You must have passed the theory test before you can book a practical test. You will be expected to show competance in the following fields. |
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| Precautions ~ |
Make sure you always adjust the seat, mirrors and seat belt so that you are comfortable and can reach all the controls. Before you start the engine make certain the doors are shut properly, the handbrake is on and the gear lever or selector is in neutral or park. If you need to restart your engine quickly, for example after a stall, you must make sure that you keep the vehicle under control.
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| Control ~ |
| This section covers where appropriate, the use of the accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, handbrake and steering. Always try and use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible. This means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a smoother ride for your passengers. Make proper use of the accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start. Always depress the clutch just before you stop. Select the correct gear in good time but not too soon before a hazard. Do not allow the vehicle to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch down. There should be no need to look down at the gear lever when changing gear. Use the footbrake smoothly and progressively. Brake in plenty of time for any hazard. Make full use of the handbrake whenever it would help you to prevent the car rolling backwards or forwards, and if you are parking. Steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Avoid harsh steering, or steering too early or too late as it may cause you to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user. |
| Move Away ~ |
| The Examiner will ask you to move off safely and under control on level ground, from behind a parked vehicle and if practicable on a hill. Remember always to use your mirrors, and signal if necessary. Just before moving away check that it is safe by looking for traffic and pedestrians in your blind spot. 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. Do not allow the vehicle to roll back. |
| Emergency stop ~ |
| If you have to brake in an emergency remember to brake evenly and progressively and try to avoid locking the wheels. Remember that in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safety. |
| Reverse to the left or right ~ |
| Whenever you are reversing a vehicle, you will need to control your speed. Steer a course reasonably close to the kerb. Remember that your vehicle will swing out as you turn the corner. Avoid hitting or mounting the kerb, or steering too wide. You must take good, effective, all-round observation throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration to other road users. |
| Turn in the road ~ |
Keep a look out for traffic and pedestrians whenever you are turning your vehicle and be prepared to give way to them. Control your vehicle smoothly. Do not let the vehicle mount the pavement. Try not to touch the kerbs as this could damage your vehicle and endanger other road users and pedestrians. |
| Reverse parking ~ |
You must take good, effective, all-round observation and show consideration to other road users whilst parking your vehicle. Control your vehicle smoothly making proper use of the clutch, accelerator, brakes and steering. Remember, as you steer your vehicle into the parking space, the front of the car will swing out. Keep a special look out for cyclists and pedestrians who may pass close to the front of your vehicle. |
| Use of mirrors / rear observation ~ |
You should use your mirrors often, including exterior mirrors where necessary, and always be aware of what may be in your blind spots. Just looking is not enough. You must know what is happening all around you and act sensibly and safely on what you see. You must always check carefully before signalling, changing direction and changing speed. Use the Mirrors Signal Manoeuvre (MSM) routine. Do not signal or act without first using the mirrors. |
| Give appropriate signals ~ |
You must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. Signal only using signals shown in the Highway Code if it would help other road users, including pedestrians in plenty of time. Other road users need to see and understand what you intend to do so that they can react safely. Your signals, or lack of signals, must not mislead others. Always ensure that the signal has been cancelled after the manoeuvre has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road, you could put them in danger from other vehicles. |
| Response to signs and signals ~ |
You should understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings. You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows. Obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols.Look out for signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to act accordingly. |
| Use of speed ~ |
You should make safe, reasonable progress along the road bearing in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions and the road signs and speed limits. Make sure you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear. Do not speed. Remember that as a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you accrue six or more penalty points during the first two years, and you will have to retake and pass both your theory and practical tests. |
| Following distance ~ |
Always keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Remember, on wet or slippery roads it takes much longer to stop. When you stop in traffic queues leave sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems. |
| Maintain progress ~ |
In order to pass your test you must show that you can drive at a realistic speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. You should be able to choose the correct speed for the type of road, type and density of traffic and the weather and visibility. You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so. Driving excessively slowly can create dangers for yourself and other drivers. |
| Junctions (including roundabouts) ~ |
You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding. |
| Judgement when overtaking, meeting oncoming traffic, turning across traffic ~ |
Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need at least as much space as other vehicles. They can wobble or swerve suddenly. Do not cut in too quickly after overtaking. Take care when the width of the road is restricted or when the road narrows. If there is an obstruction on your side or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to wait and let the approaching vehicles through. When you turn right across the path of an approaching vehicle, make sure you can do so safely. Other vehicles should not have to stop, slowdown or swerve to allow you to complete your turn. |
| Positioning |
You should position the vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling the lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily. |
| Clearance to obstructions ~ |
Allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles and be prepared to slow down or stop. A door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without warning. Keep a safe distance from builders' skips or other large obstructions, as you may not be able to see pedestrians or workers close to the obstruction. |
| Pedestrian crossings ~ |
You should be able to recognise the different types of pedestrian crossing and show courtesy and consideration towards pedestrians. At all crossings you should slow down and stop if there is anyone on the crossing. At zebra crossings you should slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross. Give way to any pedestrian on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing. You should give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing. |
| Position for normal stops ~ |
Choose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not obstruct the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users. You must be aware of other road users at all times. |
| Awareness and Planning ~ |
You should always think and plan ahead so that you can judge what other road users are going to do. Predict how their actions will affect you react in good time. Take particular care to consider the actions of the more vulnerable groups of road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. Anticipate road and traffic conditions, and act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment. |
| Ancillary controls ~ |
You should understand the function of all the controls and switches, especially those that have a bearing on road safety. These include indicators lights windscreen wipers demisters heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary, without looking down. |
