Driving Requirements
Move Off – You will need to demonstrate your ability to move off smoothly and safely on the level, on gradient and at an angle taking correct precautionary observations.
Normal Stop/ Position – You should know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users. Always 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.
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.
Use of Mirrors-Rear Precautions – Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively.
You must always check carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed.
Demonstrate effective use of (MSM) routine.
Signals – You must signal clearly to let other drivers 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.
Clearance to Obstruction – 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.
Response to Signs/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 sign given by other road users, including people in charge of animals and be ready to act accordingly.
Following Distance – Always keep safe distance between yourself and other vehicles.
Remember on 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 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 off 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 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 corner when turning right.
If turning left , keep over to left and do not swing out.
Watch out 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.
Judgment – Only over take when it is safe to do so.
Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle.
Cyclist 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 slow, stop and wait to 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.
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.
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 pedestrians on pelican crossings 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.
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 reacting to them at the last moment.
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.
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.
Turn in Road – You will need to display the low level control and observation skill necessary to carry out this exercise safely with due regard for other road users and pedestrians.