A mock driving test is a practice run of the real DVSA car test. Your instructor plays the examiner, marks every fault the same way, and then tells you honestly whether you are ready. We run mock driving tests across Manchester, Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Oldham, Rochdale and Stockport.
A mock test fits inside a normal lesson. Lessons cost £37 or £39 per hour depending on your postcode, with a minimum session of 90 minutes, so there is time for the full test and a proper debrief. All our instructors speak English, Urdu and Punjabi.
Book a Mock Test Call 077 122 122 75
What Happens in Our Mock Driving Test
We follow the same structure as the real test, as set out on GOV.UK:
| Part of the test | What you do |
|---|---|
| Eyesight check | Read a number plate from 20 metres |
| Tell me question | Explain one vehicle safety check before you drive |
| General driving | Around 35 minutes of driving in total on varied roads, with a normal stop, pulling out from behind a parked car and a hill start |
| Independent driving | About 20 minutes of the drive following a sat nav or traffic signs |
| Reversing exercise | Parallel park, bay park, or pull up on the right and reverse about 2 car lengths |
| Show me question | Use one control while driving, such as the rear demister or washers |
| Emergency stop | Possible, as on the real test |
| Debrief | We go through every fault, why it happened and what to practise |
During the drive your instructor stays quiet apart from directions, just like an examiner. That is the point: you find out how you drive with no prompts.
How Your Mock Test Is Marked
| Fault type | What it means | Effect on the real test |
|---|---|---|
| Driving fault (minor) | Not potentially dangerous, but could become serious if repeated | Up to 15 allowed |
| Serious fault | Something potentially dangerous | Fail |
| Dangerous fault | Actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property | Fail |
A single mock pass does not mean you are ready. What matters is driving at test standard again and again, with no serious faults and few repeated minors.
When to Take a Mock Driving Test
- 4 to 6 weeks before your test. This leaves time to fix what the mock shows.
- In your final week. A second mock checks the faults are gone and builds confidence for the day.
- Before you book. If you are not sure you are ready, a mock gives you an honest answer before you pay £62 to £75 for a test.
DVSA’s Ready to Pass checklist is a good guide. You should be driving consistently well, on your own, in all kinds of conditions.
Revise the official show me tell me questions and answers before your mock test, so the vehicle checks feel easy on the day.
Common Faults We Find on Mock Tests
DVSA’s list of the most common reasons for failing the car test includes poor observation at junctions, not using mirrors correctly when changing direction and not moving off safely. These are the same things a mock test usually picks up:
- Pulling out at a junction without a proper look both ways, especially at angled or busy junctions.
- Changing lanes on a large roundabout without checking mirrors and blind spot.
- Moving off from the kerb without a final check over the shoulder.
- Missing a speed limit change, such as a 20mph zone in a residential area.
- Rushing the reversing exercise instead of checking all round.
Mock Tests Near Your Test Centre
DVSA does not publish test routes, and examiners can change them on the day. So we run your mock test on the kinds of roads around your centre rather than one memorised route:
| Test centre | Roads we practise on |
|---|---|
| Cheetham Hill | Busy inner city traffic, tight junctions and crossings |
| Chadderton | Residential streets, roundabouts and dual carriageway joins |
| Sale and West Didsbury | Faster main roads, roundabouts and suburban streets |
| Bolton | A roads, hills and town centre junctions |
| Bredbury | M60 junction roundabouts and Stockport main roads |
Your Questions Answered
What is a mock driving test?
It is a practice run of the real car test. Your instructor acts as the examiner, marks faults the same way and gives you a full debrief at the end.
How much does a mock driving test cost?
A mock test is part of a normal lesson, at £37 or £39 per hour depending on your postcode. A 90 minute session gives time for the test and the debrief.
How many mock tests should I take?
Most learners benefit from at least two: one a few weeks before the test and one in the final week. Your instructor will suggest more if the faults keep coming back.
Can I take a mock test if I learn with another instructor?
Yes. A mock test with a new instructor is a good way to get a second opinion before your test. Read about changing your instructor if you want to keep learning with us.
Will the mock test use the real test route?
No. DVSA does not publish test routes. We use the same types of roads and junctions you are likely to meet around your test centre.
What happens if I fail my mock test?
That is useful. You find out what to fix before the real test, when it costs nothing extra. If your test is close and you are not ready, you can move it on GOV.UK. Since 31 March 2026 you can change a test date up to 2 times.
