1 Eyesight Test
At the start of the test the examiner asked you to read a vehicle registration number. If you
required glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive. If you had problems
with the eyesight test, perhaps you should consider consulting an optician.
2 Vehicle Checks
You will need to display to the examiner a basic knowledge of the fundamental safety checks you can find these Questions from "Show me Tell me"
applicable to your vehicle. For example safe fluid levels, lighting and tyre checks.
3 Precautions
Before you start the engine make sure that you are comfortably seated and all controls can be
safely operated.
4 Controls
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. 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.
5 Move off
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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 Use of mirrors - Rear observations
Use all the mirrors fitted to your vehicle safely and effectively. You must always check carefully
before signaling, changing direction or changing speed. Use the Mirrors Signal Maneuver (MSM)
routine effectively.
12 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 maneuver has been
completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road.
13 Clearance to 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.
14 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 signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to
act accordingly.
15 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 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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.
19 Judgment
Only overtake when it is safe to do so. Allow enough room when you 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.
20 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 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.
21 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.
22 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 and
heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary,
without looking down.
