Your driving test in Doncaster: what happens on the day

By Alma Driving School · Updated 23 October 2026 · 3 min read

Knowing exactly what will happen takes a lot of the nerves out of test day. This guide walks through the practical driving test at the Doncaster driving test centre, from booking to the result.

Booking your test

You can book once you have passed your theory test. Book your driving test on GOV.UK: the fee is £62 on weekdays and £75 for evening, weekend and bank holiday tests. There is no minimum number of lessons, but DVSA advises booking only when you can drive without any instruction. Your instructor will tell you honestly when you are ready, and a mock driving test is the best way to find out.

Where the test centre is

Doncaster driving test centre is at Unit 10 & 11 Heather Court, Shaw Wood Business Park, Shaw Wood Way, DN2 5YL, on the east side of the city. Most learners have a lesson immediately before the test and drive there with their instructor, so they arrive warmed up and in a car they know.

What to take

• Your UK photocard driving licence
• Your theory test pass certificate, if you have it. If you have lost it, you do not need a replacement, because the examiner checks your pass before the test starts.
• A car. Most learners use their instructor's dual controlled car.

If you need glasses or contact lenses to read a number plate, wear them.

How the test works

You will drive for around 35 minutes. The full details are on GOV.UK, and the test is made up of these parts.

1. Eyesight check

You read a number plate from 20 metres for a new-style plate, or 20.5 metres for an old-style plate. If you cannot, the test ends there and counts as a fail.

2. Show me, tell me questions

The examiner asks two vehicle safety questions. The tell me question comes before you set off, and the show me question while you are driving. DVSA publishes the full list of show me, tell me questions, so you can practise every one in your lessons.

3. General driving

You drive on a mix of roads in different traffic conditions. Around Doncaster that usually includes multi-lane roundabouts as well as quieter residential streets, so practise both before the day. You might also be asked to do an emergency stop.

4. Reversing exercise

You will be asked to do one of these:

• Parallel park at the side of the road
• Park in a bay, either driving in and reversing out or reversing in and driving out
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic

5. Independent driving

For 20 to 35 minutes you drive without turn-by-turn directions from the examiner, following a sat nav or traffic signs. The examiner sets up the sat nav, and you cannot use your own.

Can your instructor come with you?

Yes. The examiner will ask whether you want someone in the back of the car and with you when you get your result. This is usually your instructor. They must be over 16 and cannot take part in the test.

How the test is marked

You pass if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults. A driving fault is a minor error. A serious fault is something that could have been dangerous, and a dangerous fault involves actual danger to you or someone else.

At the end the examiner tells you whether you have passed and talks you through any faults. If you did not pass this time, you can book another test, choosing a date at least 10 working days away, and pay the fee again.

Tips for test day

• Book a lesson right before your test so you are warmed up.
• Get a good night's sleep and eat before you go.
• Arrive with time to spare.
• If you make a mistake, keep going. A single minor fault will not fail your test.
• Ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if you did not hear it.

Still working through your theory? Read our guide on how to pass your theory test first time.

Frequently asked questions

How many faults can you get on a driving test?

You can make up to 15 driving faults, as long as you make no serious or dangerous faults.

How long is the driving test?

You drive for around 35 minutes, including 20 to 35 minutes of independent driving.

Where is the Doncaster driving test centre?

Unit 10 & 11 Heather Court, Shaw Wood Business Park, Shaw Wood Way, Doncaster, DN2 5YL.