Driving test examiner phrases explained: what they say and what they mean
A plain-English guide to what the examiner says on your driving test: 'take the next road on the left', 'pull up on the left when it's safe', 'drive into the bay', and the independent driving instructions.
Examiners use a small set of fixed phrases so every candidate hears the same thing. They are not tricks. Once you know what each one asks, the instructions become simple. Remember too that you can always ask, "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
Directions on the road
"At the end of the road, turn left" / "turn right". Do exactly that at the next junction. If it is a T-junction or crossroads, it applies there, not at a side road you pass on the way.
"Take the next road on the left" (or right). Count side roads and take the first one on that side. It means the very next turning, not a driveway or car park entrance. If a turning is blocked or unclear, ask. Treat it as a normal junction: mirrors, signal, speed, position.
"Take the second on the left." Ignore the first turning on that side and take the following one.
"Follow the road ahead." Do not turn off. Keep going on the road you are on, even if it bends or changes name, until you are told otherwise.
"At the roundabout, take the second exit" (or "turn left", "go straight on"). They tell you the exit before you reach the roundabout. Count exits from the one you enter, as the first, then go round. If you cannot work it out, follow the road markings and signs.
"Follow the signs for" a town or place. You follow the road signs for that destination until told to stop. This is part of independent driving, see below.
Stopping and moving off
"Pull up on the left when it's safe." Find the next safe, legal place on the left, signal, and stop. Safe means not on zigzags, in front of a driveway, near a junction or bus stop, or on double yellow lines. You will usually be told to make a normal stop, not to park.
"Pull up on the left at the next convenient place." Same idea; you choose, so pick somewhere obviously fine.
"Move off when you're ready." Do your normal routine: check the mirrors, signal if needed, look over your shoulder, and go when it is safe. There is no rush. Do not move off just because the examiner has spoken.
"I'm going to ask you to stop as in an emergency." On some tests the examiner explains that they will say "Stop" at some point and will give a signal. When it comes, brake firmly and promptly, keep the car straight, and wait for the next instruction. Move off again only after your usual safety checks.
Manoeuvres
The examiner names the manoeuvre and usually shows where. Typical wording is below; the exact words vary.
"Pull up on the left" before a parallel park. You stop in a suitable place, often beside a parked car, and they then ask you to reverse park behind it. Take your time and use all-round observation.
"Drive into the bay" / "reverse into the bay." A bay park: you drive in forwards, or reverse in, as they ask. Finish within the lines. Perfectly central is not required, but straight and safe is.
"Pull up on the right, reverse back for two car lengths." Stop on the right in a safe place, reverse about two car lengths along the kerb, then drive on. Check all round before and during.
Independent driving
"For the next 20 minutes or so I'd like you to drive by following the sat nav." The examiner sets up a sat nav that they supply. It gives spoken and visual directions. Follow it as you would on a normal journey, and do not stare at the screen.
"I'd like you to follow the road signs for..." In about one in five tests you follow signs instead of a sat nav. The examiner may show you a diagram to help.
Going the wrong way is not a fault in itself. Keep driving safely. The examiner will bring you back to the route.
Other things to know
Short, flat instructions are normal. "Well done" or silence tells you nothing about the result.
"Can you pull over?" Do it at the next safe place, as in a normal stop.
"Just drive as you normally would." It means exactly that. They want your everyday driving, not a performance.
How to stay on track
Listen to the whole sentence before acting. If you are not sure, say "Sorry, could you repeat that?" or "Did you mean this turning or the next?" Asking is fine and is not marked as a fault. For more calm in the car, read the driving test nerves guide, and practise the instructions on our test routes in 3D.