What is an extended driving test?
An extended driving test is a court-ordered test that is longer and more demanding than the normal learning driving test. When disqualified as a driver or rider, the court can order you to re-sit your theory test and take an extended practical driving test before reobtaining your full licence.
No matter the reason you have been disqualified from driving, once you have your licence back, we will be able to arrange disqualified driver insurance for you. Contact us today for more information.
What does an extended driving test include?
The extended practical test lasts at least 60 minutes and typically has higher fees. It covers a wide variety of roads, including dual carriageways where possible.
A normal driving test will involve the examiner requesting one of these manoeuvres. The extended driving test may involve all four manoeuvres. Extended driving test routes are longer than the standard learner driver routes. You’ll be expected to safely negotiate a wide range of roads and traffic systems.
Dual carriageway driving heavily features during an extended driving test. If the test centre does not have dual carriageways in the vicinity, they will not feature on the extended driving test. However, many busy, high speed ‘A’ roads will certainly feature. The emergency stop having around a 1-in-3 chance of being requested during a normal learners test, is compulsory on the extended driving test.
When you’ve passed the practical test, ask the examiner to arrange for your new licence to be sent to you. You can legally drive as soon as you’ve passed the practical test.
How to pass an extended driving test
- Try to choose a driving test centre that has less traffic density within that area.
- Book the extended driving test for when the roads are quiet. Between 10 am and 3 pm, for example.
- Engage a driving instructor and tell them that you need lessons for the extended driving test.
- Ensure your driving instructor is highly familiar with the driving test routes for your chosen test centre.
- Take a mock extended driving test before the real test.
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When do you need an extended driving test?
It is more likely that the courts will order an extended driving test if you’re convicted of dangerous driving offences or other offences involving mandatory disqualification.
If the court told you that you must take another driving test before driving again, you’ll have to apply for a new provisional licence.
How to get a new provisional licence
The DVLA will send you a reminder 56 days before your disqualification ends. You can use this to apply for a new provisional driving licence. If you didn’t get a reminder, order an application form instead. Order form D1 for a car and motorbike licence or form D2 for a lorry and bus licence.
You should receive your driving licence from the DVLA within three weeks after they accept your application documents. If your health or personal details need to be checked it could take longer. Make sure you leave at least three weeks for delivery before contacting the DVLA.
How hard is an extended driving test?
It depends. Your own driving skill of course comes into play, as well as where you take your test. For instance, taking an extended test in London is likely to be more challenging than Dorset. The traffic flow and style of driving in a large city is often much faster and aggressive. Roads, junctions and roundabouts often have fast moving multiple lanes and the driving test pass rates reflect this.