How long should a mock driving test be?

Around 40 minutes of driving, matching the length of a real practical test, plus a briefing at the start and a debrief at the end.

Can I mark the mock while the pupil is driving?

No. Fill it in while parked with the engine off. As the supervising driver you must not use a phone or tablet while the car is moving.

Should I talk during the mock?

Only to give the same instructions an examiner would. The point is to see the pupil drive without coaching.

DVSA test guide

How to run a mock driving test

A mock is only useful if it feels and marks like the real thing. Here is how to run one that a pupil learns from.

Route length: About 40 minutes of driving
Manoeuvres: One set manoeuvre, possible emergency stop
Independent driving: To a destination or by traffic signs
Pass mark: Up to 15 driving faults, none serious or dangerous

Set it up like the real test

Pick a route that covers the range an examiner would use — a mix of junction types, a dual carriageway or faster road if your area has one, and somewhere for the manoeuvre. Keep it to about 40 minutes of driving.

Brief the pupil the way an examiner would: independent driving to a destination or by traffic signs, one set manoeuvre, and a possible emergency stop — asked on roughly one test in seven, so build it into some mocks and not others. Then stop talking and let them drive.

Mark it to standard

Record driving faults as they happen and step up to serious when a fault is dangerous in the moment or clearly habitual. Apply the real pass mark — up to 15 driving faults, no serious or dangerous.

Marking in Lesson Diary keeps the groups in DL25 order and gives a live pass or fail, and every fault feeds the pupil’s progress record so there is no writing it up twice.

Debrief properly

Go through the faults by area, not one long list. Pick the two or three that would most change the result and turn them into the plan for the next lessons.

Fill in the mock while parked with the engine off — not while driving. Unlike a DVSA examiner, you are legally the supervising driver, and using a phone or tablet while the car is moving is illegal (6 points and a £200 fine, and your ADI registration is at risk).

Fill in mock tests while parked with the engine off — not while driving. Unlike a DVSA examiner, an instructor is legally a supervising driver.

Figures follow published DVSA guidance, last checked 27 August 2026. Grade boundaries and criteria can change — check the current DVSA guidance, and remember only a DVSA examiner can give a real result.

Put it into practice

Lesson Diary marks mock tests DL25-style with a live pass or fail, straight into the pupil’s progress record.

Mock tests in Lesson Diary Standards Check grader

Common questions

How long should a mock driving test be?: Around 40 minutes of driving, matching the length of a real practical test, plus a briefing at the start and a debrief at the end.
Can I mark the mock while the pupil is driving?: No. Fill it in while parked with the engine off. As the supervising driver you must not use a phone or tablet while the car is moving.
Should I talk during the mock?: Only to give the same instructions an examiner would. The point is to see the pupil drive without coaching.