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PRACTICAL TEST

PRACTICAL TEST - What's It About?

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) driving test for car drivers is about 40 minutes long. During this time the examiner will try to ensure that you cover a wide variety of different road conditions, from quiet low speed roads to busy high-speed roads and town or city centre driving. You will also be required to undertake several set manoeuvres. The examiner may require you to undertake two of the following manoeuvres and optionally the emergency stop:

• Reverse parking behind a parked car or into a parking bay
• Reversing round a corner
• Turn in the road

During the test the examiner will tell you in good time which way to go. If you go the wrong way do not panic the examiner is testing your ability to drive not your ability to follow directions. It is better to go the wrong way correctly than to go the right way incorrectly. If at any time you are unsure what the examiner requires do not hesitate to check what he or she wants; the examiner appreciates that you may be nervous and will be happy to repeat any instructions or clarify any instructions given. While you are driving the examiner will note any driving faults on the driving test report form (DL25). The driving faults are categorised into minor, serious and dangerous and are recorded against the appropriate headings shown below. Each fault is denoted by a slash ‘/’ in the appropriate box. At the end of the test the examiner will total up the number of minor driving faults under each heading and overall. If you commit 16 or more minor driving faults you will unfortunately fail the driving test. If you commit one or more serious or dangerous driving faults you will also fail the test. Even if you feel you have failed the test you should continue to try, as the test will help you to identify where you need more practice.

PRACTICAL TEST - Manoeuvres

There are three standard and one optional reverse manoeuvres that you will be required to know how to perform. You will be asked to perform one of them as part of your driving test, with the option of the additional one. These manoeuvres are:

• Turning in the road (3-point turn)
• Reversing around a corner
• Reverse parking
• Reversing into a parking bay (optional)

You should practice these manoeuvres specifically with your driving instructor, and with family and friends, so that you get a feel for their usage in normal driving. Around town, you will probably find that reverse parking and bay parking are your most important day-to-day manoeuvres, incorporating elements of the other two.

Turning In The Road

Note that this manoeuvre isn’t called a three-point turn. You don’t have to take three points to do it; it’s just quicker that way. You can take as many points as you want, so long as you are under control, and don’t take more than the allotted five minutes to turn. Remember to check your mirrors and blind spots often during the manoeuvre, in case cyclists sneak up on you, and be ready to give way if another road user appears during your manoeuvre. If they wait for you, don’t panic, just finish your manoeuvre.

Reverse Around A Corner

This manoeuvre you might think you need to be psychic for, as you can’t see around corners, but you don’t, you just need to maintain control of the vehicle. If another road user appears during your manoeuvre, be ready to give way, or move out of their way safely, and re-start the manoeuvre. The two most common causes of failing this manoeuvre are over-steering, causing you to strike the kerb, or under-steering, causing you to end up too far from the kerb. There is no quick way around this; you just need to practice with your instructor.

Reverse Parking

The most common reason for failure in this manoeuvre is mounting the kerb. Remember it is allowed for you to adjust mirrors and remove your seatbelt for a clearer view to the rear. If you have been driving with family or friends, the chances are you will have had to use this manoeuvre in real life in a far smaller space than you will be allowed on your test. Remember you have the extra space, and remember to stay in control of the vehicle, and give way to other road users. If you think you are coming in too sharp or are about to strike the kerb, stop, and re-position yourself. The examiner is testing your ability to park safely, not perfectly.

Reversing Into A Bay Parking Space

This manoeuvre is optional to the driving test, but is almost certain to be assessed if there is a car park at the test centre, or if you pass a car park in the course of your test. As most driving tests are conducted in urban areas, you will almost certainly meet a car park of some sort. In order to correctly pass this manoeuvre, you must squarely park the car between the bay lines. Remember that crossing the bay lines before the car is parked is not immediately an issue, provided that you straighten up safely before you finish.

BEFORE THE TEST - Learn With Family & Friends

When learning to drive, practice outside of ordinary driving lessons can help increase confidence and skill, and give the learner driver an opportunity to drive in the presence of different people in different situations. Learning to drive with a family member or a friend can be a rewarding and useful experience, but it can also be quite stressful. To achieve the most out of the extra driving time it is vital that both the learner and the family member or friend work together.

To supervise a learner driver you must be at least 21 and have held a full driving licence for three years.

Due to the increase in traffic, a lot more is expected of both the learner driver and the tutor in modern society. There are many more road, signs, and speed limits, as well as many more cars than when older drivers where learning. Learning to drive can be an intimidating experience, and may well unnerve the assisting family member or friend just as much. Here is some advice for learners and their practice partners to help both of you benefit from this experience.

