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How To Pass Your Driving Test - Tips and Advice
The driving test is marked on this form and below I have explained the different areas on the test sheet where you can pick up faults and the most common reasons:
1.(a) EYESIGHT TEST
(b) HIGHWAY CODE/SAFETY
Safety questions (if applicable) – you should know the location of, and be able to operate, safety components such as fire extinguisher, fuel cut-off switch and emergency door. 2. CONTROLLED STOP You will need to be able to display a high level of skill in bringing your vehicle to a stop, safely, promptly and under full control avoiding locking the wheels. Remember that in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safely. 3,4 & 5 . REVERSE EXERCISES You will need to display the ability to control the vehicle safely whilst reversing to the left, right, when parking on the road or into a parking bay. You must take good effective all round observation throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration to other road users. 6. TURN IN THE ROAD You will need to display the low speed control and observation skills necessary to carry out this exercise safely with due regard for other road users and pedestrians. 7. VEHICLE CHECKS You will need to display to the examiner a basic knowledge of the fundamental safety checks applicable to your vehicle. For example safe fluid levels, lighting and tyre checks. - Show me tell me questions. 8. TAXI MANOEUVRE
9. TAXI WHEELCHAIR EXERCISE Again only applicable for taxi tests. 10. VEHICLE & TRAILER COMBINATIONS (uncoupling and re-coupling)
11. PRECAUTIONS Before you start the engine make sure that you are comfortably seated and all controls can be safely operated. 12. CONTROL
Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Change 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 depressed. 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 parking brake whenever it would help you to prevent the vehicle 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. If you are riding a motorcycle slowly, maintain a straight line and do not allow the machine to wobble towards other vehicles. 13. MOVE OFF (Safely & under control) You will need to demonstrate your ability to move off smoothly and safely on the level, on a gradient and at an angle taking the correct precautionary observations.( blind spot check etc..) 14. USE OF MIRRORS ( rear observations)
15. SIGNALS You must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code if it would help other road users (including pedestrians). Always signal in good time and ensure that the signal has been cancelled after the manoeuvre has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road. 16.CLEARANCE OF OBSTRUCTIONS Allow plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles, obstructions 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. 17. RESPONSE TO SIGNS/SIGNALS
18. USE OF SPEED
19. 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. (2 second rule) 20. 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 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. -Especially on national speed limit roads 21. JUNCTIONS (inc 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. 22. JUDGEMENT Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room whenyou are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need 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, slow down or swerve to allow you to complete your turn. 23. 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 lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily. 24. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
25. POSITION/ 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. 26. AWARENESS & PLANNING you must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so you can judge what other road users are going to do, predict how their actions will affect you and 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 If you found this website useful please feel free to leave a comment in our Guestbook
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Choosing an
instructor and preparing for your driving test may appear to be a
difficult task, however there are resources available that can help you
with your decision. When choosing a school or an instructor ensure that
they have been registered and approved by the Driving Standards Agency.
Usually this is evidenced by a green certificate (see picture) in their
car window or a pink certificate if they are still in earlier assessment
stages. 
Ask your friends and family if they would recommend
their
driving instructor. It has been identified that nine out of ten
learners who have passed both their theory and practical test have used a
DSA approved instructor. It is essential for you to follow your
instructors’ advice on all aspects of driving, learning material,
practice methods and tests. Once you are ready to take your practical
driving test you will be given an eyesight check, a vehicle safety check
then followed by a general driving examination, also, a reversingexercise from the following (reversing around a corner, parallel
parking, bay parking and turn in the road and possibly an emergency
stop.) 
To avoid failing by incurring a
serious fault or indeed failure through several minor mistakes, certain
precautions need to be taken before and during your test. Some basic
suggestions are presented below on how to pass your tests.
During
your practical, try not to be nervous.
Although this is easier said than done, try to remain calm and focus on
what you have learned. The examiner is looking to see that you are
someone who is going to be safe on the roads, so you need to demonstrate
to the examiner that you are in good control of the car and very aware
of what’s going on around you. It’s OK to make a mistake, like stalling,
the important thing however is how you deal with it and put it right.
Checking mirrors and using signals where appropriate. One of the most
important things to remember, during your practical test is do not take
risks under any circumstances! If you come upon a situation where you
are uncertain, always take the safe option! Whilst you could be
penalised for excessive, repeated hesitancy, you will certainly be
penalised for even a marginal degree of haste. Stay within the
prescribed speed limit but try to drive at the speed that is appropriate
for the situation. Always indicate as instructed by your instructor and
continually demonstrate that you are aware of potential hazards,
checking your mirrors, blind spot and visibly scanning the road ahead.
Remain calm and focused. Keep your mind on the road and your current
situation don`t allow yourself to be distracted by the test elements
yet to come or what the examiner might be writing down. With solid
practice and a positive approach to the test, the day will soon arrive
when you can go to 
At the start of the test the examiner will ask you to read a vehicle registration number. ( from 20.5m) If you require glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive. If you have problems with the eyesight test, perhaps you should consider consulting an optician.
This is only for taxis
Only for tests for trailers
This section covers, where appropriate, the safe and controlled use of accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, parking brake, and steering. Additional specific control elements apply to the drivers of different vehicle categories. 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 your accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start. Always depress the clutch just before you stop.
Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively. You must always check carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed. Use the Mirrors Signal Manoeuvre (MSM) routine effectively.
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. - Remember stop signs mean STOP!
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 that you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear. Do not speed. Remember, 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 theory and practical tests.
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 pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing. You should give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing and act correctly at puffin crossings.