YOUR DRIVING TEST EXPLAINED (AUTOMATIC/MANUAL CARS)

RESIDENCE

You cannot take a driving test unless you have lived in the U.K. for 185 days out of the last 12 months.

EYESIGHT

At the start of your test the examiner will ask you to read a number plate from at least 20.5m. Your driving Test will not proceed if you fail this test. If you wear glasses or contact lenses you must wear them whenever you drive.

THEORY/HIGHWAY CODE

You will not be asked any Highway Code questions as you will have already passed a Theory Test although it is expected for you to a have a thorough knowledge and understanding of it.

SHOW TELL VEHICLE CHECKS

A basic knowledge of the maintenance and upkeep of your car is expected. You will be asked 2 to 3 questions out of a possible 19.

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SHOW/TELL QUESTIONS

BEFORE YOU START THE ENGINE PLEASE ENSURE YOUR SEAT AND MIRRORS ARE SUITABLY ADJUSTED AND YOUR SEATBELT IS FASTENED

VEHICLE CONTROL

In order for you to reduce wear and tear on your car you should always try to use the controls (clutch, brake, accelerator, handbrake, and steering) as smoothly as you can. This will also give your passengers a smoother more comfortable ride! The clutch should be applied after breaking before you stop and avoid coasting by not running in neutral or with the clutch in. Breaking should be firm and progressive and in plenty of time for any hazard. Proper use of the accelerator ( and clutch for manual cars) will allow you to move off smoothly and increase your speed in a safe way. The hand brake should be applied whenever needed to stop your car rolling forwards or backwards and when parking. Steering should be smooth and controlled. Erratic steering or over/under steering should be avoided as your car may hit the kerb or go into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

MOVE OFF

Throughout the test you will be asked to pull in and move off up hill, down hill, on the level, and at an angle (from behind a parked vehicle). Correct use of M.S.M and P.O.M routines are expected.

USE OF MIRRORS

Effective application of the M.S.M routine is expected. All of the mirrors must be used effectively especially before signalling (M.S.P.S.L) before changing direction or speed (D.O.S.S.)

USE OF SIGNALS

Signal if it would benefit other road users as well as pedestrians. Signals should be in good time and not be confusing. Once the manoeuvre has been completed please ensure to cancel your signal. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road as it may not be safe for them to do so.

USE OF SPEED

Whenever safe, progress should be made taking into account road and weather conditions and speed limits. Do not speed.

CONTROLLED (EMERGENCY) STOP

You may be asked to stop your car quickly, safely and under control as if in an emergency. This requires quick reactions and a high level of skill to avoid locking the wheels.

TURN IN THE ROAD (3POINT TURN)

This manoeuvre requires good clutch control to maintain a slow speed combined with effective all round observations. You must also show consideration to the other road users and pedestrians.

REVERSING EXERCISES

During these manoeuvres (reversing to the left, right, parallel - park or bay park) you must be in full control of the car whilst making effective all round observations and reacting to what you see.

CLEARANCE OF OBSTRUCTIONS

Whenever possible allow plenty of room to pass parked cars, cyclists and busses etc. You should always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. PLEASE REMEMBER A DOOR MAY OPEN, A PEDESTRIAN COULD STEP OUT OR A CAR MAY PULL OUT WITHOUT SIGNALLING.

OTHER SIGNALS/SIGNS

This covers all traffic signs and road markings which you should understand and react to. Correct procedure at traffic lights is expected as is appropriate reactions to signals given by other road users, police officers, and school crossing patrols.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE

You should be able to stop safely well within the distance you can see to be clear therefore always keep a safe distance between you and any other road users. On wet or slippery roads your stopping distance will be increased. The 2 and 4 second rule should be applied at all times. When driving in traffic you should always leave sufficient room for you to manoeuvre round the car in front.

MAINTAIN PROGRESS

To pass your test you should demonstrate that you can drive at appropriate speeds for the conditions. Hazards should be approached safely without being over hesitant or interfering with other road users progress.Driving too slow can be hazardous for you and others.

JUNCTIONS AND ROUNDABOUTS

You should approach junctions and roundabouts using the correct routine in a safe way giving priority when necessary and making sure it is safe to proceed.

JUDGMENT

Your actions should not make any other road user slow down, change direction or stop. Overtake when it is safe allowing plenty of room on the left. If the available road space is small or there is a hazard you should be prepared to slow down or stop.

STOPPING

You should find somewhere safe, legal and convenient to stop reasonably close to the kerb.

POSITIONING

Normal road position is to the left however keep well clear of parked vehicles and remember your road position might change if you are turning left or right. When driving in lanes your position should be to the middle of your lane. Do not straddle lanes.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

If there is a pedestrian on any crossing you should always slow down and be prepared to stop. This includes on a flashing amber light on a pelican crossing. If someone is waiting to cross on a zebra crossing you should slow down and stop for them.

PLANNING AND AWARENESS

You should be aware of other road users and anticipate their actions. This will allow you to read the road ahead and plan your approach to react to and deal with any hazards in good time.

ANCILLARY CONTROLS

You should know where these are and how to work them e.g. windscreen wipers, lights, demisters.

ECO DRIVING

Your style of driving should be within the principles of eco safe driving which means you should use the vehicle controls correctly to minimise fuel consumption and your impact on the environment. Plan well ahead and choose the appropriate gear. Avoid heavy braking and harsh revving of the engine whilst accelerating.

HEALTH DECLARATION

Any changes to your health must be declared. It is an offence to make a false statement to obtain a licence.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR TEST

Before you are allowed to take your practical driving test you must provide a valid provisional licence (both card and counterpart) showing your correct address and a valid theory test certificate - once passed your theory certificate is valid for 2 years. You should also arrive 15mins before the confirmed test time.

DRIVING ROUTINES TO BE DISPLAYED

Becoming a safe courteous driver requires driving within the guidelines set out by the DSA, abiding by the Highway Code and learning routines to help you deal with any hazards which you may encounter. These routines are P.O.M., M.S.P.S.L., M.S.M., D.O.S.S.and, L.A.D.A. You will learn the importance of how, when, and why to apply these routines during your time as a learner driver with Profile Driving School.