Your Role:

As the parent/friend/sibling etc of the learner driver, your role primarily is to give them time to practice what they have learned, providing guidance and instruction when they come unstuck. The point to practicing with a family member is to give the learner as much time behind the wheel as possible. What occurs in these practice sessions should reinforce what has been covered by their driving instructor. It is very easy for a learner to pick up bad habits. Their attitude will be reflected in their driving ability and their consideration for other road users. So ensure that you express the correct levels of attention, anticipation and courtesy that are required to create a safe and competent driver. By setting a good example in attitude you will pass on just as significant skills as well the technical capabilities.

Keep Your Bad Habits In Check

It may have been many years since you took your test, so bear in mind that when your child does pass their test they may technically be a better driver than you. Remember the important skills that examiners look for; always check your mirrors, hold the steering wheel correctly, and always, always, indicate.

Plan The Sessions

Together, plan where each driving practice will take you and what manoeuvres you may cover. In the beginning it is better to look for large empty areas like car parks while the learner gets to grips with the car. As they progress onto the road, choose quiet roads first.

Take Your Time

The learner driver will inevitably be nervous, and no doubt so will you. Build up the sessions gradually as you both increase in confidence and get used to each other. Frequent, shorter sessions can be more beneficial than longer sporadic ones.

Don’t Shout

The biggest problem a parent can have helping to teach their child to drive is talking to them naturally. Driving can be a tense experience for the learner, and you want to do everything you can to help them feel confident and in control, not like a naughty child. Driving under the guidance of someone they know can be extra pressure for the learner so be patient and positive. Don’t nag, and if you do feel like shouting, take a break. Tempers will not benefit either party and can undermine the learner’s confidence.

Don’t Take Passengers

Not only will they put off the learner driver, but having someone in the back seat can restrict the learner’s view when looking out the back of the car.

Don’t Overwhelm The Learner Driver

Build up to different settings and manoeuvres as the learner progresses. Making them practice and check everything at once will only leave them bewildered and lead to frustration. Remember that it is all quite new to them and to take things slowly.

Communication Is King

When giving the learner driver instructions, make sure that they understand exactly what you mean to avoid undue stress, and give the driver plenty of time to consider and anticipate the next move. For example, ask to them turn right after the traffic lights, as opposed to saying “turn right now”. Don’t Just Instruct If the learner has made a mistake, ask them what they think they did wrong before you point out their error. If they are speeding in a certain area, ask them what they think the speed limit is. It will keep them focused on their surroundings and aware of their actions.

Remain Vigilant

However well the lesson is going and how confident the learner driver seems, they are still inexperienced in the ways of the road. They may not be prepared for sudden changes and so you must be the second pair of eyes.

Help Out Where Necessary

The amount of controls and settings in modern cars can be a little confusing at first, especially as the learner is concentrating so hard on the road. Help out if they get flustered if the windows mist or if they forget to dip the lights, and go through the controls again after the practice if required. Watch out for some of the most common mistakes that new, and particularly, young drivers make:

• Not slowing down in complex road situations
• Not looking around or using mirrors enough
• Overconfidence

After each driving practice, ensure that you spend time discussing the positives and negatives of each session. Always encourage the driver when they have done well, and allow them time to reflect on the areas which didn’t go as well. Don’t clash with what the driving instructor teaches; speak to the instructor and find out if the learner has misinterpreted what the instructor said.

PRACTICAL TEST - Top 10 reasons for failure

As with anything that isn’t driving in a straight line, remember your mirrors. Also remember to check any blind spots that you know to be on the vehicle before you move. Wheel-spinning, stalling or bouncing when moving away will show the examiner

1- Failure to act properly at road junctions

If you have right of way over a junction, check your mirrors in case you have to make an emergency stop, and carry on as normal. If you do not have right of way over a junction, check your mirrors and slow down to give way at the junction if necessary. Your examiner should advise you in plenty of time of any intent to take the turning. If you have to turn, check your mirrors, signal to turn, and slow down to take the turning. Remember to position yourself well for the turn, so as not to endanger or mislead other road users.

2- Reversing around a corner incorrectly

Practice will give you the confidence in this manoeuvre. As with all of the reversing manoeuvres, the purpose is to test your clutch control and control of the vehicle whilst moving backwards. Don’t go too fast, because the steering naturally turns when you are proceeding backwards, and that will cause you to loose control. Make sure you use your mirrors to check behind you before you start, and keep looking in front of you whilst you carry out the manoeuvre. Remember to give way to other road users if they approach during your manoeuvre.

