Mock driving test in Edlington

Who should book a mock

A mock suits learners with a practical test booked in the next few weeks. It is also ideal if you have failed before and want to understand exactly what went wrong, so you do not repeat it.

Allow about two hours. That covers the drive itself and a full debrief afterwards, which is written down for you to keep and look back on.

For many learners, a mock is the first time they drive for 40 minutes with no help at all. That alone is valuable, because it shows how well you can concentrate for the full length of the test and how you cope when something unexpected happens on the road.

How the drive is structured

Your instructor takes on the examiner's role and marks you on the DVSA marking sheet. The drive follows the same running order as the real 40-minute test:

1. You start by reading a number plate from 20 metres, the standard eyesight check.
2. Before you set off, you answer a tell me question about the car.
3. While you are driving, you are asked a show me question, such as operating a control.
4. For around 20 minutes you drive independently, following either a sat nav or road signs.
5. You complete one reversing exercise, which might be a parallel park or a bay park.
6. Pulling up on the right and reversing roughly two car lengths is the other possibility.
7. Some tests also include an emergency stop, so your mock may too.

The drive from Edlington

The Doncaster test centre is at Shaw Wood Business Park, across the city from Edlington. On a mock, we often head north along Edlington Lane past the Co-op and on to Warmsworth Halt. After Warmsworth, the A630 carries you through Balby towards Doncaster.

From there your instructor directs you to roads like the ones near the test centre. Their junctions and roundabouts may be new to you. The DVSA does not publish test routes, so the aim is to get you comfortable with that type of road, which is what really matters.

Your instructor gives directions only, in the same calm style an examiner uses, and will not comment on your driving until the end. Going the wrong way is not a fault in itself. If it happens, simply carry on driving safely until the next instruction comes.

What the debrief covers

Back at a quiet spot, your instructor runs through the marking sheet with you. Minor errors go down as driving faults. More significant errors are marked as serious or dangerous faults. To pass the real test you can have no more than 15 driving faults. Any serious fault ends in a fail, as does any dangerous fault.

The written notes explain where each fault happened and why, and what to practise in your remaining lessons. Common themes for Edlington learners include positioning around parked cars on the avenues and observation at junctions off Edlington Lane.

When to book

We suggest booking a mock two to four weeks before your test. That gives time for extra lessons on anything the mock reveals. On an intensive driving course in Edlington, a mock is usually included near the end.

A second mock in the final week can help if the first one showed several things to fix.

You can also ask for your instructor to sit in the back of the car during the real test. Read more on the main mock driving test page, in our guide to what to expect at the Doncaster driving test, or on mock driving tests in Rossington. All the Edlington lesson options are on driving lessons in Edlington.

Mock driving tests in Edlington: your questions

Is the mock test exactly like the real driving test?

It follows the same structure and is marked on the DVSA marking sheet. The only differences are that your instructor plays the examiner and you get a full written debrief at the end.

Will the mock use the same roads as my test?

The DVSA does not publish test routes. Your mock includes the drive from Edlington and time on roads similar to those near the test centre, so you are comfortable with the kind of junctions you are likely to meet.

How long does a mock test take?

About two hours, including the debrief. We collect you from home in Edlington and drop you back afterwards.