You need to know which skills you must master before taking your Driving Test. If you are fully prepared and have also spent enough time practising then, you can expect to pass.
In recent years the Driving Standards Agency has been much more open about the driving test and what is required. This has helped both candidates and their instructors to understand the test and improve your chances of passing. Instructors are also now actively encouraged by the DSA to sit-in on driving tests and listen to the examiner’s de-brief at the end of the test. This is of benefit even to the most experienced and well qualified ADI.
To help you learn in a structured way, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has produced a Driver's Record. This has a list of 24 key skills covered in the practical driving test. It has space for your instructor to fill in as you progress through the five levels shown on the Record. Levels one to four should be initialled and dated by your instructor, and full details added when you reach level five. From this, both you and your instructor will be able to see at a glance which skills you need to improve.
You need to learn the skill and then practise to get the experience. You also need to learn both the theory and practical driving at the same time, especially now that the theory test contains a hazard perception part. The record is a pocket-sized leaflet that you should take with you to all your driving lessons.
The five levels - the meaning of each level is:
the skill is introduced
it can be carried out under full instruction
it can be carried out correctly when prompted
it seldom needs to be prompted
you can carry it out consistently without any prompting
The Driver's Record will help to remind you what you're trying to achieve, how to get there and how far you've got. Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. In this section we explain what each key skill means:
1. Key Skill - Legal responsibilities
As a driver it is your responsibility to ensure that both you and your vehicle are legal. At the beginning of the driving test you will sign a declaration that your vehicle is insured and roadworthy. Once you are outside the Driving Test Centre, the examiner will check your eyesight by asking you to read a modern registration plate from a distance of at least 20 metres (66 feet). If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, you must wear them when you drive - during the test and afterwards. If you cannot meet the eyesight requirements you will fail the test at once and not be asked to drive.
2. Key Skill - Cockpit checks
It’s a good habit to check that you are sat in correct and comfortable position to drive. To get the correct order, use this easy to remember route can be learnt using the mnemonic “DSSSM”. This stands for:
Doors Make sure that all doors are closed before moving off Seat Do ensure that the seat and head restraints are adjusted correctly Steering Be sure that you can reach the entire wheel is running both hands round the rim Seat Belt It is a legal requirement for all car occupants to wear a seat belt Mirrors These must be set so that you will see any following traffic or other road users to your sides
In addition, make sure your parking brake is applied before starting the engine. When you start the engine check your gauges, including the one for your fuel.
3. Key Skill - Safety checks
Good habits are important. Before driving there are important vehicle checks to make. To get the correct order, use this easy to remember route can be learnt using the mnemonic “POWER”. This stands for:
Petrol Make sure that you have enough fuel for your journey Oil Do check that your engine has enough oil Water Ensure that there is enough coolant and screen-wash. Also check the other engine fluids at the same time Electrics All your lights must be clean and working Rubber Make sure that your tyres are at the correct pressures and are legal
In addition, keep your windscreen clean and clear. Do have your vehicle serviced at the proper intervals and it will be much less likely to break down.
At the start of your driving test you will be asked one “Show Me” and one “Tell Me” question to check this knowledge.
4. Key Skill - Use of the Controls and Instruments
To drive competently, use of the vehicle’s controls needs to be second nature. If your instructor still needs to help you, then you are definitely not ready for your driving test.
Foot Controls ABC – Accelerator, Brake and Clutch
Accelerator Use the accelerator or throttle smoothly when moving off, or to speed up, slow down or change gear.
Brake Use the footbrake smoothly and progressively. If you look well ahead you will have more time to avoid hurried or harsh braking.
Clutch Use the clutch correctly and smoothly when moving off, changing gear or stopping.
