FAQ

EMT Ex-Examiner Mock Test

Why choose an EMT mock test instead of a standard mock test?

Unlike many mock tests conducted by instructors, EMT assessments are carried out by a former DVSA Driving Examiner. This provides an independent assessment against genuine driving test standards, helping you understand exactly where you stand before your real test.

Why is an EMT mock test especially useful for private learners?

Private learners often receive feedback from family members or friends who may not be familiar with current DVSA test standards. An EMT mock test provides a professional, independent assessment and highlights issues that could affect your result on test day.

How can EMT help me understand what driving examiners expect?

Our mock tests, feedback and improvement plans explain how driving test standards are applied in practice, helping you better understand what examiners are looking for and how faults are assessed.

How can EMT help me prepare for the actual driving test?

EMT mock tests recreate real test conditions and focus on the areas most commonly responsible for test failures. By experiencing a realistic assessment before your test, you can build confidence and reduce surprises on the day.

Can I speak to a former driving examiner before my test?

Yes. EMT’s Examiner Hotline allows learner drivers to speak with a former DVSA Driving Examiner before their test. The call is designed to explain what to expect on test day, answer common questions, reduce uncertainty, and help you approach the test with greater confidence.

Mock Tests

Why choose an EMT mock test instead of a standard mock test?

A mock driving test is a realistic practice test designed to replicate the conditions of a DVSA driving test. It helps identify weaknesses before your actual test.

Why is an EMT mock test especially useful for private learners?

A mock test helps you understand the test format, manage nerves, identify faults, and improve your chances of performing well on the real driving test.

How can EMT help me understand what driving examiners expect?

EMT mock tests are conducted by a former DVSA Driving Examiner and follow the same structure, standards and assessment criteria used during an actual driving test.

How can EMT help me prepare for the actual driving test?

Yes, you may receive a mock test result indicating that you would not have met the required standard on that day. However, a mock test is a learning exercise. The aim is to identify areas that need improvement before your real test.

Can I speak to a former driving examiner before my test?

Most mock tests last around 35 to 40 minutes of actual driving, plus a pre-brief and debrief, just like a real DVSA driving test. Altogether, the session usually takes around 50 minutes, give or take.

Will I receive feedback after the mock test?

Yes. You will receive detailed feedback explaining your strengths, faults and recommended areas for improvement.

Do I receive a mock test report?

Yes. EMT provides a structured assessment report showing your performance and areas requiring further practice.

Is a mock test suitable just before my driving test?

Yes. Many learners book a mock test one to four weeks before their practical test.

Can my driving instructor attend the mock test?

Yes. Your instructor may accompany the assessment if you wish.

Private Learners

Can I book a mock test if I have been learning privately with family or friends?

Yes. A mock test is especially useful for private learners because it gives you an independent, professional assessment of your driving. It can help identify any bad habits, gaps in knowledge, or test-standard issues before you take your real DVSA driving test.

Can I use my own car for the mock driving test?

Yes, you can use your own car, as long as it is legal, roadworthy, insured for learner use, and fitted with clearly visible L plates at the front and rear. The car must also be suitable and safe to use on public roads.

Can I use an EMT vehicle for a mock test?

Yes. EMT currently offers an automatic vehicle for mock tests. Vehicle hire options and prices can be found on our pricing page.

Can a family member or friend come with me during the mock test?

Yes, a family member or friend may attend if you wish. This can be helpful if they have been supervising your private practice, as they can hear the feedback and understand what you need to work on before your real test.

Is a mock test useful if I do not have a driving instructor?

Yes. If you are learning mainly through private practice, a mock test can give you a clearer idea of whether your driving is at test standard. It can also highlight areas that family members or friends may not notice, especially around observations, judgement, positioning, planning, and independent driving.

What should private learners check before booking a mock test?

You should make sure you have valid learner driver insurance, clearly displayed L plates, a roadworthy car, and a supervising driver who meets the legal requirements if you are driving to or from the appointment. If you are unsure whether you are test-ready, the mock test can help you understand how close you are to the required standard.

Driving Examiners

Are driving examiners trying to fail candidates?

No. Driving examiners assess your driving against DVSA standards. They are looking for evidence that you can drive safely and independently.

What do driving examiners look for?

Examiners assess safety, control, observation, decision-making, awareness, planning and compliance with road traffic laws.

Are examiners allowed to trick candidates?

No. Driving examiners do not try to trick candidates. Directions and instructions should always be clear and safe.

Do examiners expect perfect driving?

No. Examiners expect safe driving. Minor mistakes are often acceptable if they do not compromise safety.

Can I talk to the examiner during my test?

Casual conversation is allowed, although it is entirely your choice.

Should I talk to the examiner during my test?

