Online Driving Tuition

The​ ​Driving​ ​Test  “Secret”

Now Free to use online with Online Driving Tuition, your driving test experts.

For the UK​ ​Practical​ ​Driving​ ​Test  4th​ ​December​ ​2017​ ​onwards.   

Copyright​ ​​©​​ ​C.J​ ​Brown​ ​DVSA​ ​ADI​ ​2017. Online Driving Tuition has the permission of the author to reproduce The Driving Test Secret for you to read and use online. 

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The​ ​Driving​ ​Test​ ​“Secret”.

MSM​ ​Routine.
Moving​ ​Away​ ​&​ ​Stopping.
Speed.
T​ ​Junctions​ ​&​ ​Side​ ​Roads.
Roundabouts.
Crossroads​ ​(Traffic​ ​Light​ ​Controlled).
Meeting​ ​Traffic.
Pedestrian​ ​Crossings.
City​ ​Driving.
Rural​ ​Routes.
Dual​ ​Carriageways.
Park​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right.
Park​ ​in​ ​parking​ ​bay.
Reverse​ ​Park​ ​(Road).
Emergency​ ​Stops.
Awareness​ ​and​ ​Planning.
Independent​ ​Driving.
About​ ​the​ ​Driving​ ​Test.
On​ ​the​ ​Day​ ​of​ ​Your​ ​Test.

How​ ​to​ ​use​ ​The​ ​Driving​ ​Test​ ​“Secret”.

The​ ​“Secret”​ ​is​ ​a​ ​system​ ​incorporating​ ​carefully​ ​selected​ ​keywords​ ​and  phrases​​ ​that​ ​will help​ ​you​ ​to​ ​think​ through​ ​your​ ​drive.​ ​Helping​ ​you​ ​to​ ​visualise​ ​you’re  driving,​ ​improving​ ​your​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​plan​ ​ahead,​ ​make​ ​less​ ​mistakes​ ​and​ ​be  more​ ​confident​ ​in​ ​your​ ​driving. 

The​ ​“Secret”​ ​is​ ​not​ ​aimed​ ​at​ ​teaching​ ​you​ ​how​ ​to​ ​drive,​ ​but​ ​instead​ ​to  help​ ​you​ ​to​ ​reinforce​ ​what​ ​you​ ​already​ ​know. 

Imagine​ ​you​ ​have​ ​been​ ​practicing​ ​crossroads​ on​ ​your​ ​last​ ​driving​ ​lesson.  After​ ​your​ ​lesson​ ​using​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​section​ ​on​ ​crossroads​ ​you​ ​think or​ ​visualise​ ​what​ ​you​ ​did​ ​well,​ ​or​ ​had​ ​a​ ​problem​ ​with​ ​on​ ​your​ ​driving  lesson.​ ​By​ ​doing​ ​this​ ​regularly​ ​you​ ​will​ ​become​ ​more​ ​confident​ ​in​ ​how  to​ ​deal​ ​with​ ​these​ ​junctions​ ​or​ ​any​ ​of​ ​the​ ​other​ ​17​ ​topics​ ​covered. 

The​ ​“Secret”​ ​highlights​ ​common​ ​driving​ ​problems​ ​and​ ​areas​ ​that​ ​can​ ​be  improved​ ​by​ ​regular​ ​use​ ​of​ ​this​ ​system.  We​ ​suggest​ ​spending​ ​5-10​ ​minutes​ ​per​ ​subject.​

This​ ​will​ ​give​ ​you​ ​time to​ ​really​ ​think​ ​through​ ​the​ ​topic​ ​properly.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​can​ ​do​ ​this​ ​with  possibly​ ​2​ ​subjects​ ​every​ ​day,​ ​leading​ ​up​ ​to​ ​your​ ​Practical​ ​Driving​ ​Test,
it​ ​can​ ​make​ ​all​ ​the​ ​difference.  Remember​ ​the​ ​more​ ​you​ ​put​ ​in​ ​the​ ​more​ ​you​ ​will​ ​get​ ​out!​ ​

So​ ​start​ ​using  the​ ​“Secret”​ ​today​ ​and​ ​pass​ ​your​ ​driving​ ​test. 

MSM​ ​Routine.

Throughout​ ​your​ ​driving​ ​test​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​show​ ​that​ ​you​ ​understand  and​ ​can​ ​correctly​ ​use​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine​ ​(mirrors,​ ​signal,​ ​manoeuvre). 

Mirrors:​​

You​ ​must​ ​check​ ​your​ ​mirrors​ ​on​ ​a​ ​regular​ ​basis​ ​plus​ ​well  before:

• Signalling.​
• ​Changing​ ​Speed.​
• ​Changing​ ​Direction. 

Signal:​​ ​​

Both​ ​indicators​ ​and​ ​brake​ ​lights​ ​should​ ​be​ ​used​ ​to​ ​advise other​ ​road​ ​users​ ​of​ ​your​ ​intentions.​​ ​

Indicating​ ​does​ ​not​ ​mean​ ​that​ ​you  have​ ​the​ ​automatic​ ​right​ ​to,​ ​for​ ​instance,​ ​change​ ​lanes​ ​etc.​ ​You​ ​must​ ​still  check​ ​that​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so!​

Consider​ ​what​ ​you​ ​have​ ​seen​ ​in​ ​your  mirrors​ ​before​ ​signalling.​ ​​Will​ ​the​ ​signal​ ​be​ ​misleading? 

Manoeuvre:​​

​Changing​ ​your​ ​speed​ ​or​ ​position​ ​in​ ​the​ ​road​ ​is​ ​potentially dangerous​ ​so​ ​you​ ​must​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have​ ​carried​ ​out​ ​the​ ​above properly.​
​You​ ​must​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​out​ ​effective​ ​observation​ ​while  manoeuvring. 

Remember:​ ​The​ ​more​ ​you​ ​are​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​what​ ​is​ ​happening​ ​around  you​ ​the​ ​easier​ ​situations/hazards​ ​will​ ​be​ ​to​ ​deal​ ​with. 

Mirrors​ ​and​ ​signals​ ​are​ ​very​ ​common​ ​driving​ ​faults​ ​on​ ​the​ ​driving​ ​test.  With​ ​so​ ​many​ ​instances​ ​during​ ​a​ ​test​ ​there​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​use​ ​your mirrors​ ​and​ ​signals,​
​​there​ ​are​ ​plenty​ ​of​ ​opportunities​ ​for​ ​you​ ​to​ ​miss  them​ ​out! 

Moving​ ​Away​ ​&​ ​Stopping.

