This account is based on the Webmaster's experience of taking the test in February 2000.

When your test has been booked, the examiner will contact you to arrange a meeting place. If you've been able to attend the lectures, you will have already had the chance to meet him.

The test starts with some form filling, followed by an explanation of what is expected of you. The examiner will explain that he will be taking notes, which doesn't mean he's just writing down your errors! This all takes about ten minutes, after which you will drive away. The examiner always provides clear instructions about which directions to go, and may occasionally offer other advice such as which lane to take if the road markings are unclear.

You will be asked to give a commentary for part of the test, perhaps about a quarter of an hour, although this is no longer mandatory. However, it does give you an opportunity to say in detail what you are observing about the road, the signs and the traffic around you, and it helps the examiner to assess your hazard recognition capabilities. Your observer will have helped you practise this. Even when you're not doing a commentary, you are free to make comments to the examiner at any time about what's happening around you and demonstrate your observational skills. If you feel you have made a mistake you should say so. There is a less formal atmosphere than in the L test, and you have enough time to settle down and demonstrate your driving skills without feeling under pressure.

You will be driving for an hour or so over as wide a variety of roads as can be arranged. You will also have to do a 3 point turn, a reverse corner and a reverse parking manoeuvre. You are given more than one chance if you fluff any of these.

On finishing, the examiner will probably first tell you whether you've passed (to reduce the tension) and then give you a detailed de-brief from his notes, including re-tracing the route you took. If you pass you will be given a temporary IAM membership card in lieu of receiving your full membership in due course. Subsequently, a certificate will be presented to you at one of the Group's monthly meetings.