Yes and no. Be polite, ask the examiner about their day, but don’t draw yourself into lengthy conversations. Keep it short and simple, concentrate on your test, you’ve got a lot more at stake than the examiner. Constantly talking to the examiner is not the way to impress them.

Will the examiner tell me if I've made a fault?

Generally, no. No fault gets discussed during the test. The examiner records faults and discusses them during the debrief, at the end of the test. However, at serious/dangerous faults when action is taken, the examiner usually explains why they’ve taken action, for ex. “Mind the car!” while using the dual control brake or pushing you away to avoid a parked car.

Does any examiner help candidates on test?

No, that’s not the purpose of a driving test. It is important not to confuse your driving examiner with your driving instructor. Examiners will only help you clarify directions or misunderstandings. Their role is to assess whether you can drive independently and are able to make the right decisions at the right times.

What happens if the examiner takes action? Will I fail my test?

In most cases, yes. If an examiner needs to take physical or verbal action to avoid danger, it will usually result in a serious or dangerous fault. Even if someone else is at fault initially, but it’s deemed by the examiner that you had enough time and space to react and avoid an accident, then that is what’s expected of you.

Do examiners mark every small mistake?

Only mistakes that meet DVSA marking criteria are recorded.

Can examiners stop the test?

Yes. A test may be terminated if safety becomes compromised in any shape or form.

Do all driving examiners assess candidates to the same standard?

Yes. DVSA driving examiners follow nationally standardised assessment procedures.

The Driving Test

What is the most common reason people fail their driving test?

There is no single reason why people fail their driving test, but common causes include ineffective observations or/and judgement when emerging at junctions or when changing lanes, steering, positioning, however lack of progress is very significant too. An EMT mock test can help identify whether any of these issues are likely to affect your result before your real test.

What is independent driving?

Independent driving is a section of the practical driving test where you will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav, follow traffic signs or a combination of both. The examiner is not assessing your ability to navigate perfectly. They are assessing how safely and independently you drive while following the directions given.

What happens if I take a wrong turn?

You will not fail for taking a wrong turn provided it is done safely.

Can I use my own navigation system on the driving test?

No. During the practical driving test, if the independent driving section is conducted using a sat nav, the examiner will provide and set up the device for you. You are not permitted to use your own sat nav, mobile phone, or navigation system during the test.

Can I use visual and audible parking aids on my test?

Yes. If your vehicle is fitted with parking sensors, a reversing camera, a 360-degree camera system, or other parking aids, you may use them during the driving test. However, these aids should only assist you. You must still carry out effective observations all around the vehicle and demonstrate that you are aware of any hazards. Relying solely on parking aids without proper observations could result in faults being recorded.

Can I correct my position when doing a manoeuvre?

Yes. You may correct your position or make adjustments during a manoeuvre, provided you do so safely and maintain proper observation throughout. A small comfort correction may not always be worthy of a fault. However, if repositioning is needed because of a loss of accuracy or control, at least a driving fault is likely to be recorded.

Why are blind spot checks important?

Blind spot checks are important because mirrors cannot show every area around your vehicle. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users can sometimes be hidden from view. Before moving off, changing lanes or carrying out certain manoeuvres, you should check the relevant blind spots to ensure it is safe to proceed. Effective blind spot checks are a key part of safe driving and are assessed throughout the driving test.

Can mirror checks make up for blind spot checks?

No. Mirrors and blind spot checks work together, but one does not replace the other. Failing to check a blind spot when required could result in a driving fault, serious fault or dangerous fault, depending on the circumstances.

How often should I check my mirrors?

There is no fixed number of times you should check your mirrors during a driving test. Instead, you should check them whenever it is necessary to maintain awareness of what is happening around your vehicle.

As a general rule, mirrors should be checked before changing speed, changing direction, signalling, moving off, stopping, approaching hazards, and whenever road or traffic conditions change.

Examiners are looking for effective mirror use at the right time, meaning “quality and timing are more important than quantity”.

Can I fail my driving test for stalling?

Stalling does not automatically mean you will fail your driving test. However, it is a loss of control, and the seriousness of the fault depends on the circumstances.

For example, stalling by the side of the road with no one affected may only result in a driving fault, while stalling at a busy junction, rolling back on a hill, blocking traffic, or affecting vehicles behind could result in a serious or dangerous fault. The examiner will assess where it happened, who was affected, and how safely you recovered.

Can I fail my driving test for driving too slowly?

Yes, you can. Driving below the speed limit is not automatically a fault, provided it is appropriate for the road, traffic and weather conditions. However, consistently driving significantly below a safe and reasonable speed without good reason is a fault and will be assessed accordingly.

Examiners expect candidates to make safe progress when conditions allow. Driving too slowly can create frustration for other road users, affect traffic flow, and suggest a lack of confidence or judgement. The key is to choose a speed that is safe, legal and appropriate for the conditions.

