Guidance

Sit in and observe driving tests

You can sit in and observe a driving test if you're 16 or over, but you cannot take any part in the test and you must follow certain rules.

• From: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
• Published: 15 January 2013
• Last updated: 6 February 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 6 February 2025

     Added information about how many people are allowed to sit in and observe.

  2. 20 May 2022

     Updated the guidance to say driving instructors and supervising drivers can sit in on driving tests. Instructors and supervising drivers in Scotland have been able to sit in on driving tests since 18 April 2022.

  3. 28 March 2022

     Updated the guidance as driving instructors and supervising drivers can now sit in on driving tests in Wales.

  4. 1 March 2022

     Updated the guidance as driving instructors and supervising drivers can now sit in on driving tests in England.

  5. 5 July 2020

     Added a section explaining that you cannot currently sit in on driving tests because of coronavirus and social distancing.

  6. 2 June 2014

     Removed information about being able to act as a foreign language interpreter following the end of interpreters being allowed on tests on 7 April 2014.

  7. 7 December 2013

     Added a warning that candidates will only be able to take their test in English, Welsh or British sign language from 7 April 2014.

  8. 25 June 2013

     Updated the rule about mobile phones to make it clear that they can be set to silent or turned off.

  9. 15 January 2013

     First published.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Who can observe driving tests

Driving instructors and supervising drivers can sit in the back during driving tests.

You can observe a driving test if you’re 16 or over, but you cannot take any part in the test.

There are different rules for filming or recording a driving test.

How many people can sit in and observe

Only one person is usually allowed to sit in and observe.

You might be allowed to have 2 people sit in with you as a reasonable adjustment to meet a specific need you have. You will need to tell the driving examiner about this at the start of the test.

Before the test starts

Turn your phone off or make sure it’s switched to silent.

‘Tell me’ vehicle safety question

You can help the candidate to lift the bonnet if they’re struggling, but do not interfere unnecessarily.

Where you sit

It’s usually least intrusive to sit behind the candidate, However, the best position is wherever it’s the most comfortable, providing you can sit upright with the seat belt correctly fitted.

During the test

When the test has started, you can:

• take notes to help the candidate
• change position to improve the candidate’s visibility during the reverse exercises

Do not:

• answer your phone
• prompt the candidate by coughing or nudging the back of their seat
• nod enthusiastically or make excessive eye contact with the candidate - it can be seen as a pre-arranged code

The test will not be stopped if you naturally look left, right and behind you. However, it’s important to:

• try not to put the candidate off
• not exaggerate movements or give the impression you’re trying to coach the candidate

At the end of the test

Listen carefully to the feedback so that you can give the candidate more detailed feedback later.

Speak to the test centre manager or follow the complaints procedure if you have genuine concerns about how the test was conducted.