Extended Driving Test
Getting Your Licence Back: Extended Driving Test Guide
Who needs an Extended Driving Test?
For certain serious driving offences, a court may order you to take an extended driving test before you can get your licence back. You will only need to take this test if you have been disqualified from driving and specifically required by the court to do so.
Extended tests are most commonly ordered after offences such as dangerous driving, drink driving, or drug driving.
At Andrew’s Driving School, we understand that returning to driving after a ban can feel daunting. Our experienced instructors provide calm, supportive refresher training to help you rebuild confidence, correct unsafe habits, and prepare thoroughly for the longer assessment.
With tailored lessons focused on your individual needs, we’ll help you regain your licence safely and become a more confident driver for the future.
“Every driver deserves a second chance.”
Your Roadmap to Regaining Your Licence
Follow these steps to ensure you pass your 65-minute extended test the first time.
Apply for your Provisional
You can usually apply for your D1 provisional licence 56 days before your disqualification period ends.
Pass the Theory Test
Even if you've passed it before, you must pass the theory and hazard perception test again once your ban is up.
Professional Assessment
Book an assessment with us in North Wales or Telford. We identify "bad habits" that lead to failures in the 65-minute test.
Book the Extended Practical
The fee is higher (£124+) and the test is twice as long. We help you choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare.
Refresher Training
Focus on high-speed dual carriageways and complex junctions—areas where many struggle during the longer assessment. Keep using the MSM routine (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre), as the entire test is based on safe observation and planning.
Pass & Drive Away
Once you pass, the examiner will give you a pass certificate and you can legally drive again immediately.
What happens during the Extended Driving Test?
Twice as long as a standard driving test.
The test lasts around 65 minutes. During that time, you will be taken over various routes, usually including dual carriageways and complex junctions.
To pass, you are allowed up to 15 driving faults (minors). However, any serious or dangerous faults will result in an immediate test fail. Because the test is longer, maintaining concentration is key.
The test is marked in the same way as a standard driving test — the main difference is the longer duration and wider range of roads covered.
➔ Possible Manoeuvres
You will be asked to perform one of the following four manoeuvres:
- 🚗 Parallel Park
- 🅿️ Bay Park (Reverse In)
- ⬆️ Bay Park (Forward In)
- 🛣️ Pulling up on the right
How Do I Get My Licence Back?
Follow these specific steps to move from disqualification back to legal driving.
1. The DVLA Application
About 56 days before your disqualification ends, you should receive a reminder from the DVLA. If you don’t receive one, you can apply manually using Form D1.
2. The Theory Test
You’ll need to book and pass a theory test before you can sit the extended practical test. This ensures your road knowledge is fully up to date.
3. The Extended Practical
Once passed, you’re eligible for the extended test. Be aware that this test is longer and more thorough, so taking professional refresher lessons beforehand is highly recommended.
Getting your licence back is a step-by-step process. With the right preparation and mindset, you can get back on the road safely, legally, and with total confidence.
What to Expect from the Extended Test
The extended driving test is more demanding than the standard learner test, both in terms of length and the context in which it’s taken. It’s specifically designed for drivers who have previously been disqualified and are now reapplying for their licence.
Unlike the standard driving test, which usually lasts around 40 minutes,
the extended test typically takes around 65 minutes.
This gives the examiner more time to assess your awareness, judgement,
and decision-making over a longer period.
You will normally be asked to carry out at least one manoeuvre (Parallel Park, Bay Park, or Pulling up on the right) and you may also be asked to perform an emergency stop. To pass, you must complete the test with up to 15 driving faults (minors) and no serious or dangerous faults.
Is it marked more strictly?
Technically, the assessment rules are the same. However, examiners are aware that you are taking an extended test. Your licence carries a code indicating the type of previous offence (e.g., CD40).
“The examiner’s job is simply to make sure that everyone who passes is safe and responsible. While they may keep a closer eye on specific habits, you are still entitled to a fair and impartial assessment.”
This is your opportunity to show that you’re ready to get back behind the wheel—focused, capable, and committed to safe driving.