Hand Controls Steering Wheel, Gear Lever, Parking Brake, Indicators and Headlights
Steering Wheel In forward driving, both hands should be on the wheel in a position corresponding to "ten to two" or "quarter to three" on a clock face. If you find either of these uncomfortable try adjusting your seat. (It may not be convenient to maintain the "ten to two' or "quarter to three" position when performing the set exercises). You should keep both hands on the steering wheel except when you need one to operate another control or give an arm signal. Always to steer a steady course. Your hands will follow where your eyes are looking. When steering round corners, turn the steering wheel at the correct time. If you turn too early you will cut the corner when turning right, or hit the kerb when turning left. If you turn the wheel too late or not enough when cornering you may, not get round or you may end up incorrectly positioned. If you steer too early when turning left you may hit the kerb.
Gear Lever Use the gear which matches your speed and the road and traffic conditions. Change gear in good time, though not too soon for changing road or traffic conditions, or for junctions. Do not take your eyes off the road when changing gear. Never let the vehicle coast in neutral or with the clutch disengaged, for example when approaching a road junction or going downhill.
Parking Brake Known also as the handbrake. When a pause becomes a wait, apply the handbrake. Use the ratchet button to apply as well as release.
Indicators Use to communicate your intentions correctly, ensuring they are always switched off after any change of direction
Headlights Use to see and been seen when visibility is poor
Other Controls Windscreen Wipers, demister, heated windows and the horn
Windscreen Wipers Use the correct setting to suit the amount of rain
Demister and Heated Windows Use to prevent the windows misting up
Instruments For example, the Speedometer and the Warning Lights
Speedometer Glance to check speed at regular intervals
Warning Lights Use in accordance with the Highway Code and the law
5. Key Skill - Moving Away and Stopping
On your driving test you can expect to be pulled up on the left and asked to move off several times. This is to show the examiner that you can move off safely and under control on the flat, from behind a parked vehicle and, if practicable, on a hill. In both cases, use the driving plan – Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSM Routine).
Use your mirrors and just before moving away, check that it is safe by looking round for traffic and pedestrians in your offside blind spot. Give a signal if this is necessary. Move off in a controlled way making balanced use of accelerator, clutch and brakes, and steer safely. Make sure you are in the correct gear.
An easy way to remember the correct route for moving off can be learnt using the mnemonic “POM”. This stands for:
Prepare Getting the car ready to move off Observation Making sure it is safe to move off Manoeuvre. Co-ordinating the controls properly
To stop, always use your mirrors first. You can then determine whether a signal is necessary and how to time it. Always gently brake to a stop, there’s not usually a need to change gear. Pull up reasonably close to the kerb to allow enough room for other traffic to pass safely.
6. Safe positioning
The rule of the road is that you keep to the left. For the safety and convenience of others, make sure that you drive in the correct position the vehicle correctly during normal driving. Your vehicle’s nearside wheels shouldn’t be too close to the gutter and nor should the car be hugging the crown of the road.
Lane discipline. There are often road markings and sometimes traffic signs that will help to guide your choice of lane to match the route or direction that you need to travel.
7. Key Skill - Mirrors - Vision and use
To drive safely you must be able to see any following traffic or other road users to your sides. Just looking is not enough; you must look soon enough, judge what may happen and act accordingly. You should not set your mirrors so that you have to make an excessive head movement to use them; this can be dangerous and is unnecessary - the examiner is trained to recognise proper use of correctly adjusted mirrors.
As well as the general checks you need to look make effective use of mirror(s) well before:
Signalling Before you give any signal you must make sure you know what is behind you. You need to know how your signal and what you intend to do could affect following drivers
Changing direction If you intend to change direction you must first use your mirrors. You will need to do this before turning right or left, overtaking anything stationary or moving, or when changing lanes. Remember to make a further check just before you actually change direction.
Slowing down or stopping If you intend to slow down or to stop on the left you must first check your mirrors. Do this also if you have to reduce speed or stop at traffic lights, junctions, pedestrian crossings, or for any other reason.
8. Key Skill – Signals
Signals are your means of communication with other road users.
You should give the correct signals and give them early enough. Then other road users will know what you intend to do well before you do it. You need to give signals:
Where necessary Where if it will help or warn any other road users, including pedestrians.
Correctly Only use the signals shown in the Highway Code. Never beckon to pedestrians to cross the road: you could put them in danger from other vehicles. Make sure direction indicators are cancelled as soon as your movement is completed.
In good time Others on the road need plenty of warning of what you plan to do; so give your signals early enough
9. Key Skill - Anticipation and planning
Always think well ahead. Aim to judge what other road users might do next and how that might affect you. Try not to be taken by surprise. Consider:
Pedestrians Do watch out for pedestrians; they may not have seen you. A child or elderly person especially, may step into the road when you would least expect it; give them plenty of room and be ready to stop for them. When turning from one road into another, give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
Cyclists Keep a look out for cyclists, particularly children. At junctions or in stationary or slow-moving traffic they may move up on your left. Cyclists may be using a bus lane or cycle lane so look out for them if you intend to cross it.
Drivers Watch the actions of other drivers carefully. particularly when they are approaching junctions. pedestrian crossings and other hazards. Remember that motorcyclists may well come through where there is not enough room for a car.
Be on the continuous look out for and be ready to take prompt and appropriate action on traffic signs, road markings, traffic lights signals and signals being given by those directing traffic.
10. Key Skill - Use of speed
Very few learner drivers will intentionally break the speed limit, however, a number do drive too fast for the conditions. It is this extremely serious mistake that is a factor in a large number of crashes involving new drivers. Make sure you can stop safely well within the distance you can see is clear. Take account of other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, the weather conditions and the state of the road. Remember that on wet roads you need a greater distance to stop.
You must also make progress by driving at a speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions and avoiding undue hesitancy. You will not pass the test if you wait when it is safe and correct to proceed, drive unnecessarily slowly, or stop needlessly.
11. Key Skill - Other traffic
Keeping plenty of room between yourself and other road users will help keep you safe.
Overtake other vehicles safely Do not overtake unless you can do so without forcing vehicles coming towards you or the one you are overtaking to swerve or slow down. Always allow safe clearance between your own vehicle and the one you are overtaking. Give the vehicle you have overtaken plenty of room before you pull back into the left. Give cyclists plenty of room, they may swerve or wobble. When approaching pedestrian crossings, obey the special rules about overtaking given in the Highway Code.
Meet other vehicles safely Watch for places where the road narrows or where for any reason there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely. Wait and let approaching vehicles come through if you are in doubt.
Cross the path of other vehicles safely When turning right, do not cross approaching traffic from the opposite direction unless you can do so safely. Other vehicles should not have to stop, reduce speed or swerve to allow you to cross.
Passing Stationary Vehicles Allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles and be prepared to slow down. A car door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without giving any signal.
12. Key Skill – Junctions
Junctions, by definition are places where traffic of all types will cross. In road safety terms, if we get it right at junctions then we will be sure not to be become a crash statistic.
Regulate speed correctly on approach Slow down if necessary so that you can enter a road junction safely; stop if the way is not clear.
Take effective observation before emerging You must make sure it is safe to go on before you move into, or cross, any junction. This calls for accurate assessment of road and traffic conditions. So look all round for traffic and keep a special lookout for motorcyclists and cyclists who are not always easy to see. Be extra careful where there is a bend or hill or where something blocks your view.
Position the vehicle correctly before turning right Well before you reach the turn, you will need to move over to just left of the centre of the road. But if you are in a road which only allows one lane of traffic in each direction, keep over to the left. On a dual carriageway, or in a one way street, you should take the right hand lane when you intend turning right
Position the vehicle correctly before turning left Keep over to the left before turning. If you are driving an unusually long vehicle you may need to move out before you make the turn, but watch out for cyclists or motorcyclists who may be coming up on your left
Avoid cutting right hand corners Cutting tight-hand corners is a dangerous practice; you will not be able to see so far round the corner and you will be on the wrong side of the road you are entering.
13. Key Skill - Roundabouts
Roundabouts are a type of road junction that is designed to help keep traffic moving. The different kinds are:
Standard Roundabout On approach these are often have route direction information. This gives you plenty of time to plan your route and decide which signals and lanes to use entering and leaving
Mini Roundabout These are often located at former T-Junctions or Crossroads. The same Highway Code rules apply, but there is less room to manoeuvre and less time to signal
Multiple Mini Roundabouts Traffic signs explain the layout on approach. Each roundabout needs to be treated separately, applying the Highway Code
Traffic Light controlled Roundabouts Priorities will be controlled by the traffic lights
14. Key Skill - Pedestrian crossings
Pedestrians, particularly the young and the elderly are vulnerable road users. Depending on the local authorities policy, their road safety section will vary the use different types of crossings depending on the location. As an example, a puffin crossing is likely to be located outside a hospital. The types of crossing are:
Controlled by traffic light signals Pelican, puffin, toucan and equestrian
Uncontrolled crossings Zebra crossings
Split crossings Controlled and uncontrolled crossings can be split by a refuge
School crossing patrols At school times, controlled and uncontrolled crossings can be managed by a warden
Refuges These can be independent of any crossing. They are islands in the centre of the road where pedestrians are expected to wait until the traffic has passed before crossing
You must slow or stop as necessary for pedestrians using a crossing. If you can see people waiting to cross the road at a zebra crossing, slow down and be ready to stop. A waiting pedestrian can’t see your brake lights, so consider a slowing down arm signal. When the amber light is flashing at a pelican crossing you may go on unless there are any pedestrians still crossing.
15. Key Skill - Dual carriageways
Whatever the type of dual carriageway, they usually do carry considerable traffic. They can sometimes be urban clearways where the speed limit is greater that the 30 mph limit found in a built up area.
Joining a dual carriageway. This can be from a T-Junction or sometimes a slip road where you will need to adjust your speed to the traffic on the main carriageway at the same time as looking for a suitable gap to enter. Always check for any new speed limit.
Driving along a dual carriageway. Keep checking the speed limit and be sure that you are in the correct road position. If the road is clear you will normally keep to the left. You may need to overtake slower traffic or change lanes depending on your intended route. When turning right you will usually need to be in the right hand lane or a filter lane if there is one.
Leaving a dual carriageway. This may be a turn to the left or right into a single carriageway road, or there may be a slip road. You will need to be in the correct road position in plenty of time before you turn.
When you are joining, driving along or leaving a dual carriageway, use your mirrors fully. When joining, or needing to change lane to the right, use your interior and right door mirrors. When leaving, or needing to change lane to the left, use your interior and left door mirrors. Where there is traffic following, or to your side you will need to give a direction signal in plenty of time. You will need to see how traffic responds to this and decide if it is safe to move across or not.
16. Key Skill - Turning the vehicle around
Traditionally known as the “three point turn” this is one method for turning your car round to face the opposite direction.
As one of the possible set piece exercises on the driving test, you can be asked to turn your vehicle in the road so that it faces the other way. This is to show you can manoeuvre your vehicle safely and accurately in a restricted space. You will need to show:
Control of the vehicle. Keep control of the vehicle by careful and co-ordinated use of the controls, including the handbrake. You should try not to touch the kerbs while turning. Depending on the width of the road, the examiner will not necessarily expect you to complete the turn in three movements, but do make as few as you can.
Due regard for other road users. Observe for other traffic, as well as any pedestrians and show them sensible consideration. Try not to block the road for too long, but do be ready to wait for other traffic pass if it wants to.
17. Key Skill - Reversing
This is one of the possible set piece exercises on the driving test. You will be asked to pull up by the side of the road just before a turning. Your examiner will point out the side road and ask you to reverse into it. If you are driving a vehicle without a clear view to the rear you may be asked to reverse into an opening on the right.
After the examiner gives this instruction you will have to drive past the opening and stop in a position from where you can safely reverse into the turning. Make sure you position your vehicle so that you can carry out the exercise properly. You must reverse around the corner, straighten the vehicle up and continue to reverse back for a reasonable distance.
