Clent School of Motoring

A Driving School of excellence

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Latest news

Dec 05: Publication of DSA Test centre routes - these can be found on the DSA website under individual test centres

Dec 05: It is estimated that between 25 per cent and 33 per cent of road traffic accidents involve somebody who was using the road for work purposes. This means that in Great Britain between 850 and 1,100 people are killed, and 90,000 to 118,000 are seriously injured, in work-related road accidents each year. Fatigue is one of the major factors that can cause accidents. A recent study suggests that one in six British HGV drivers could suffer from a form of a sleep disorder, called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). With an estimated 500,000 HGV drivers on Britain's roads, if the pattern that was discovered by the study was repeated across the UK, about 80,000 drivers could be suffering from the condition

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Driving Test

Introduction

You will be tested on your overall driving ability, which will include your ability to anticipate any potential hazards and the ability to plan ahead.

Preparation

Again there is a lot of published material available. Unless you are getting a friend or member of the family to teach you, you will need the services of a DSA ADI (Driving Instructor) to help teach you what is required for the Driving Test, and to let you know when you are competent enough to take it.

Please keep in mind that your Driving Instructor will tell you when he thinks you are ready to book a driving test, and he may also advise you to cancel nearer the test if he feels you are not ready.

Remember if you are not getting it right all the time with very little help from your driving instructor then you're not ready to take your driving test.

How do I book my Driving Test - you can book online at the DSA website or ring the DSA at 0870 01 01 372 and listen to the various options.

The present waiting period for a driving test varies from 10 to 14 weeks.

The Driving test

At the test centre you will be tested on your ability to read a number plate at 20.5 metres (about 67 feet), newer type number plates with a narrower font 20 metres (about 66 feet), if you cannot read it you will not be allowed to continue with the driving test.

You will then be asked 2 questions called, tell me / show me, these are based on your basic knowledge of the car, there are thirteen questions and you will be one question from numbers 1 to 8 and one question from 9 to 13.

I have listed below the thirteen questions with suggested answers:

  • 0pen the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
  • Identify where the bonnet release catch is located. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how you would check oil level against the minimum / maximum markers. You could also add that the engine oil level should be checked when the engine is cold and on a level surface.
  • Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level of fluid.
  • Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. Also add that you should check when the engine is cold as the engine coolant is under pressure and very hot when the engine has been running for some time.
  • Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
  • Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
  • Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
  • Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
  • Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
  • Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help. Also engine may have to be switched on.
  • Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
  • Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
  • Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
  • Check manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
  • Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
  • There should be no cuts or bulges or nails or foreign objects, and there should be l.6mm of tread depth across the central two thirds of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference, including the spare tyre.
  • Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
  • If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
  • Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
  • Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
  • Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
  • Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
  • Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
  • Check is carried out by using horn control, (turn ignition on if necessary).
  • Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
  • Demonstrate by applying parking brake, when it is fully applied it secures itself and can hold the car on a slope, and is not at the end of the working travel.

You will then be asked to sit in the car and you will be tested on your driving ability. The whole test takes about 40 to 50 minutes. You are allowed up to 15 minor points and still pass you driving test, 16 minors or 1 or more serious or dangerous points is a fail.

Test of Driving Ability

  • Precautions - before you start the engine, you should make sure that your seat and mirrors are adjusted correctly so that you are comfortable and you should be able to reach all the controls. The doors should be shut, the handbrake should be on and the gear lever or selector is in neutral or park. If you stall whilst on you driving test you must make sure that you keep the vehicle under control.
  • Control - this covers your use of the accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, handbrake, steering. all these controls should be used smoothly. Make proper use of the accelerator and clutch for a smooth start, always depress the clutch just before you stop. Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Do not allow the vehicle to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch down. Do not look down at the gear lever when changing gear. Use the footbrake smoothly and progressively. Make full use of the handbrake whenever it would help you to prevent the car rolling backwards or forwards, and if you are parking. The steering should be as smooth as possible, avoiding harsh steering or steering too early or too late.
  • Move away - you will be asked to move away safely and under full control on level ground, from behind a parked vehicle and if practicable on a hill. Remember to always use your mirrors and signal if necessary. Just before moving away check that it is safe to do so by looking round for traffic and pedestrians in your blind spot. You should move away in a controlled way balancing the accelerator, clutch and brakes, and steer safely. Do not allow the vehicle to roll back.
  • Emergency stop - you may be asked to perform the emergency stop, remember to brake evenly and progressively, without locking the wheels or skidding. Remember in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safely.
  • Reverse to the left or right - you will be asked to reverse your car around a corner to the left or right, you will need to control your speed, steer reasonably close to the kerb, avoid hitting or mounting the kerb, or steering too wide. You must also maintain good effective all round observations throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration for other road users and pedestrians.
  • Turn in the road - you will be asked to turn your car around to face the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears. You must maintain smooth control of the vehicle, do not let the vehicle mount or touch the kerb, whilst maintaining all round observations for other road users and pedestrians.
  • Reverse parking (parallel park) - you must control your vehicle smoothly, whilst maintaining all round observations for other road users and pedestrians.
  • Use of mirrors / rear observation - you should use your mirrors often, and be aware of what may be in your blind spots. You must be aware of what is happening all around you and act safely and sensibly on what you see. You must check your mirrors before signalling, changing direction or changing speed. Remember the MSM routine mirrors first before signalling.
  • Give appropriate signals - you must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do so that other road users 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. You must obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols.
  • 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, 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 builder's 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.
  • Awareness and planning - you must be aware of other road users at all times. 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.

END OF TEST

When you have completed the test the examiner will take a few minutes to fill out the form, then he will inform you whether you have passed or failed.

If you have passed - well done, you will have shown that you can drive safely. You will be given a pass certificate, a copy of the driving test report, and some general guidance to explain your driving test report.

Remember under the New Drivers Act your licence could be revoked if you receive six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test.

Whats next - do you want to develop your driving skills and discounts from participating insurance companies - if the answer is yes go to the pass plus section.

If you have failed - the examiner will give you a debrief and ask you if you want your driving instructor to be present, say yes, most people at this stage are having mixed feelings and will not remember what is said at the debrief, therefore it is important that your driving instructor is present to listen to the reasons why you have failed.

THE CURRENT PASS RATE IS ONLY 43%. For people taking their test for the first time, it's even lower

The pass rate does vary for each test centre.

The top ten reasons why learners fail based on twelve months to January 2004 DSA:

  • Observation at Junctions.
  • Ineffective observations and judgment
  • Reverse Parking.
  • Ineffective observations or a lack of accuracy
  • Use of Mirrors.
  • Not checking or not acting on the information
  • Reversing around a Corner.
  • Ineffective observations or a lack of accuracy
  • Incorrect use of Signals.
  • Not cancelling or giving misleading signals
  • Moving away Safely.
  • Ineffective observations
  • Incorrect positioning on the road.
  • At roundabouts or on bends
  • Lack of Steering Control.
  • Steering too early or leaving it too late
  • Incorrect position when turning right.
  • At junctions or in one way streets
  • Inappropriate speed.
  • Traveling too slowly or being hesitant