Guidance

Sit in and observe driving tests

You can sit in and observe a driving test if you're 16 or over, but you cannot take any part in the test and you must follow certain rules.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
15 January 2013
Last updated
20 May 2022 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Who can observe driving tests

Driving instructors and supervising drivers can sit in the back during driving tests.

You can observe a driving test if you’re 16 or over, but you cannot take any part in the test.

There are different rules for filming or recording a driving test.

Before the test starts

Turn your phone off or make sure it’s switched to silent.

‘Tell me’ vehicle safety question

You can help the candidate to lift the bonnet if they’re struggling, but do not interfere unnecessarily.

Where you sit

It’s usually least intrusive to sit behind the candidate, However, the best position is wherever it’s the most comfortable, providing you can sit upright with the seat belt correctly fitted.

During the test

When the test has started, you can:

  • take notes to help the candidate
  • change position to improve the candidate’s visibility during the reverse exercises

Do not:

  • answer your phone
  • prompt the candidate by coughing or nudging the back of their seat
  • nod enthusiastically or make excessive eye contact with the candidate - it can be seen as a pre-arranged code

The test will not be stopped if you naturally look left, right and behind you. However, it’s important to:

  • try not to put the candidate off
  • not exaggerate movements or give the impression you’re trying to coach the candidate

At the end of the test

Listen carefully to the feedback so that you can give the candidate more detailed feedback later.

Speak to the test centre manager or follow the complaints procedure if you have genuine concerns about how the test was conducted.

Updates to this page

Published 15 January 2013
Last updated 20 May 2022 + show all updates

  1. Updated the guidance to say driving instructors and supervising drivers can sit in on driving tests. Instructors and supervising drivers in Scotland have been able to sit in on driving tests since 18 April 2022.

  2. Updated the guidance as driving instructors and supervising drivers can now sit in on driving tests in Wales.

  3. Updated the guidance as driving instructors and supervising drivers can now sit in on driving tests in England.

  4. Added a section explaining that you cannot currently sit in on driving tests because of coronavirus and social distancing.

  5. Removed information about being able to act as a foreign language interpreter following the end of interpreters being allowed on tests on 7 April 2014.

  6. Added a warning that candidates will only be able to take their test in English, Welsh or British sign language from 7 April 2014.

  7. Updated the rule about mobile phones to make it clear that they can be set to silent or turned off.

  8. First published.

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Contents

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses