle must meet specific requirements regarding safety,features, and suitability to ensure a safe and fair testing environment.

 

You need to be aware of the following vehicle requirements:

 

  1. Have a Test-Ready Car: The vehicle that you use for the driving test must meet DVSA requirements; fully insured for test usage and taxed. DVSA approved features: extra mirror for examiner, MPH speedo,  L-Plates and a clean car. 
  2. What Cars Are Not Allowed for UK Driving Tests? BMW Mini convertible, Ford KA convertible, Toyota iQ, VW Beetle convertible, Smart cars due to visibility.
  3. Can you use an automatic car for the driving test? Yes, but limits your licence to only be allowed to drive automatic vehicles. Manual car test passes allow you to drive manual and automatic.
  4. What if your car fails to meet requirements on test day? The test will be cancelled and you won't get a refund. common reasons for DVSA Test Refusal; warning light on dashboard, No L-Plates, Dirty interior affecting examiner visibility, insurance document not provided and a speedometer that only shows KMH.
  5. Can I use a Foreign Car or left hand drive car? The vehicle must be UK registered and insured for test use.
  6. Can I use new technology which is fitted to my vehicle on the driving test?.  Yes, with exception of adaptive cruise control as you have to remain in control of the vehicle at all times. lane assist yes, dash cam yes but not recording sound, electronic steering protection yes, parking sensors yes, but may be disabled if requested. reversing camera yes.

 

Click to find latest DVSA news on test booking

 

 

 

On entering the test centre 

 

1. You the pupil will be expected to arrive 5 minutes before the test time

2. You will need to confirm your identity by showing your driving license and reading and signing a declaration to that effect on his tablet.

3. The examiner will ask you what you liked to be called and then you will go outside to read the number plate which is displayed, 20 metres away .

(point to note if you fail to read the number plate the test will be stopped. you will not be able to progress further.)

4. The examiner will then check over your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy too undertake test. ie loose wheel nuts not a good idea.

5. Once in the car the examiner will ask one show me question. it is not a fail if you get this qustion wrong, just a minor fault

6.The test Centre exit is quite a steep incline to the main road. 'Pro tip'  it is a closed junction therefore a definate stop. Don't forget to indicate and look both ways before you pull off. furthermore if you are turning right make sure you do not over steer and cross over  the white line into the oncoming traffic lane. These are common mistakes.