When​ ​moving​ ​away​ ​from​ ​a​ ​parked​ ​position​ ​in​ ​the​ ​road​ ​you​ ​must  remember​ ​to:  

• Prepare​ ​the​ ​car​ ​to​ ​move​ ​away,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​selecting​ ​1st​ ​gear.  
• Check​ ​your​ ​mirrors​ ​and​ ​​consider​ ​what​ ​you​ ​see​.  
• Signal?​ ​You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​whether​ ​a​ ​signal​ ​would​ ​help​ ​or  confuse​ ​other​ ​road​ ​users,​ ​including​ ​the​ ​timing​ ​of​ ​any​ ​signal!  
• Check​ ​your​ ​blind​ ​spot​ ​(the​ ​area​ ​not​ ​covered​ ​by​ ​your​ ​mirrors):  looking​ ​over​ ​your​ ​right​ ​shoulder​ ​if​ ​parked​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left​ ​hand​ ​side​ ​of  the​ ​road.  
• Move​ ​away​ ​under​ ​control,​ ​​continuing​ ​your​ ​observation.  The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​ask​ ​​you​ ​to​ ​find​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​place​ ​to​ ​park​ ​beside​ ​the​ ​road  on​ ​the​ ​left.​ ​
• Check​ ​your​ ​mirrors.​ ​Decide​ ​where​ ​you​ ​are​ ​going​ ​to​ ​park. You​ ​must​ ​decide​ ​when​ ​or​ ​if​ ​to​ ​signal.​​ ​Slow​ ​the​ ​car​ ​and​ ​park  reasonably​ ​close​ ​to​ ​the​ ​kerb.​ ​
• Select​ ​neutral​ ​and​ ​apply​ ​the​ ​handbrake. 

Common​ ​mistakes​ ​are;  

• Not​ ​checking​ ​the​ ​mirrors​ ​or​ ​checking​ ​and​ ​signalling​ ​too​ ​late​.  
• Not​ ​understanding​ ​other​ ​driver’s​ ​intentions.​ ​For​ ​instance​ ​if​ ​moving  away​ ​has​ ​following​ ​traffic​ ​stopped​ ​to​ ​allow​ ​you​ ​to​ ​move​ ​away,​
• ​or  are​ ​they​ ​waiting​ ​for​ ​a​ ​gap​ ​in​ ​the​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic​ ​so​ ​that​ ​they​ ​may  pass​ ​you?  
• Not​ ​planning​ ​ahead​,​ ​resulting​ ​in​ ​the​ ​learner​ ​parking​ ​in​ ​an  unsuitable​ ​place,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​over​ ​a​ ​driveway​ ​or​ ​near​ ​the​ ​brow​ ​of​ ​a  hill. 

Speed.

The​ ​correct​ ​use​ ​of​ ​speed​ ​is​ ​a​ ​common​ ​problem​ ​on​ ​driving​ ​tests.​ ​The  main​ ​areas​ ​that​ ​you​ ​must​ ​consider​ ​are:  

• Missing​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​signs​.​ ​Driving​ ​too​ ​fast.​ ​​Approaching  junctions​ ​&​ ​hazards​ ​too​ ​fast.  
• Not​ ​making​ ​progress.  
• Undue​ ​hesitation. 

Unfortunately​ ​the​ ​only​ ​way​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​missing​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​signs​ ​is​ ​to  always​ ​look​ ​for​ ​them. 

Most​ ​commonly​ ​speed limit signs ​will​ ​be​ ​positioned:​ ​

• As​ ​you​ ​approach​ ​junctions. 

• When​ ​you​ ​turn​ ​into​ ​a​ ​new​ ​road.​ ​

• At​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​or​ ​end​ ​of​ ​a​ ​built​ ​up  area​ ​or​ ​near​ ​schools​ ​etc.​

​Speed​ ​limit​ ​signs​ ​are​ ​often​ ​not​ ​in​ ​the​ ​driver’s  eye​ ​line​ ​(where​ ​you​ ​are​ ​looking).​

You​ ​must​ ​therefore​ ​actually​ ​look​ ​or  rather​ ​search​ ​for​ ​these​ ​signs,​ ​don’t​ ​just​ expect​ ​to​ ​see​ ​them. 

Now​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have​ ​seen​ ​the​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​sign​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​drive  within​ ​this​ ​speed​ ​limit.​ ​

Remember​ ​this​ ​is​ ​a​ ​limit​ ​not​ ​a​ ​target.​ ​

You must​ ​also​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​to​ ​slow​ ​in​ ​time​ ​for​ ​a​ ​lower​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​and​ ​not  to​ ​speed​ ​up​ ​before​ ​you​ ​have​ ​reached​ ​a​ ​higher​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​sign. 

Remember​ ​when​ ​passing​ ​parked​ ​vehicles​ ​the​ ​smaller​ ​the​ ​space/gap​ ​the  slower​ ​you​ ​should​ ​drive.​ ​​Do​ ​not​ ​try​ ​to​ ​squeeze​ ​through​ ​a​ ​space​ ​that​ ​is  too​ ​small​.​ ​

The​ ​quicker​ ​you​ ​approach​ ​a​ ​junction​ ​or​ ​hazard​ ​the​ ​less​ ​time  you​ ​will​ ​have​ ​to​ ​prepare​ ​the​ ​car​ ​for​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​and​ ​just​ ​as​ ​importantly  prepare​ ​yourself​ ​to​ ​deal​ with​ ​any​ ​hazards​ ​or​ ​problems! 

Finally​ ​if​ ​you’re​ ​driving​ ​instructor​ ​tells​ ​you​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​using​ ​the  correct​ ​speeds​ ​on​ ​your​ ​lessons​ ​don’t​ ​change​ ​the​ ​way​ ​you​ ​drive​ ​on​ ​the test. 

T​ ​Junctions​ ​&​ ​Side​ ​Roads.

Turning​ ​into​ ​and​ ​out​ ​of​ ​side​ ​roads​ ​is​ ​something​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​normally  do​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of​ ​on​ ​your​ ​driving​ ​test.​ ​

The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​be​ ​looking​ ​at​ ​the following: 

• Correct​ ​use​ ​of​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine. 

• Approach​​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​at​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​approach​ ​speed,​ ​enabling​ ​you  to​ ​correctly​ ​judge​ ​the​ ​junction.​

• The​ ​gears​ ​used​ ​match​ ​the​ ​vehicle’s  speed.​ ​Your​ ​positioning​ ​enables​ ​you​ ​to​ ​deal​ ​with​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​safely. 

Observation​:  

How​ ​well​ ​and​ ​what​ ​can​ ​you​ ​see?  

The​ ​next​ ​area​ ​is​ ​your​ ​understanding​ ​of​ ​how​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​works​ ​and  how​ ​well​ ​you​ ​judge​ ​other​ ​traffic.​

​​Do​ ​you​ ​need​ ​to​ ​give​ ​way​ ​to  traffic​ ​and​ ​if​ ​so​ ​which​ ​traffic?  

If​ ​there​ ​is​ ​traffic​ ​at​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​who​ ​you​ ​may​ ​need​ ​to​ ​give​ ​way​ ​to,  you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​following:​

• ​​Will​ ​your​ ​or​ ​the​ ​other  vehicle’s​ ​speed​ ​affect​ ​your​ ​decision​.​

• ​Are​ ​there​ ​any​ ​signals​ ​being  given?​

• ​​The​ ​other​ ​vehicles​ ​distance​ ​away?​​

• ​Positioning​ ​of​ ​the other​ ​vehicles​ ​can​ ​often​ ​help​ ​to​ ​indicate​ ​their​ ​intentions.​

You​ ​will  need​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the​ ​above​ ​to​ ​decide​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe  for​ ​you​ ​to​ ​proceed. 

Remember,​ ​relying​ ​solely​ ​on​ ​other​ ​vehicles​ ​signals/indicators  can​ ​be​ ​potentially​ ​dangerous! 

There​ ​are​ ​many​ ​different​ ​variations​ ​on​ ​the​ ​basic​ ​side​ ​roads​ ​and​ ​T-  Junctions.​

​The​ ​angle​ ​of​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​and​ ​the​ ​width​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road​ ​can  vary​ ​enormously​ ​between​ ​junctions.​ ​​

So​ ​remember​ ​that​ ​you​ ​must  look​ ​at​ ​and​ ​fully​ ​assess​ ​every​ ​junction​ ​you​ ​deal​ ​with​.

Roundabouts.

When​ ​approaching​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​instruct​ ​you​ ​as​ ​to  the​ ​direction​ ​they​ ​wish​ ​you​ ​to​ ​take.​ ​Normally​ ​this​ ​will​ ​be​ ​the​ ​direction  plus​
​(if​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​believes​ ​it​ ​is​ ​needed)​ ​the​ ​exit​ ​number.​ ​

For​ ​instance:  “At​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​I​ ​would​ ​like​ ​you​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​left,​ ​the​ ​1st​ ​exit.”​ ​“Follow  the​ ​road​ ​ahead,​ ​
the​ ​2nd​ ​exit.”​ ​“At​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​I​ ​would​ ​like​ ​you​ ​to  turn​ ​right,​ ​the​ ​3rd​ ​exit.” 

You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​use​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine​ ​as​ ​you​ ​approach​ ​the  roundabout​ ​and​ ​to​ ​approach​ ​at​ ​a​ ​speed​ ​and​ ​positioning​ ​that​ ​will  enable​ ​you​ ​to​ ​judge​ ​the​ ​junction​ ​and​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​good​ ​position  around​ ​the​ ​roundabout. 

When​ ​judging​ ​a​ ​suitable​ ​space​ ​to​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​you​ ​will  need​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​following:​ ​

• You​ ​must​ ​give​ ​way​ ​to​ ​traffic​ ​from​ ​the  right​ ​and​ ​traffic​ ​already​ ​on​ ​the​ ​roundabout.​ ​​

• Is​ ​traffic​ ​from​ ​the​ ​right  signalling​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​off​ ​the​ ​roundabout? 

• Have​ ​you​ ​got​ ​sufficient​ ​time​ ​to​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​before  them?​​ ​​Do​ ​not​ ​take​ ​risks​.​ ​

• How​ ​is​ ​the​ ​other​ ​traffic​ ​positioned​ ​(are​ ​they  angled​ ​to​ ​turn​ ​of​ ​the​ ​roundabout),​ ​​and​ ​if​ ​so​ ​can​ ​you​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​it? 

You​ ​must​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​​maintain​ ​a​ ​good​ ​position​ ​and  observation/awareness​ ​while​ ​travelling​ ​around,​ ​and​ ​when​ ​exiting  the​ ​roundabout. 

Remember​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​see​ ​that​ ​you​ ​can​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​the  roundabout,​ ​using​ ​reasonable​ ​gaps/spaces​ ​in​ ​traffic,​ ​avoiding​ ​undue  hesitation.​ ​

The​ ​words​ ​to​ ​remember​ ​here​ ​are​ ​reasonable​ ​gaps/spaces​ ​and  avoiding​ ​undue​ ​hesitation.​ ​​

Don’t​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​a​ ​roundabout​ ​when​ ​it​ ​is  not​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​just​ ​because​ ​you​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​taking​ ​too​ ​long​ ​or  holding​ ​other​ ​traffic​ ​up​.​ ​

Instead​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​find​ ​a​ ​safe,​ ​suitable  gap/space​ ​to​ ​emerge​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​roundabout​ ​in. 

Crossroads​ ​(Traffic​ ​Light​ ​Controlled).

The​ ​basic​ ​rules​ ​when​ ​turning​ ​right​ ​on​ ​a​ ​standard​ ​(no​ ​filter​ ​arrows)​ ​traffic  light​ ​controlled​ ​crossroad:  

• You​ ​must​ ​give​ ​way​ ​to​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​proceeding​ ​ahead  or​ ​turning​ ​to​ ​their​ ​left.  

• Subject​ ​to​ ​the​ ​above​ ​you​ ​have​ ​equal​ ​rights​ ​with​ ​the​ ​oncoming  traffic​ ​that​ ​is​ ​turning​ ​to​ ​their​ ​right.  

• Where​ ​possible​ ​your​ ​positioning​ ​should​ ​not​ ​block​ ​the​ ​traffic  behind​ ​you​ ​that​ ​is​ ​travelling​ ​straight​ ​ahead​ ​or​ ​to​ ​their​ ​left. 

• You​ ​should​ ​always​ ​plan​ ​where​ ​you​ ​are​ ​going​ ​to​ ​stop/position​ ​your  vehicle​ ​when​ ​turning​ ​right​ ​at​ ​a​ ​crossroads​,​ ​even​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​not​ ​sure  whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​any​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic​ ​to​ ​give​ ​way​ ​to!

• How​ ​far​ ​forward​ ​and​ ​positioning​ ​to​ ​the​ ​right? 

Remember​ ​when​ ​approaching/dealing​ ​with​ ​any​ ​traffic​ ​light​ ​controlled  junctions​ ​always​ ​consider​ ​what​ ​each​ ​light​ ​means​ ​and​ ​that​ ​the​ ​lights  might​ ​change!  

• Red​,​ ​you​ ​must​ ​stop​ ​behind​ ​the​ ​solid​ ​white​ ​line.  

• Red​ ​&​ ​Amber​,​ ​you​ ​may​ ​prepare​ ​to​ ​move​ ​away.  

• Green​,​ ​you​ ​can​ ​proceed​ ​if​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so.  

• Amber​;​ ​you​ ​must​ ​stop​ ​behind​ ​the​ ​solid​ ​white​ ​line​ ​if​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe​ ​for  you​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so. 

There​ ​are​ ​many​ ​different​ ​types​ ​of​ ​crossroads,​ ​such​ ​as: 

• Staggered​ ​crossroads.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​where​ ​the​ ​roads​ ​to​ ​your​ ​left​ ​and​ ​right  are​ ​not​ ​opposite​ ​each​ ​other.​ ​This​ ​may​ ​affect​ ​where​ ​you​ ​position  yourself​ ​in​ ​the​ ​junction. 

• Crossroads​ ​with​ ​filter​ ​or​ ​directional​ ​arrows.​ ​Remember​ ​to​ ​consider  how​ ​the​ ​filter​ ​or​ ​directional​ ​arrows​ ​may​ ​affect​ ​how​ ​you​ ​deal​ ​with  the​ ​junction. 

• Non​ ​traffic​ ​light​ ​controlled.​ ​These​ ​are​ ​still​ ​crossroads​ ​and​ ​similar  rules​ ​apply​ ​as​ ​to​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​you​ ​must​ ​give​ ​way​ ​or​ ​have​ ​priority.

Make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​understand​ ​the​ ​differences​ ​between​ ​these  junctions​ ​and​ ​how​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​deal​ ​with​ ​them. 

Meeting​ ​Traffic.

This​ ​term​ ​refers​ ​to​ ​situations​ ​where​ ​you​ ​may​ ​encounter​ ​cars​ ​etc.​ ​parked  at​ ​the​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road​ ​reducing​ ​the​ ​space​ ​available​ ​for​ ​you​ ​and​ ​any  oncoming​ ​traffic.​

You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​show​ ​good:​ ​​

• Forward​ ​planning​. 

• Effective​ ​observation. 

There​ ​are​ ​various​ ​questions​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​consider​ ​when​ ​dealing​ ​with  roads​ ​with​ ​parked​ ​vehicles,​ ​where​ ​there​ ​may​ ​be​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic. 

• Firstly​ ​is​ ​there​ ​any​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic?  

• Will​ ​there​ ​be​ ​sufficient​ ​space​ ​for​ ​you​ ​and​ ​oncoming​ ​vehicles​ ​to  pass?  

• Who​ ​has​ ​priority?​​ ​Are​ ​the​ ​parked​ ​vehicles​ ​on​ ​your​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the  road?​ ​Does​ ​the​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic​ ​have​ ​space/time​ ​to​ ​give​ ​way?  

• If​ ​the​ ​space​ ​is​ ​limited​ ​what​ ​speed​ ​should​ ​you​ ​use?​ ​​Remember​ ​the  smaller​ ​the​ ​gap​ ​the​ ​slower​ ​you​ ​should​ ​travel​​ ​(or​ ​if​ ​the​ ​space​ ​is  too​ ​small​ ​stop). 

Other​ ​hazards​ ​can​ ​relate​ ​to​ ​the​ ​parked​ ​vehicles​ ​themselves.​ ​​Will​ ​a​ ​car  door​ ​open​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​you?​​ ​Are​ ​there​ ​any​ ​pedestrians​ ​who​ ​might​ ​step  out​ ​into​ ​the​ ​road?​

• ​​Are​ ​there​ ​any​ ​vehicles​ ​pulling​ ​away​ ​from​ ​their  parked​ ​positions? 

Always​ ​take​ ​care​ ​and​ ​drive​ ​at​ ​speeds​ ​that​ ​will​ ​enable​ ​you​ ​to​ ​deal  with​ ​hazards​ ​that​ ​you​ ​can​ ​see​ ​and​ ​to​ ​anticipate​ ​potential​ ​hazards  that​ ​you​ ​cannot. 

Pedestrian​ ​Crossings.

There​ ​are​ ​various​ ​types​ ​of​ ​pedestrian​ ​crossings,​ ​plus​ ​places​ ​for  pedestrians​ ​to​ ​cross​ ​that​ ​you​ ​must​ ​consider/take​ ​into​ ​consideration.​ ​

The  main​ ​crossings​ ​are: 

• Pelican​​ ​crossings​ ​traffic​ ​light​ ​controlled,​ ​flashing​ ​amber​ ​light!  

• Puffin​​ ​crossing​ ​traffic​ ​light​ ​controlled​ ​steady​ ​amber.  

• Toucan​​ ​crossings,​ ​pedestrians​ ​and​ ​cyclists​ ​may​ ​use.  

• Zebra​​ ​crossings,​ ​pedestrians​ ​waiting,​ ​you​ ​must​ ​stop​ ​and​ ​allow​ ​the  pedestrian​ ​to​ ​cross.​ ​​Do​ ​not​ ​proceed​ ​until​ ​the​ ​pedestrian​ ​has finished​ ​crossing.  

There​ ​are​ ​also​ ​areas​ ​designed​ ​to​ ​help​ ​pedestrians​ ​to​ ​cross​ ​(raised  sections​ ​across​ ​the​ ​road​ ​or​ ​a​ ​central​ ​reservation​ ​etc.). 

You​ ​must​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​approach​ ​and​ ​deal​ ​with​ ​these​ ​correctly  including​ ​the​ ​following: 

• Will​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​lights​ ​change​ ​as​ ​you​ ​approach​ ​the​ ​crossing?​ ​

• Is​ ​there  someone​ ​waiting​ ​at​ ​or​ ​approaching​ ​the​ ​zebra​ ​crossing?  Will​ ​the​ ​pedestrian​ ​cross​ ​the​ ​road​ ​without​ ​checking​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe? 

• If​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​lights​ ​are​ ​on​ ​flashing​ ​amber,​ ​is​ ​there​ ​anyone​ ​still​ ​on​ ​the  pedestrian​ ​crossing​ ​or​ ​can​ ​you​ ​proceed? 

• If​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​in​ ​front​ ​stops​ ​will​ ​you​ ​be​ ​left​ ​blocking​ ​the​ ​crossing? 

Always​ ​plan​ ​well​ ​ahead​ ​when​ ​approaching​ ​pedestrian​ ​crossings​ ​as  situations​ ​can​ ​and​ ​often​ ​do change​ ​very​ ​quickly.​ ​

You​ ​will​ ​also​ ​need​ ​to  consider​ ​any​ ​following​ ​traffic,​ ​​so​ ​remember​ ​to​ ​check​ ​your​ ​mirrors  early​. 

City​ ​Driving.

Driving​ ​tests​ ​often​ ​use​ ​routes​ ​that​ ​travel​ ​through​ ​city​ ​centres.​ ​The examiner​ ​will​ ​be​ ​looking​ ​to​ ​see​ ​your​ ​ability​ ​to: 

• Understand​ ​the​ ​road​ ​layouts​ ​(one​ ​way​ ​systems)​ ​etc.  

• Use​ ​good​ ​effective​ ​observation​,​ ​enabling​ ​you​ ​to​ ​see​ ​hazards​ ​and  take​ ​appropriate​ ​action​ ​in​ ​good​ ​time.  

• Anticipate​ ​potential​ ​hazards​,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​ready​ ​in​ ​case​ ​the  potential​ ​hazard​ ​changes​ ​to​ ​a​ ​developing​ ​hazard.  

• Plan​ ​well​ ​ahead​ ​when​ ​driving​,​ ​as​ ​this​ ​will​ ​give​ ​you​ ​more​ ​time​ ​to  deal​ ​with​ ​road​ ​layouts​ ​or​ ​driving​ ​situations.  

• Correctly​ ​use​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine.  

• Drive​ ​at​ ​suitable​ ​speeds​,​ ​not​ ​too​ ​fast​ ​or​ ​much​ ​too​ ​slow.  Travelling​ ​through​ ​a​ ​town​ ​or​ ​city​ ​centre​ ​can​ ​remind​ ​you​ ​of​ ​the​ ​hazard  perception​ ​test.​

​As​ ​in​ ​that​ ​test​ ​you​ ​must​ ​(as​ ​always)​ ​​keep​ ​actively  looking/scanning​ ​for​ ​potential​ ​dangers​ ​whilst​ ​driving​.​ ​In​ ​busy​ ​city  centres​ ​be​ ​particularly​ ​watchful​ ​for: 

• Pedestrians,​ ​who​ ​may​ ​cross​ ​or​ ​step​ ​out​ ​into​ ​the​ ​road,  

• Cyclists,​ ​remember​ ​they​ ​are​ ​more​ ​likely​ ​to​ ​overtake​ ​you​ ​in​ ​slow  moving​ ​traffic.  

• Buses​ ​may​ ​pull​ ​into​ ​or​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​stop.  

• Pedestrian​ ​crossings,​ ​is​ ​there​ ​a​ ​pedestrian​ ​waiting​ ​to​ ​cross?  

• Traffic​ ​lights,​ ​will​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​lights​ ​change?  

• Traffic​ ​queues;​ ​be​ ​ready​ ​in​ ​case​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​suddenly​ ​stops. 

Remember:​ ​Always​ ​be​ ​ready/alert,​ ​as​ ​situations​ ​can​ ​and​ ​often​ ​do  change​ ​very​ ​quickly! 

Rural​ ​Routes.

Depending​ ​on​ ​the​ ​location​ ​of​ ​the​ ​driving​ ​test​ ​centre​ ​there​ ​will​ ​normally  be​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​routes​ ​that​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​may​ ​take​ ​that​ ​will​ ​involve  driving​ ​on​ ​national​
​speed​ ​limit​ ​roads​ ​and​ ​possibly​ ​country​ ​lanes.​ ​

When  driving​ ​on​ ​these​ ​roads​ ​it​ ​is​ ​worth​ ​considering​ ​the​ ​following. 

• Even​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​in​ ​a​ ​national​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​​what​ ​speed​ ​is​ ​it​ ​actually  safe​ ​to​ ​travel​ ​at​​ ​within​ ​the​ ​speed​ ​limit? 

• If​ ​there​ ​are​ ​no​ ​pavements​ ​you​ ​may​ ​come​ ​across​ ​pedestrians  walking​ ​in​ ​the​ ​road. 

• You​ ​must​ ​take​ ​particular​ ​care​ ​when​ ​passing​ ​horses​ ​(drive  slowly). 

• What​ ​are​ ​the​ ​road​ ​surface​ ​conditions​ ​like,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​mud​ ​on​ ​the​ ​road?​ ​Will  the​ ​road​ ​surface​ ​affect​ ​your​ ​stopping​ ​distances? 

• Is​ ​there​ ​space​ ​for​ ​you​ ​and​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic​ ​to​ ​pass?​ ​If​ ​not​ ​you​ ​will  need​ ​to​ ​take​ ​this​ ​into​ ​consideration​ ​when​ ​deciding​ ​on​ ​your​ ​speed. 

Remember​:​ ​​Always​ ​consider​ ​what​ ​may​ ​be​ ​around​ ​the​ ​next​ ​corner  and​ ​drive​ ​at​ ​a​ ​speed​ ​that​ ​will​ ​enable​ ​you​ ​to​ ​stop/deal​ ​with​ ​any hazards​.​ ​​

Don’t​ ​simply​ ​drive​ ​slowly,​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​show​ ​your​ ​ability  to​ ​judge​ ​the​ ​road​ ​and​ ​make​ ​progress​ ​where​ ​possible.  

Be​ ​careful​ ​of​ ​speed​ ​limit​ ​changes,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​when​ ​coming​ ​into​ ​and​ ​out  of​ ​villages/built​ ​up​ ​areas. 

Dual​ ​Carriageways.

Where​ ​possible​ ​test​ ​centres​ ​will​ ​use​ ​dual​ ​carriageways​ ​on​ ​some​ ​of​ ​their  test​ ​routes.​ ​You​ ​should​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​following: 

• If​ ​joining​ ​the​ ​carriageway​ ​from​ ​a​ ​slip​ ​road​ ​remember​ ​to​ ​(where  possible)​ ​increase​ ​your​ ​speed​ ​to​ ​match​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​already​ ​on  the​ ​dual​ ​carriageway. 

• You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​use​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​join​ ​the  carriageway. 

• When​ ​established​ ​on​ ​the​ ​dual​ ​carriageway​ ​you​ ​must​ ​maintain​ ​good  lane​ ​discipline​ ​and​ ​a​ ​suitable​ ​distance​ ​back​ ​from​ ​the​ ​vehicles​ ​in front​​ ​​(2​ ​second​ ​rule). 

• Keep​ ​good​ ​observation/​ ​awareness​​ ​​of​ ​where​ ​other​ ​vehicles​ ​are​ ​both  behind​ ​
• and​ ​to​ ​the​ ​side. 

• If​ ​you​ ​need​ ​to​ ​overtake​ ​remember​ ​to​ ​check​ ​early​ ​and​ ​consider​ ​other  driver’s​ ​speeds.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​also​ ​worth​ ​considering​ ​how​ ​far​ ​it​ ​is​ ​to​ ​the​ ​next​ ​exit, so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​can​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​are​ ​positioned​ ​correctly​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​asked  to​ ​exit​ ​the​ ​dual​ ​carriageway. 

• When​ ​exiting​ ​via​ ​a​ ​slip​ ​road,​ ​try​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​your​ ​speed​ ​on​ ​the​ ​dual  carriageway​ ​(if​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so)​ ​using​ ​the​ ​slip​ ​road​ ​to​ ​slow​ ​down​ ​in. 

• Having​ ​exited​ ​the​ ​dual​ ​carriageway​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​careful​ ​of  your​ ​speed​ ​as​ ​it​ ​is​ ​easy​ ​to​ ​misjudge​ ​your​ ​speed​ ​when​ ​you​ ​have​ ​been  travelling​ ​at​ ​high​ ​speeds. 

Park​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right.

The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​​pull​ ​up​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right-hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road. Then​ ​reverse​ ​for​ ​around​ ​2​ ​car​ ​lengths,​ ​and​ ​then​ ​to​ ​rejoin​ ​the​ ​traffic. 

You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​demonstrate​ ​the​ ​following: 

• Identify​ ​a​ ​suitable​ ​place​ ​to​ ​park​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right-hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road. 

• Complete​ ​your​ ​MSM​ ​routine. 

• Judge​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic.  

• Show​ ​your​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​park​ ​reasonably​ ​close​ ​to​ ​the​ ​right-hand​ ​kerb. 

• Control​ ​your​ ​vehicle​ ​while​ ​reversing​ ​demonstrating​ ​​good​ ​effective  observation. 

• Judge​ ​rejoining​ ​the​ ​traffic​​ ​again​ ​using​ ​the​ ​MSM​ ​routine.   Do​ ​not​ ​signal​ ​or​ ​move​ ​to​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road​ ​if​ ​your actions​ ​would​ ​affect​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic. 

When​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​park​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road​ ​first​ ​check​ ​your  mirrors.

Then​ ​plan​ ​where​ ​you​ ​are​ ​aiming​ ​to​ ​park​ ​(​remember​ ​to  consider​ ​what​ ​you​ ​have​ ​seen​ ​in​ ​your​ ​mirrors​ ​and​ ​oncoming​ ​traffic​). 

Signal​ ​at​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​time​ ​for​ ​your​ ​intended​ ​parking​ ​position.​ ​

Finally  move​ ​to​ ​the​ ​parking​ ​position​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road​ ​if​ ​it​ ​is  still​ ​safe​ ​for​ ​you​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so.​ ​​

Always​ ​continue​ ​your​ ​observations​ ​while  maneuvering​. 

Remember​ ​you​ ​are​ ​moving​ ​away​ ​from​ ​a​ ​parked​ ​position​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right  hand​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​road.​​ ​So​ ​remember​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​indicate​ ​left​ ​and  your​ ​blind​ ​spot​ ​over​ ​your​ ​left​ ​shoulder.

Park​ ​in​ ​parking​ ​bay.

The​ ​examiner​ ​can​ ​either​ ​ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​either​ ​reverse​ ​into​ ​a​ ​parking​ ​bay​ ​and  then​ ​driving​ ​out,​ ​or​ ​drive​ ​into​ ​the​ ​parking​ ​bay​ ​and​ ​reversing​ ​out. 

This​ ​can​ ​be​ ​into​ ​a​ ​parking​ ​bays/spaces,​ ​either​ ​on​ ​your​ ​left​ ​or​ ​right.  You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​demonstrate​ ​the​ ​following: 

• Good​ ​control​ ​of​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​using​ ​clutch​ ​and/or​ ​brake​ ​control​ ​to  move​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​reasonably​ ​slowly.  

• Remember​ ​don’t​ ​raise​ ​your​ ​clutch​ ​and​ ​use​ ​the​ ​brake​ ​to​ ​control​ ​the  speed​ ​of​ ​your​ ​vehicle,​ ​as​ ​this​ ​is​ ​neither​ ​clutch​ ​or​ ​brake​ ​control. 

• Reasonable​ ​accuracy,​ ​leaving​ ​your​ ​vehicle​ ​within​ ​the​ ​confines​ ​of​ ​the  parking​ ​bay/space. 

• Demonstrate​ ​good​ ​effective​ ​observation​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​manoeuvre​. 

• As​ ​with​ ​the​ ​other​ ​test​ ​manoeuvres​ ​remember​ ​the​ ​effective​ ​element​ ​of​ ​the  observation.  

• Think​ ​about​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​it​ ​is​ ​safer​ ​for​ ​other​ ​traffic​ ​or​ ​road​ ​users if​ ​you​ ​stop​ ​or​ ​continue​ ​with​ ​the​ ​manoeuvre. 

Aim​ ​for​ ​good​ ​control,​ ​reasonable​ ​accuracy​ ​and​ ​good​ ​observation. 

Reverse​ ​Park​ ​(Road).

The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​normally​ ​ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​park​ ​a​ ​short​ ​distance​ ​before​ ​the  vehicle​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be manoeuvring​ ​around.​ ​

The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​then​ ​ask  you​ ​to:​

Pull​ ​alongside​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​in​ ​front.​ ​

Reverse​ ​back​ ​behind​ ​the  vehicle​ ​ending​ ​up​ ​parked​ ​near​ ​the​ ​kerb.​ ​

Make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​you​ ​have​ ​no  more​ ​than​ ​one​ ​car​ ​length​ between​ ​the​ ​front​ ​of​ ​your​ ​vehicle​ ​and​ ​the  vehicle​ ​in​ ​front. 

Common​ ​mistakes​ ​are:​​

​​Poor​ ​initial​ ​positioning​ ​alongside​ ​the​ ​parked  vehicle.​ ​​

You​ ​should​ ​not​ ​reverse​ ​too​ ​quickly​ ​into​ ​the​ ​parking​ ​space​ ​or  steer​ ​too​ ​slowly.​​

Not​ ​making​ ​decisions​ ​as​ ​to​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​the  vehicle​ ​is​ ​going​ ​to​ ​end​ ​up​ ​too​ ​close​ ​or​ ​far​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​kerb.​​ ​​

Poor observation​ ​is​ ​often​ ​a​ ​problem​ ​with​ ​this​ ​
manoeuvre.​​ ​​So​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​you  carry​ ​out​ ​good​ ​effective​ ​observation. 

Remember!​​ ​​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​not​ ​positioned​ ​correctly​ ​move​ ​forward​ ​and​ ​then  reverse​ ​again​ ​to​ ​re-position​ ​your​ ​vehicle.​​ ​​

Do​ ​not​ ​travel​ ​back​ ​too​ ​far! 

Emergency​ ​Stops.

This​ ​is​ ​now​ ​no​ ​longer​ ​a​ ​compulsory​ ​element​ ​of​ ​the​ ​driving​ ​test,​ ​only  being​ ​used​ ​in​ ​approximately​ ​1​ ​in​ ​3​ ​tests. 

If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​however​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​out​ ​an​ ​emergency​ ​stop​ ​the​ ​examiner  will​ ​do​ ​the​ ​following: 

Ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​find​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​place​ ​to​ ​park​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left.​ ​
Advise​ ​you​ ​that​ ​they​ ​will  shortly​ ​ask​ ​you​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​out​ ​an​ ​emergency​ ​stop.​

​You​ ​will​ ​then​ ​be​ ​asked  to​ ​move​ ​away​ ​when​ ​safe​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so.​ ​

At​ ​a​ ​suitable​ ​time​ ​and​ ​place​ ​the  examiner​ ​will,​ ​hold​ ​up​ ​their​ ​hand​ ​and​ ​say​ ​stop.​ ​

When​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​asks  you​ ​to​ ​stop​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to.​ ​

Stop​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​promptly​ ​and​ ​under  control​ ​as​ ​if​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​real​ ​emergency. 

Common​ ​mistakes​ ​are:​​ ​​

The​ ​vehicle​ ​takes​ ​too​ ​long​ ​to​ ​stop​​ ​​because,​​ ​​the  driver,​ ​reacts​ ​too​ ​slowly​ ​and​ ​brakes​ ​too​ ​lightly​ ​to​ ​the​ ​examiners  instruction​ ​to​ ​stop. 

Taking​ ​hands​ ​off​ ​the​ ​steering​ ​wheel​ ​before​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​has​ ​stopped. 

Remember: 

• Brake​ ​firmly​ ​and​ ​progressively,​ ​depressing​ ​the​ ​clutch​ ​before​ ​stopping. 

• Try​ ​to​ ​deal​ ​with​ ​this​ ​as​ ​a​ ​real​ ​emergency,​ ​not​ ​just​ ​as​ ​practice​.​ ​

• When you​ ​have​ ​stopped​ ​select​ ​neutral​ ​and​ ​apply​ ​the​ ​handbrake. 

Try​ ​and​ ​keep​ ​calm​ ​and​ ​control​ ​your​ ​actions.

Awareness​ ​and​ ​Planning.

Awareness​ ​is​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​elements​ ​of​ ​driving​ ​safely​ ​and  therefore​ ​the​ ​driving​ ​test. 

You​ ​should​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​following: 

• What​ ​are​ ​other​ ​traffic/road​ ​users​ ​doing​ ​that​ ​may​ ​affect​ ​you?​​ ​

• How​ ​may your​ ​actions​ ​affect​ ​other​ ​road​ ​users?​ ​​

• For​ ​instance​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​slowing  down​ ​have​ ​you​ ​given​ ​any​ ​indication/warning​ ​to​ ​following​ ​traffic​ ​such​ ​as  using​ ​your​ ​brake​ ​lights​ ​etc.​

• ​​Are​ ​other​ ​drivers​ ​signalling​ ​to​ ​move​ ​into  your​ ​lane

• Are​ ​there​ ​any​ ​pedestrians​ ​who​ ​may​ ​affect​ ​the​ ​way​ ​you  drive? 

Here​ ​are​ ​a​ ​few​ ​examples​ ​of​ ​where​ ​planning​ ​ahead​ ​will​ ​help: 

• When​ ​approaching​ ​traffic​ ​lights​​ ​have​ ​you​considered​ ​that​ ​the​ ​lights  may​ ​change? 

• If​ ​there​ ​is​ ​an​ ​obstruction​ ​ahead​ ​have​ ​you​ ​checked​ your​ ​mirrors​ ​early​ ​to  see​ ​if​ ​there​ ​is​ ​any​ ​following​ ​traffic​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​take​ into consideration? 

• Might​ ​the​ ​cyclist​ ​move​ ​out​ ​into​ ​your​ ​path​​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​the​ ​puddle​ ​etc.? 

• Will​ ​someone​ ​step​ ​out​ ​from​ ​behind​ ​the​ ​parked​ ​car? 

Always​ ​plan​ ​for​ ​what​ ​may​ ​happen,​ ​not​ ​just​ ​what​ ​is​ ​happening​.​ ​​

Not  planning​ ​ahead​ ​can​ ​lead​ ​to​ ​you​ ​needing​ ​to​ ​react​ ​suddenly​ ​to​ ​a​ ​hazard. 

This​ ​can​ ​often​ ​result​ ​in​ ​a​ ​poor​ ​decision. 

Remember​​ ​​the​ ​more​ ​you​ ​look​ ​the​ ​more​ ​you​ ​will​ ​see!​ ​So​ ​stay​ ​aware​ ​of  what​ ​is​ ​happening​ ​around​ ​you​. 

Independent​ ​Driving.

The​ ​driving​ ​test​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​conduct​ ​20​ ​minutes​ ​of​ ​the​ ​test​ ​in​ ​a  slightly​ ​different​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​test.​ ​

The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​refer​ ​to  this​ ​section​ ​as​ ​independent​ ​driving​ ​and​ ​it​ ​can​ ​take​ ​place​ ​at​ ​any​ ​point  during​ ​the​ ​test.  

You​ ​will​ ​be​ ​instructed​ ​to​ ​follow​ ​instructions​ ​from​ ​a​ ​Sat​ ​Nav.​ ​The examiner​ ​will​ ​use​ ​a​ ​pre​ ​set​ ​route​ ​and​ ​you​ ​will​ ​not​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​impute​ ​any information​ ​into​ ​the​ ​Sat​ ​Nav​ ​yourself.  

