Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Practical Driving Test in Swansea
Booking your test
Your practical driving exam can only be taken after you have successfully passed your theory test; your driving instructor will usually advise you on when you are ready to book the practical test. You can arrange your exam either by calling the DVSA automated telephone service or booking online. If you would like to book over the phone, you will need to call between 8am and 12pm.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you have your driving license number and credit or debit card details close by as these will be required for booking. The typical period you can expect to be waiting to take your test after booking is between one and eight weeks, depending on how busy your test centre is.
Getting to Swansea Driving Test Centre
The practical driving test centre in Swansea is situated on Burrows Road, a turning off of Langdon Road, in Port Tennant. It is a good idea to practice driving around this area with your instructor before the examination, as familarising yourself with the roads you are likely to encounter during your test may make you less nervous, which will give you an advantage.
What to Expect
Swansea Test Centre is surrounded by calm, rural roads as well as busy urban ones, and your driving examiner will probably want to see how you handle both. You may also be required to navigate through the area's crossroads junctions and roundabouts. Particular roundabouts that you might want to familiarise yourself with before the test include the ones on: Valley Way, Clase Road, FFord Cwmtawe, Neath Road and White Rock Road – these appear on various popular test routes. Driving exams at Swansea's centre usually last around 30 to 40 minutes.
After the Test
Don't worry if you are unsuccessful in your first attempt! Between April and September last year, the pass rate in Swansea was only 52 per cent, meaning that almost half of the driving students who took their test failed. Driving exams are designed to ensure that people are capable of using a vehicle safely, without posing a threat to themselves, passengers, pedestrians or other road users, and as their purpose is so important, they have to be challenging, so don't beat yourself up about it.
If you want to, you can even book another driving test the same day! However, you will have to wait a minimum of ten working days before you can actually retake the practical exam.
If you pass your practical driving test, you will usually be issued with your full licence within two weeks of completing your test. Then, the road is yours and you can start your search for the perfect first car! Smile Car Finance can help you find an exceptional deal, tailored to your circumstances. Apply for a free quote today!