Mock Driving Tests with a Former DVSA Driving Examiner

Want to know if you’re really ready for the big day?

Maybe one of these sounds familiar:

• Your instructor says “not yet,” and you politely disagree.
• Your instructor wants a second opinion, or wants to give their nervous pupil a realistic taste of the real thing.
• Your partner says “I think you’re okay,” but you’re not sure they’re being objective.
• Your parents say “you’re fine,” but you just aren’t certain.
• Your mates say “just wing it.” But it’s not them taking the test. The waiting lists are long, you don’t want to waste your slot, and you want an honest second opinion.

So let’s find out the truth.

ADIs can and do provide mock tests. But the vast majority haven’t been trained as examiners and, through no fault of their own, often over-assess and over-mark, often giving a false positive or negative.

I’m Drew. An ex driving instructor and a former DVSA driving examiner. I’ve taught, passed, and failed thousands of learner drivers over the years. I was well known in the ADI community for keeping things calm and giving nervous test candidates a fair, stress-free experience.

I know the test inside out. I used to be the one holding the iPad. Now I provide an authentic mock driving test experience in Hartlepool, Durham, Sunderland, and Darlington. The real deal, before the real deal.

What is a Mock Driving Test?

A full 40-minute run-through of the official DVSA driving test. Whether you’re booking a mock driving test in Hartlepool, Durham, Sunderland, or Darlington, here’s exactly what you get:

• Routes similar to those used around your local test centre
• The same timing as the real test
• The same structure and marking approach used on the real test
• The same pressure

You get the full experience of a proper test. You also receive a paper copy of the test report and a digital copy later that day if you want it.

Who is this for?

• Learners taking the test in their own car who want an honest appraisal
• Any instructor who wants a second opinion, or wants to give their nervous pupil a realistic dry run
• People taught by parents or partners who want an independent assessment
• Pupils told by their instructor they’re “not ready” who want to check for themselves
• Anyone who wants to tackle test nerves by experiencing the pressure before the real thing
• Anyone who wants to take one, regardless of the reason

Why book one?

Because nothing compares to the nerves of test day. A lesson is one thing. A test is a different experience entirely for some people.

A mock driving test shows you what you do well, where you slip up, and whether you’d have likely passed if it had been the real thing.

You’ll walk away with a clear, honest assessment of your driving. No sugar-coating. No nonsense.

Is this a lesson?

No. Let’s be crystal clear:

• This is an assessment only.
• I will not tell you how to fix faults or coach you on improving.
• You will get a debrief, exactly like an examiner gives at the end of a real test.

If you need instruction, that’s what your ADI or PDI is there for.

What you’ll need

• A roadworthy, insured car suitable for the assessment — automatic or manual, it doesn’t matter
• Your provisional licence
• L plates
• A thick skin (kidding… kind of)

Where will we conduct the test?

We meet at an agreed location close to the driving test centre where you plan to take your actual test. You need to bring your own car.

I can’t provide a car for this service unless you’re in an automatic, in which case we can use one of the DrewMatic driving school cars.

To be clear: I don’t participate in the general running of DrewMatic any more. I’m not assessing you with a view to selling you anything. I’m not bothered which driving school you’re with, if any. I’m there to provide a simple, honest, and fair mock driving test. Nothing else.

For an actual practical driving test where you can’t use an instructor’s car, Arnold Clark hire both manual and automatic dual-controlled cars.

You do not need a dual-controlled car for the mock test or the actual driving test.

If I pass my mock test, does that mean I’ll pass my real test?

No. Absolutely not. Passing a mock driving test does not guarantee you’ll pass the real thing. The unexpected happens on test day.

If you pass your mock but fail your actual test, you cannot use that to challenge your examiner’s decision.

The mock test is an ultra-realistic, accurate rehearsal. Nothing more, nothing less.

If I pass my mock test, does my instructor have to change their mind?

No. Your driving instructor has the final, absolute say on whether they allow you to take your test in their car. A mock test result cannot override that.

The DVSA hold your instructor accountable when pupils test in their car. They receive a mark on their professional record. Ask your instructor to explain the Standards Check marker system.

I’ve helped many instructors by providing a realistic test experience for pupils who were nervous, or where the instructor wanted a fair second opinion.

If your instructor isn’t involved, you don’t have to tell them you’ve taken a mock test. But you can use the result to decide how you want to proceed.

Do you have a DBS certificate?

Yes. I carry a current enhanced DBS certificate to every mock test. You can view it on request. I’m also happy to provide access to the DBS Certificate Update Checking Service so you can confirm in real time that it’s valid.

It’s the same standard DBS check the DVSA run on driving instructors. I offer you the chance to see it in person at the start of every session.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. Absolutely. I welcome it.

We follow current DVSA rules. Your accompanying person must sit in the back, stay silent throughout, and remain as still as possible.

Book Your Mock Driving Test For Only £30

Don’t gamble your test slot on guesswork. Find out where you really stand with a proper mock driving test delivered by an ex-examiner who understands the test format, structure, and marking standards inside out.

Available for a mock driving test in Hartlepool, Darlington, Durham, and Sunderland.

Important: Drew won’t see your form when you fill it in. To keep the mock driving test as realistic as possible, Drew will only know your name, address, and contact number — the same information a DVSA examiner would have. Your form goes to our office staff, who check the details, filter out spam, then contact you to make arrangements. You’ll meet Drew at the agreed location on the day of your mock test.

WE’RE SORRY, BUT IT IS NOT CURRENTLY POSSIBLE TO BOOK A MOCK TEST WITH DREW 

HE WILL RETURN TO PROVIDING MOCK TESTS WITH US IN LATE NOVEMBER 2026.