The​ ​examiner​ ​can​ ​also​ ​decide​ ​to​ ​conduct​ ​the​ ​independent​ ​section​ ​of​ ​the test​ ​by​ ​asking​ ​you​ ​to​ ​follow​ ​signs​ ​to​ ​a​ ​location,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​signs​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city  centre​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​using​ ​the​ ​Sat​ ​Nav. 

What​ ​if​ ​you​ ​forget​ ​the​ ​instructions? 

The​ ​good​ ​news​ ​is​ ​this​ ​is​ ​not​ ​a​ ​test​ ​of​ ​your​ ​memory​ ​skills.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​forget  simply​ ​ask​ ​the​ ​examiner​ ​to​ ​repeat​ ​the​ ​instructions.​

However​ ​this​ ​must​ ​be  in​ ​good​ ​time,​ ​not​ ​just​ ​as​ ​you​ ​arrive​ ​at​ ​a​ ​junction. 

If​ ​you​ ​go​ ​the​ ​wrong​ ​way,​ ​​don’t​ ​worry​,​ ​as​ ​long​ ​as​ ​you​ ​have​ ​gone​ ​the  wrong​ ​way​ ​correctly​ ​and​ ​safely. 

Finally,​ ​after​ ​some​ ​practice​ ​most​ ​pupils​ ​find​ ​this​ ​section​ ​actually​ ​easier  rather​ ​than​ ​being​ ​more​ ​difficult​ ​than​ ​receiving​ ​the​ ​instructions​ ​in​ ​the  normal​ ​way. 

About​ ​the​ ​Driving​ ​Test.

Listed​ ​below​ ​are​ ​answers​ ​to​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​regularly​ ​asked​ ​questions  regarding​ ​the​ ​practical​ ​driving​ ​test? 

• The​ ​test​ ​will​ ​last​ ​approximately​ ​40​ ​minutes.  At​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​driving​ ​test,​ ​you​ ​must​ ​not​ ​have​ ​any​ ​serious​ ​or  dangerous​ ​marks,​ ​or​ ​more​ ​than​ ​15​ ​driving​ ​faults. 

• The​ ​examiner​ ​will​ ​tell​ ​you​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​test​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​you​ ​have  passed​ ​and​ ​any​ ​areas​ ​you​ ​may​ ​need​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​on. 

• The​ ​driving​ ​test​ ​is​ ​designed​ ​to​ ​test​ ​your​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​drive​ ​safely​ ​on​ ​a  number​ ​of​ ​different​ ​types​ ​of​ ​roads​ ​and​ ​situations​ ​and​ ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to  manoeuvre​ ​the​ ​vehicle​ ​during​ ​set​ ​exercises. 

• You​ ​will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to:  Answer​ ​two​ ​vehicle​ ​safety​ ​check​ ​questions​ ​(one​ ​while​ ​driving). 

• Drive​ ​on​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​types​ ​of​ ​roads​ ​such​ ​as​ ​rural,​ ​town/city,​ ​one​ ​way  systems,​ ​residential,​ ​ring​ ​roads​ ​and​ ​possibly​ ​dual​ ​carriageways. 

• Deal​ ​correctly​ ​with​ ​junctions​ ​such​ ​as​ ​roundabouts,​ ​T-junctions,  crossroads​ ​etc.  You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to:  Make​ ​progress​ ​by​ ​travelling​ ​at​ ​appropriate​ ​speeds​ ​for​ ​the​ ​road.​

• Show  good​ ​observation​ ​and​ ​judgement​ ​of​ ​other​ ​road​ ​users.​ ​You​ ​need​ ​to  complete​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​manoeuvres.  

Remember,​​ ​​you​ ​should​ ​try​ ​to​ ​drive​ ​as​ ​you​ ​would​ ​normally​ ​drive​ ​on  your​ ​lessons. 

On​ ​the​ ​Day​ ​of​ ​Your​ ​Test.

You​ ​will​ ​need​ ​to​ ​take​ ​your​ ​provisional​ ​driving​ ​licence. If​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​have​ ​your​ ​provisional​ ​driving​ ​licence​ ​you​ ​may​ ​not​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​take​ ​your​ ​test! 

You​ ​should​ ​also​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​following: 

• If​ ​you​ ​need​ ​glasses​ ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​read​ ​the​ ​number​ ​plate​ ​at​ ​the​ ​required  distance,​​ ​​then​ ​don’t​ ​forget​ ​them​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ of​ ​your​ ​test! 

• Make​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​have​ ​checked​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​your​ ​test​ ​and​ ​the​ ​test​ ​centre  location. 

• Do​ ​not​ ​arrive​ ​late,​ ​as​ ​if​ ​you​ ​do​ ​your​ ​test​ ​may​ ​not​ ​take​ ​place​ ​and​ ​you​ ​will  lose​ ​your​ ​money! 

• Wear​ ​comfortable​ ​clothing. 

• You​ ​should​ ​wear​ ​the​ ​shoes​ ​that​ ​you​ ​normally​ ​wear​ ​when​ ​driving. 

• Make​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​feel​ ​dehydrated​ ​or​ ​hungry​ ​​(this​ ​can​ ​affect​ ​your  concentration). 

• Try​ ​and​ ​have​ ​a​ ​good​ ​night’s​ ​sleep​ ​the​ ​night​ ​before​ ​your​ ​test. 

Finally​ ​​try​ ​not​ ​to​ ​worry​.​ ​Good​ ​luck! 

To book online click here to go to the DVSA online booking page.

Copyright​ ​​©​​ ​C.J​ ​Brown​ ​DVSA​ ​ADI​ ​2017  The​ ​right​ ​of​ ​C​ ​J​ ​Brown​ ​to​ ​be​ ​identified​ ​as​ ​author​ ​of​ ​this​ ​Work​ ​has​ ​been  asserted​ ​by​ ​him​ ​in​ ​accordance​ ​with​ ​sections​
​77​ ​and​ ​78​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Copyright,  Designs​ ​and​ ​Patents​ ​Act​ ​1988  All​ ​rights​ ​reserved.​ ​No​ ​part​ ​of​ ​this​ ​publication​ ​may​ ​be​ ​reproduced,  stored​ ​in​ ​retrieval​ ​system,​ ​
copied​ ​in​ ​any​ ​form​ ​or​ ​by​ ​any​ ​means,  electronic,​ ​mechanical,​ ​photocopying,​ ​recording​ ​or​ ​otherwise  transmitted​ ​without​ ​written​ ​permission​ ​from​ ​the​ ​publisher.​ ​
You​ ​must​ ​not  circulate​ ​this​ ​book​ ​in​ ​any​ ​format.     

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