During this exercise you will need to show:
Control of the vehicle. Keep control of the vehicle by careful and co-ordinated use of all the controls. Steer a course reasonably close to the kerb. Remember your vehicle will swing out as you turn the corner. Avoid hitting or mounting the kerb, or steering too wide.
Due regard for other road users. Allow any pedestrians close by to pass. Observe for other traffic and decide the best action to take to minimise any inconvenience caused by this manoeuvre.
18. Key Skill - Parking
Whether you are parking in a bay in a car park or at the side of the road, this is one of the possible set piece exercises on the driving test.
If there is a car park at the test centre you can be asked to park in a bay either at the beginning or end of the test. Alternatively, you can be asked to park behind another parked car on the public road.
During either of these exercise you will need to show:
Control of the vehicle. Keep control of the vehicle by careful and co-ordinated use of all the controls. Steer a steady and accurate course, staying a reasonable distance from any other vehicle(s)
Due regard for other road users. Observe for other traffic and decide the best action to take to minimise any inconvenience caused by either of these manoeuvres.
19. Key Skill - Emergency stop
With good anticipation and planning ahead, there should seldom be a need for any driver to have to perform an emergency stop. We have to expect other road users to make mistakes, so emergency situations do arise such as a child running out into the road. It is for this reason that the exercise is included in the driving test syllabus and is conducted on one in every three tests.
If you are taking your test in a Driving School Car you can expect it to have anti-lock brakes (ABS) fitted following a European Union mandate that came into force in July 2004. ABS is a very good safety system to aid the driver, especially when steering in an emergency. If you are using an older car the emergency stopping technique is different.
While you are parked at the side of the road, your examiner will warn you that the emergency stop is to be conducted. The examiner will demonstrate the signal for you to stop your vehicle as you would in an emergency. At an appropriate time the signal will be given. You must react quickly, and brake hard. Take particular care in wet weather.
If a real emergency arises during your test there may be no need to conduct this exercise.
20. Key Skill - Night driving
Judging speed and distance at night is harder. If you are unavailable for lessons in the dark before your driving test, make sure that you do take them as part of the Pass Plus Course.
The practical issues when driving at night are:
Visibility – seeing & reacting safely to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Also other drivers who dazzle you
Vehicle lighting & use - checking that all lights are clean; use of headlights when driving at dusk, in the dark and at dawn. Use of lights when parking at night. How to avoid dazzling other drivers
Speed & stopping distances – judging own speed and distances at night; other vehicles’ speed and distances at night
Drive at a speed no faster that you can stop within the distance that you can see from your headlights.
21. Key Skill - Weather conditions
Driving in bad or poor weather conditions is harder. If you don’t experience these types of conditions, make sure that you do take them as part of the Pass Plus Course.
The practical issues when driving in bad weather are:
Visibility – fog can seriously reduce this. Also the glare from bright sunshine, especially when the sun is low can make driving difficult
Ice and snow – slippery roads will increase your stopping distances considerably as well as making your car hard to control
Rain – wet roads mean longer stopping distances. Spray from other vehicles can affect your visibity
Wind – motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and large vehicles will be particularly affected by gusts of wind not only on open roads, but also around buildings and bridges
Travel and weather reports will advise on driving conditions. Providing your ADI agrees, it is worth having some experience driving on ice and snow to experience how the vehicle handles in these conditions.
22. Key Skill - Environmental issues
Eco-safe driving is achieved by applying the same hazard perception and planning skills taught when learning to drive. Early recognition of potential hazards should mean that the car is travelling at the correct speed, thus helping us to avoid harsh braking or acceleration and unnecessary stopping. Our top ten tips are:
Starting and driving away - avoid revving the engine when starting the vehicle. We need to pull away smoothly. If you are likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, for example, being stuck in a traffic jam, switch off the engine. Depending on the engine size, five minutes of engine idling can use approximately the same amount of fuel as driving half a mile.
