The C1 Ambulance Driving Test
When preparing for your C1 ambulance driving test, it is advisable to take a driving assessment to find out how many hours of training will be required to reach the necessary standard. C1 driving courses are normally run over 2-5 days, therefore once you have started training, it is not feasible to move a test booking.
It is much better to take an Ambulance Driving Test when you are fully prepared as you will be more relaxed and find it easier to demonstrate to your Examiner that you have reached the required standard set by the DVSA.
The booking of your test will be handled by your training provider as part of the training course. All you need to concentrate on is using your training time to develop your skills as an ambulance driver, because driving a large, heavy vehicle is very different to driving a car. Subsequently you will find many more challenges on the road. Patience is key and you should listen carefully to the advice and guidance from your instructor.
try not worry about things that might go wrong. Remember that Driving Examiners deal with anxious drivers every day, and are very good at spotting the difference between a bad driver and a nervous driver.
Before your C1 ambulance driving test
When the day comes, try to stay relaxed and just focus on remembering what you have been told by your Instructor. You should get the opportunity for a warm-up drive before the driving test. If you make any mistakes at this point, it can be very unsettling. However, think of it like this: would you rather make the mistake just before the tests starts, or just after? Learn from any errors and move on. Likewise, if you have a perfect drive just before the test, don’t allow yourself to become complacent and too relaxed.
Pre-test nerves
Almost everyone feels nervous immediately before the test, so try not worry about things that might go wrong. Remember that Driving Examiners deal with anxious drivers every day, and are very good at spotting the difference between a bad driver and a nervous driver. To get yourself prepared for the C1 ambulance driving test, we recommend the following steps:
- Get a good sleep the night before the test. Try to avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon, it will help you sleep.
- Eat a good, healthy breakfast – skipping breakfast can make it hard to concentrate.
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water. Dehydration is known to cause difficulty concentrating.
- Think positive – remember that the worst part is waiting for the test to start. Once it begins, your nervous energy will have something to focus on.
Things to take with you
Ensure that you have everything you need. We advise preparing everything the day before the test, so that you don’t need to worry about it on the day. For more information about what to take for your C1 ambulance driving test, click here.
At the Test Centre
Make sure you arrive with plenty of time so you are not unnecessarily stressed. When your allocated time arrives, your DVSA Driving Examiner will come and introduce themselves. You will need to show your Driving Licence (and may be asked for your Part 1 Theory Test pass certificate) and will be asked to sign the test report sheet to confirm that your vehicle is insured and that you have lived in the UK for 185 of the last 365 days. Your Examiner will then ask you to lead the way to your vehicle.
The C1 Ambulance Driving Test
Vehicle Safety Questions
You’ll then be asked five vehicle safety question, also known as ‘Show Me, Tell Me Questions. Click here for the Full list of Show Me, Tell Me Questions.
Reversing Exercise
Next, you will be asked to complete a reversing exercise. You can find many demonstrations of this exercise on YouTube. Simply search for “Category C1 Reverse”.
On The Road
The Driving Test is designed to assess your abilities when driving on a variety of different road and traffic conditions. Pre-defined test routes are created to ensure this and to make all driving tests fair regardless of where you go during the on-road driving section. You will be driving for at least 50 minutes, during which your Examiner will ask you to complete some additional exercises.
Independent Driving
You will drive for approximately 10 minutes independently, following road signs or a series of directions. Don’t worry if you go the wrong way, providing you have done so safely and legally then no fault will be marked. The most important thing is that you drive in a safe and controlled manner.
Controlled Stops
During the test, your Examiner will ask you to pull up and park on the left, before driving away. This exercise is designed to check you can safely stop your vehicle and move away again.
Instructor on test
If your training vehicle is fitted with three seats, you may request to have your Driving Instructor present on the test. Some drivers feel more relaxed with a familiar person in the cab during their test. They will not be able to offer any assistance but will be able to offer advice after the test has finished.
Don’t worry if you go the wrong way, providing you have done so safely and legally then no fault will be marked. The most important thing is that you drive in a safe and controlled manner.
Final words of advice
Try to relax and don’t worry if you feel nervous. It’s completely normal and providing you have prepared properly, you will have a good chance of passing the test. Good luck!
At the end of the test, your Examiner will inform you if you have been successful. You may have your Instructor present at this time who will be able to listen to any faults recorded and give you follow-up advice. This is especially important if you have failed the C1 driving test.
After your C1 ambulance driving test
If you have passed
Your Examiner will issue you with a pass certificate and ask you if you’d like to have your full licence sent to you automatically. If you choose to take this option, the Examiner will take your provisional licence and ask you to sign another box on the test sheet. They will then arrange for your new licence to be posted to you. This is the easiest and fastest option. It can take up to three weeks for the new licence to arrive. If you will need it in this time, keep hold of it. You will need to post it to DVLA yourself.
If you have not been successful
If your examiner records more than 15 driving faults (minors) during your test or at least one serious or dangerous fault, you will have failed the C1 ambulance driving test. Click here to find out more about the marking process. The Examiner will explain the reason(s) for any faults recorded to help you when preparing for your next test.
If your Instructor is present, they will also be able to listen to the Examiners advice which will be useful when you take your next lesson. You will also be given your test report which shows the faults recorded and contains information about them on the back. You must wait 3 working days before re-taking the test, so use this time wisely and spend time with your Instructor working on any issues you may have.
Click here to search for a trusted, local C1 training provider or complete the form below and one of our trusted, local trainers will be in touch.