Can I fail my driving test for hesitating or taking too long to emerge?

Yes, you can. Examiners understand that learner drivers need time to assess hazards and make safe decisions. A reasonable level of caution is perfectly acceptable and often encouraged.

However, excessive hesitation can become a fault and will be assessed accordingly. For example, if you repeatedly miss safe opportunities to proceed, causing unnecessary delay to other road users or demonstrating a lack of confidence and decision-making.

The aim is not to rush into situations, but to recognise when it is safe to proceed and act decisively when the opportunity arises.

Driving Test Preparation

How many driving lessons do I need before my test?

DVSA does not set a minimum number of lessons before a driving test. Every learner is different. Some have previous driving experience or better road sense, some learn faster, and others need more time.

When am I ready for my driving test?

You should consistently drive safely and independently with minimal or no instructor intervention.

What should I do the day before my test?

Rest well, avoid excessive practice, and ensure all documents and arrangements are prepared.

Should I have a driving lesson before my test?

Most learners benefit from a short lesson before the test to refresh skills and settle nerves.

What should I bring to my driving test?

Your provisional licence and a roadworthy vehicle that meets DVSA requirements.

What should I wear for my driving test?

Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear that allows good control of the pedals.

Can I chew gum during the test?

Yes, provided it doesn’t distract you from driving safely.

Can I listen to radio or music during the test?

Yes, provided it doesn’t distract you and you can still hear sat nav and examiner instructions. Some pupils find it calming to have some music in the background.

How can I calm my nerves before the test?

Practice regularly, arrive early, focus on safe driving and use breathing techniques to stay relaxed.

Is it normal to feel nervous?

Yes. Most candidates experience some level of nervousness before and during their test.

Who should I talk to about my test nerves?

You can talk to your driving instructor, a close family member, or use EMT’s Examiner Hotline service, which is designed to explain the test process, answer your questions, reduce driving test nerves and help you perform at your best.

What time of day is best for a driving test?

There is no guaranteed best time. Success depends more on preparation than timing.

Free Test Lottery – Terms and Conditions

The EMT Free Test Lottery is a free promotional prize draw operated by EMT.

+

Year Expertise

Eligibility

1 The EMT Free Test Lottery is open only to holders of a valid UK provisional driving licence. Entrants must hold a valid UK provisional driving licence at the time of entry and at the time any prize is awarded.

2 EMT reserves the right to request proof of eligibility, identity, and driving licence entitlement before any prize is awarded.

How to Enter

Entry is free and requires the completion of an EMT enquiry form.

Only one entry per person per weekly draw is permitted.

Multiple entries, duplicate entries, false information, or attempts to manipulate the draw may result in disqualification.

By entering, participants agree to EMT processing their personal information for the administration of the lottery and related enquiries.

EMT associates, contractors, business partners, and immediate family members are not eligible to enter the Free Test Lottery.

EMT reserves the right to reject or remove any entry where there is reasonable suspicion of fraudulent, misleading, duplicate, or otherwise ineligible participation.

Weekly Draw

Entries received between Monday 00:00 and Sunday 23:59 will be included in the following Monday's draw.

One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received during the relevant weekly draw period.

The winner will be contacted using the details provided on the enquiry form.

If the winner cannot be contacted, fails to respond within 7 days, or is unable to demonstrate eligibility, EMT reserves the right to select an alternative winner.

Prize Structure

Prize availability depends on the total number of valid entries received during the relevant weekly draw period.

Current prize levels are:

30 to 59 valid entries:
- Winner receives 50% off either Standard Mock Test package.

60 or more valid entries:
- Winner receives one Standard Mock Test package free of charge.

If fewer than 30 valid entries are received, no prize will be awarded for that week's draw.

Prize Conditions

Prizes may only be redeemed by the winning entrant and may not be transferred to another person.

The prize must be booked and the mock test completed within 3 months of the draw date, unless EMT agrees otherwise in writing.

Travel costs, additional instructor services, or any services not specifically included within the selected Standard Mock Test package are excluded.

Winners may choose either Standard Mock Test package, subject to availability:

Standard Mock Test using the pupil’s or instructor’s vehicle.
Standard Mock Test using an EMT dual-control vehicle.

The winner will be contacted by EMT to arrange the mock test. The date, time, location, and vehicle option must be mutually agreed between EMT and the winner, subject to availability.

Changes to the Promotion

EMT reserves the right to amend, suspend, withdraw, or modify the Free Test Lottery at any time.

Entry thresholds, prize values, eligibility criteria, draw frequency, and promotional rules may be amended by EMT at any time.

Any changes will apply to future draws and will be published on the EMT website.

General

EMT's decision regarding eligibility, prize awards, and interpretation of these Terms & Conditions shall be final.

Entry into the lottery constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.