Learning how to take Driving Test When Pregnant

Taking your driving test when pregnant

Emergency stop when pregnant

During the test you may be asked to demonstrate the emergency stop. There is no way to know in advance if it will be included – roughly one in three tests contains it.

If pregnant and on a driving test, the examiner

may still request the emergency stop

The examiner follows a set test sheet for that time slot, including:

• Which route to use.
• Which manoeuvre to ask for.
• Whether the emergency stop is included.

If the emergency stop is on that sheet, they will still ask you to do it, even if you are pregnant. Refusing the exercise will normally mean a failed test.

To feel more comfortable:

• Practise emergency stops in lessons so you know exactly what to expect.
• Make sure your seat and steering wheel are adjusted so you can brake firmly but comfortably.

For full step-by-step guidance, see our tutorial: The emergency stop explained.

Observations, pregnancy and the test manoeuvres

Good observation is one of the key skills to pass the test. The parts that require the most looking around are the manoeuvres. On your test you will be asked to do one of the following:

• Reverse bay parking
• Forward bay parking
• Parallel parking
• Pulling up on the right

All of these need constant all-round checks. Depending on how far along you are, twisting and turning can feel harder.

One useful rule to remember:

• It is legal and allowed on the test to remove your seat belt while you are reversing to help you turn and see more clearly.

Just make sure you:

• Refasten your belt before you move forwards again.
• Ask your instructor to practise manoeuvres in cars and positions that feel physically comfortable for you.

If you drive forwards without your seat belt on, even for a short distance, the examiner will usually have to mark this as a serious fault.

Driving test centres and practical comfort

Most learners feel very nervous before the test. When you add pregnancy on top, basic comfort becomes even more important.

A few points to think about:

• Not all test centres have toilet facilities for candidates.
• It can help to check in advance where the nearest toilets are to your test centre.
• Wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes that give you good pedal control.
• Bring some water and a light snack if you are prone to feeling faint or low on energy.
• Tell your instructor and examiner that you are pregnant so they understand if you need a short moment to adjust your seat or belt.

If you feel unwell or unsafe at any point, you can ask to stop the car safely at the side of the road. The examiner’s first priority is always safety.