Progressive use of the accelerator - the accelerator needs to be used smoothly, progressively and, when appropriate, taking your foot off the accelerator and allowing the natural momentum of the car to continue forward progress.
Compliance with speed limits - exceeding a speed limit by only a few miles an hour will mean that we use much more fuel. According to the Energy Saving Trust, for the majority of modern cars, the most efficient speed is somewhere between 45 and 50mph. As well as breaking the law, driving at 85mph uses around 25% more fuel than at 70mph. Driving at 70mph uses about 15% more than 50mph.
Selective use of gears - it's not always necessary to change up or down through each gear, so we can skip gears. As soon as conditions allow, we need to use the highest possible gear, without making the engine struggle. A vehicle travelling at 37 mph in third gear uses 25 per cent more fuel than it would at the same speed in fifth gear.
Engine braking - With our foot fully off the accelerator the engine needs very little fuel – more fuel is used if you coast to a stop in neutral or with the clutch down
Use cruise control - keeping a sustained even speed reduces fuel consumption
Minimise use of air conditioning - this lowers fuel economy, so use the traditional non-A/C vent settings as much as possible instead. In hot weather, park your car in the shade.
Parking - always try to reverse into a parking space so that you can drive straight out of it because manoeuvering the car whilst the engine is cold uses much more fuel.
Service & vehicle checks - vehicles need to be serviced and maintained regularly. 25% under-inflated tyres use approximately 2-3% more fuel. So check frequently and always before a long journey and do so when the tyres are cold
Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks - they increase the weight and air resistance, and therefore the amount of fuel you use.
Route Planning
Is the journey really necessary? Should we use public transport, a bicycle or even walk? We need to avoid making unnecessary short journeys and for longer journeys we should consider car sharing and driving off peak if possible. Use park and ride schemes.
Planning our routes to avoid known hold-ups and road works. If you have Satellite Navigation, use it so that you always know where you're going - we all use a lot of fuel getting lost.
23. Key Skill - Passengers and carrying loads
As a driver you have responsibilities to your passengers and for animals travelling in your car. You also need to know the safest way to carry loads, including towing a small trailer.
Seat belts – All passengers are expected to wear these and drivers have responsibility for those under the age of 14
Rear facing baby seats – this must not be used where the seat is protected by an airbag
Doors – doors must be shut and any child locks checked
Animals – Use safety restraints or a guard
Load – you mustn’t carry too many passengers and any load must be distributed properly in the car or on any small trailer you are towing
24. Key Skill - Security.
To reduce the risks to the security of your vehicle and yourself:
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive or return
Keep valuable possessions out of view
Lock your car when you leave it, even for a short time such as when paying for fuel
Only park in safe places, at night leave your car in a well lit area
Ensure that your car alarm is working. Consider a steering wheel lock or immobiliser
Carry a mobile phone with you
If attacked use your horn and flash you headlights
Private Practice
An important part of the structured learning process is practising what you have learned during your lessons. Get together with your instructor and the person who will be helping you to practise and discuss what you need to practise.
You should vary what you do. Try to practise:
on as many types of road as you can
in all sorts of traffic and weather conditions, even in the dark
on dual carriageways where the national speed limit applies -you may be asked to drive on this type of road during the test
You should try to keep a record of any practice you have on different types of road and during different conditions between lessons. This will help you to remember and quantify the amount of practice you have had in the different conditions. You should also record any worries you may have about your driving and then discuss these with your instructor.
When to take your practical test
You aren't ready to take your test until you have a complete set of signatures in the level five boxes. Only then can your instructor sign the declaration. By this time you should be able to drive safely without prompting from your instructor or the person helping you to practise.
The DSA encourages you to take someone with you on your driving test. This will usually be the person who has taught you to drive, but it could be a relative or friend. They must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
The person who goes with you will be able to see how you perform during the test. To get the most benefit from this, it would be sensible to ask your instructor to go with you. They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail.
If you would like to take someone with you, make sure that you talk to them about it when you're preparing for your test.
