It's crunch time. For a few short minutes everything you've learned will be tested to the limit - both on the road and off it.

In the third of our series of features for learner drivers Alex Eckford looks at the practical and theory driving tests.

The practical test

This is the most daunting test for many learner drivers, but as long as you're prepared there needn't be too much cause for concern.

The cost of a practical test does depend on when you take it. You'll pay the normal costs if you take the test between 7.30am and 3.27pm on a weekday, but if you want to take it in the evening or on a Saturday, be prepared to pay a premium.

The test will last for about 40 minutes, and will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions.

The driving examiner will look for an overall safe level of driving, and will ask you to carry out a series of specific manoeuvres. They will also be looking for you to display your knowledge of the Highway Code through your driving.

The driver can commit up to 15 faults in a test and still pass, but one serious fault will result in a failure.

The test route is designed to include typical road and traffic conditions – you should drive in the way your examiner instructs you. Don’t be too concerned if you make a minor fault – it might not be enough to make you fail.

The driver will be asked to perform two reversing exercises (either reversing around a corner, turning in the road or reverse parking) and an emergency stop.

If the examiner thinks you are a danger to other road users, the test will be stopped.

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you if you have passed or failed, and will give you feedback on your performance.

If you pass, you will be asked if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically. If you do, the examiner will take the licence from you, scan the details, send them to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and give you a pass certificate. Your full licence will be sent to you within three weeks of passing your test.

If you don’t want your licence issued automatically you will still be given the pass certificate, but will need to follow the instructions on the back to obtain your full licence.

The theory test

There are two parts - the multiple choice part and the hazard perception test. They're carried out on computers, and you'll need to pass both.

The multiple choice part is carried out using a touch-screen computer. You'll be given instructions first, and will be asked 50 questions within the 57 minute time limit. The pass mark is 43.

(Lorry drivers and bus drivers will be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes, with a pass mark of 51).

It's not linear – you can navigate between the questions and mark questions you want to come back to.

When you've completed the multiple choice questions, there will be a three minute break before you start the hazard perception test – a test designed to check the speed of your responses.

At the start of this section, you'll be shown a short video clip about how the perception test works.

You will then be shown 14 video clips. There will be at least one developing hazard in each clip and you'll need to respond to the hazard, by clicking the mouse button, in its early stages.

One of the clips, however, will feature two developing hazards.

The earlier in the hazard's development you click, the higher your score. The maximum you can score is five. The pass mark is 44 out of 75 (50 out of 75 for lorry drivers and bus drivers).

After the test, and a brief customer survey (which won’t affect the outcome of your test) you may leave the room. The test centre staff will then give you your result.

Good luck!

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