Driving Advice

Extended Driving Test

How to book and pass an extended test

🕒 Updated: Jan 2026 📖 5 Min Read

What does the
Extended Driving Test involve?

For certain driving offences, you may have been ordered to take an extended driving test. You will only need to take this test if you have been disqualified from driving and ordered specifically by the court to do so.

If you have a driving ban for drink or drug driving, or if you have been disqualified for dangerous driving, these are the main offences where the extended driving test will be ordered by the court.

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At Andrew’s Driving School, we understand that the journey back to driving can be daunting, especially after an extended driving ban.

Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your extended driving test. We offer tailored lessons that focus on your specific needs, helping you brush up on essential skills and manoeuvres.

With our experienced instructors by your side, you will not only regain your driving licence but also enhance your overall driving abilities.

“Every driver deserves a second chance.”

For certain driving offences, you may have been ordered to take an extended driving test. You will only need to take this test if you have been disqualified from driving and ordered specifically by the court to do so.

If you have a driving ban for drink or drug driving, or if you have been disqualified for dangerous driving, these are the main offences where the court will order the extended assessment.

At Andrew’s Driving School, we understand that the journey back to driving can be daunting, especially after an extended driving ban. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your extended driving test.

We offer tailored lessons that focus on your specific needs, helping you brush up on essential skills and manoeuvres. With our experienced instructors by your side, you will not only regain your driving licence but also enhance your overall driving abilities.

Remember, every driver deserves a second chance, and we are committed to helping you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Your Roadmap to Regaining Your Licence

Follow these steps to ensure you pass your 60-minute extended test first time.

1

Apply for your Provisional

You can usually apply for your D1 provisional licence 56 days before your disqualification period ends.

2

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.

3

Professional Assessment

Book an assessment with us in Barnsley, Telford or North Wales. We identify "bad habits" that lead to failures in the 60-minute test.

4

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.

5

Refresher Training

Focus on high-speed dual carriageways and complex junctions—areas where many struggle during the longer assessment. Keep up with the MSM (Mirror,Signal,Manouvre routine, the whole test is based on it.

6

Pass & Drive Away

Once you pass, the examiner will give you a pass certificate and you can legally drive again immediately.

What happens on the Extended Test?

60 MINS

Twice as long as a standard driving test.

The test will last for approximately 60 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 (minor faults). However, any serious or dangerous faults will result in an immediate test fail. Because the test is longer, maintaining concentration is key.

Possible Manoeuvres

You will be asked to perform one of the following four manoeuvres:

  • 🚗 Parallel Park
  • 🅿️ Bay Park (Reverse In)
  • ⬆️ Bay Park (Forward In)
  • 🛣️ Pull up on the Right

Confused graphic about extended driving test

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.


Order D1 Form via GOV.UK ➔

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.


Book Your Theory Test ➔

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.

Using mirrors on extended driving test

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 test (40 mins), the extended test typically takes at least 60 minutes. This gives the examiner more time to assess your awareness and decision-making over a longer period.

You will be asked to carry out at least one standard 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 fewer than 16 minor faults and absolutely 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!


Book Refresher Lessons

Extended Test Costs

💳 DVSA Official Test Fees

Weekday Test
£124
Weekend / Evening Test
£150

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Please Note: These are the official DVSA booking fees for the test itself.

If you are using an instructor’s car for your test, you will also need to factor in the cost of the instructor’s time and vehicle usage for the duration of the 60-minute assessment.

Ready to check availability in Barnsley or North Wales?


Book Your Assessment Now

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 isn’t just to help you pass the test, but to ensure you remain a safe, confident driver for life.

How Can I Shorten My Driving Ban?

You may be able to shorten your driving ban by up to 25% by completing a voluntary Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Course.

📉 Example: A 12-month ban could be reduced to just 9 months upon successful completion.

This option is typically offered at the time of your court hearing if you’ve been banned for 12 months or more. The course currently costs approximately £250, though prices vary by provider.

⚠️ Crucial: The court must refer you at the time of sentencing. Always ask about this option during your hearing.

Shorten your ban & get back to your life sooner

📊 Quick Facts

  • Required after a ban (Drink, Drug, or Dangerous Driving).
  • Lasts ~60 minutes—longer than a standard test.
  • Includes one manoeuvre (Parking or Pull up on 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 60-minute assessment).

Caution: Re-offending, especially within 10 years, may lead to stricter DVLA medical checks.