Take your time, stay calm, and give it your best shot. You’ve got this!
Extended Test Costs
Ready to check availability in North Wales or Telford?
Getting your licence back after a ban
Once you have passed the extended driving test and have your licence back, it is essential to take extra care whilst driving. You should note that penalties can become significantly more severe if you are considered a high-risk offender.
⚠️ Important: The 10-Year Rule
If you receive another driving ban within 10 years, you may be classified as a high-risk offender. In these cases, you may be required to pass a medical examination with one of the DVLA’s appointed doctors before your licence is returned.
Driving offences that commonly lead to a court-ordered extended test include:
- 🍺 Drink Driving
- 💊 Drug Driving
- ⚠️ Dangerous Driving
Our goal at Andrew’s Driving School is not just to help you pass the test, but to help you return to safe driving with confidence.
How Can I Shorten My Driving Ban?
Recommended Extended Test Practice Aids
A few helpful products that can support your preparation for the extended driving test and help rebuild confidence before getting back on the road.
Blind Spot Mirror
Helpful for improving all-round observations and refining manoeuvres ahead of and during your extended driving test. It can also support more accurate parking by giving you a clearer view of blind spots, kerb distance, and surrounding vehicles, helping you position the car safely and confidently during parallel or bay parking.
View on AmazonLearner Driver Interior Mirror
Essential if you are practising in your own car with a supervising driver. While we provide these during lessons, you will need one fitted if using your own vehicle for private practice.
View on AmazonOfficial DVSA Theory Test Book
Ideal for refreshing your road knowledge, signs, and hazard awareness before your extended driving test. A great way to rebuild confidence and safe driving habits.
View on Amazon📊 Quick Facts
- ✔ Required after a ban (Drink, Drug, or Dangerous Driving).
- ✔ Lasts ~65 minutes—longer than a standard test.
- ✔ Includes one manoeuvre (Parking or pulling up on the right).
- ✔ Max 15 minor faults. One serious fault = Fail.
- ✔ Covers various roads & high-speed dual carriageways.
Cost: £124 Weekdays | £150 Weekends
To drive again you must:
01
Get a provisional licence (Apply via Form D1 if no reminder is sent).
02
Pass the theory test (Essential before booking your practical).
03
Pass the extended practical test (The final 65-minute assessment).
Caution: Re-offending, especially within 10 years, may lead to stricter DVLA medical checks.
Extended Driving Test FAQs
The DVSA fee for an extended practical driving test is £124 on weekdays and £150 for evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
This does not include the cost of any driving lessons or using an instructor’s car for the test.
An extended driving test is a longer and more demanding practical test ordered by a court for drivers who have been disqualified following serious driving offences.
It is designed to make sure you can drive safely, responsibly, and to full test standard before getting your licence back.
The extended driving test usually lasts around 65 minutes, compared with about 40 minutes for a standard driving test.
The extra time gives the examiner more opportunity to assess your awareness, judgement, and decision-making in a wider range of road and traffic situations.
Yes, the extended test is more demanding because it lasts longer and gives the examiner more time to assess your driving.
However, the marking standards are the same. You still need to show safe, controlled driving with no serious or dangerous faults.
The test includes normal road driving, different traffic conditions, and at least one manoeuvre such as parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right and reversing.
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
You can have up to 15 driving faults, sometimes called minors, but you must not pick up any serious or dangerous faults.
Yes, you can take the extended driving test in your own car as long as it meets DVSA rules for test vehicles.
The car must be roadworthy, insured for the test, taxed, have a valid MOT if needed, and display L plates. You will also need an extra interior mirror for the examiner .
In most cases, yes. Even experienced drivers usually benefit from lessons to rebuild confidence, correct bad habits, and prepare for the standard the examiner expects.
Professional lessons can also help you practise the manoeuvres and observations that are commonly assessed on the extended test.
Discover more learner driver guides, driving test tips, manoeuvres, and lesson recaps to help you build confidence and pass your test. Visit the Learner Hub