In short When you park back at the test centre, the examiner tells you the result straight away and goes through any faults. If you pass, you get a pass certificate and can drive on your own immediately; your full licence comes by post if you hand over your provisional licence. If you do not pass, you book and pay for another test at least 10 working days later.
Updated 9 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK car driving test guidance, checked 9 November 2026
At the end of the drive
The examiner asks you to park, then tells you the result and the faults they marked. You can have your instructor or the person who came with you listen to the feedback, which helps when you plan what to work on.
Work on the faults from your sheet on the roads around your test centre with the Driving Test Routes app
If you pass
- You get a pass certificate.
- The examiner asks whether you want your full licence sent automatically. If so, give them your provisional licence.
- If you do not, apply for your full licence within 2 years of passing.
- You can drive on your own straight away. You do not need to wait for the licence to arrive.
- Tell your insurer, or get your own insurance, before you drive alone.
- For the first 2 years, 6 penalty points are enough to lose your licence.
- P plates are optional, but many new drivers use them.
If you need another attempt
- The examiner goes through the faults. Write down what they say while it is fresh.
- Book another test for at least 10 working days later, and pay the fee again.
- Spend those lessons on the faults from the sheet, especially any serious ones.
- If you can show the examiner did not follow the law, you can complain or appeal. The result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a retest.
Can I check my result online?
You are told the result in person at the end of the test. The online "check your driving test" service is for the details of a booked test, not results.
Frequently asked questions
When do I find out if I passed my driving test?
Straight away. The examiner tells you the result as soon as you park back at the test centre.
Can I drive straight after passing?
Yes, as long as you are insured. You do not need to wait for your full licence.
How soon can I retake my driving test?
You can book straight away, but the test date must be at least 10 working days later.
Can I appeal my driving test result?
Only if the examiner did not follow the law. The result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a retest.
Read next
Practise on the roads around your test centre
The Driving Test Routes app turns your phone into a practice coach for the practical test.
- Practice routes around UK test centres, with voice directions
- Mock tests that score the drive and list the faults to work on
- All 21 show me tell me questions, with photos of each control
- An emergency stop drill that times your reaction