3- Failure to make proper use of steering

If you check on the fault list above, you will see that this category involves a lot of care of the steering wheel and the control of it. These are all bad habits that can be picked up in natural driving conditions, or from experienced drivers that drive wrongly. Don’t cross your hands on the wheel, let the wheel spin back after a turn or drive with any hands off the wheel for any longer than they have to be.

4- Problems with parking

Arguably the hardest of the reverse manoeuvres, reverse parking is probably the most used on the road. As with all of the reversing manoeuvres, the purpose is to test your clutch control and control of the vehicle whilst moving backwards. Don’t go too fast, because the steering naturally turns when you are proceeding backwards, and that will cause you to loose control. Make sure you use your mirrors to check behind you before you start, and keep looking in front of you whilst you carry out the manoeuvre. Remember to give way to other road users if they approach during your manoeuvre, and that touching the kerb is not an instant fail, provided you are in control of the vehicle.

5- Failure to make proper use of gears

Gears are very important to the control of the car in normal driving. Make sure you are in the right gear before you move away, as pulling out in third and stalling will cause you a world of problems and stress. If you are fortunate to have a Rev. counter in your test car, your engine should rarely go above 2000 revs during normal travel. If it is above or below this, you should change gear. Gears should never be used for braking unless you are in emergency situations, however, you should gear down on approach to junctions and traffic lights, not coast in and “block shift” back to first.

6- Failure to make effective use of mirrors

When should you use your mirror? Whenever you think “I’m about to do something”. Roughly speaking, between 25 and 50% of your driving time should be glancing in mirrors. If you spend any more, you are not paying enough attention to the road. Also, do not accentuate your looks at the mirrors. The examiner is trained to know when you are looking, and does not need you to swivel your head to tell them.

7- Driving too slowly

It is understandable that you will be concerned about your speed. The examiner will fail you for driving over the speed limit if you do not need to, however, progressing at a “safe” speed of 25 mph, and building up a tail of traffic will also gain you a minor fault. Not noticing a de-restriction sign and continuing to drive at 30 despite other road users will be more serious. Pay attention to the prevailing road conditions and the actions of others.

8- Failure to act properly when turning right

As with anything that isn’t driving in a straight line, remember your mirrors. Look at them before you do anything. Then indicate and move to the right of the lane you are in (if you are testing in a larger vehicle, the more left you need to be). Wait for an appropriate gap in the oncoming traffic – you know how long it takes for you to turn right, the aim is not to hold other people up. If someone flashes you out, move as quickly as possible, or you may get a hesitancy point.

9- Causing delay by not pulling out promptly at junctions

As with turning right, you know how long it takes for you to pull away. In general you should be looking for a gap of 4-6 car lengths in the oncoming traffic, and move into that gap. If you don’t pull out, and have people behind you, you may get this point. If you don’t have people behind you, you may only get a hesitancy point.

10- Failure to move away correctly from stationary positions

As with anything that isn’t driving in a straight line, remember your mirrors. Also remember to check any blind spots that you know to be on the vehicle before you move. Wheel-spinning, stalling or bouncing when moving away will show the examiner that you do not have sufficient control of the vehicle.

Booking Your Practical Test

You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from your driving instructor, any driving or theory test centre or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line

PRACTICAL TEST - Booking your practical test

You can obtain a driving test application form (DL26) from your driving instructor, any driving or theory test centre or by telephoning the driving test enquiry line on 0870 0101 372, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Welsh speakers can also book on 0870 0100 372. If you are deaf and need a minicom machine telephone 0870 0106 372. If you are able to pay by credit or debit card you can book a driving test appointment direct on the same numbers without the need to complete an application form. You will however, need to quote your driver number from your provisional driving licence, your theory test pass certificate number and your driving school code if you are being trained by a professional driving instructor. Upon booking you will be given a booking number and sent an appointment card as confirmation within a few days.

Cancelling a Test

You are required to give a minimum of ten clear working days notice of your decision to cancel or postpone your test; otherwise you will lose your test fee. If you are unwell on the day of the test and can get a doctor to verify this, the DSA will refund the test fee.

Special Requirements

The DSA are required to make every effort to ensure that all candidates can take the driving test. However, it is important that you discuss your needs with them when booking the test. If you cannot speak English or are deaf you are allowed to bring an interpreter with you who must be at least 16 years of age and cannot be a driving instructor. If you are disabled you will receive the same test, however, more time will be allocated so that you can explain the nature of your disability and describe any special adaptations fitted to your vehicle.

At the Test Centre

You must take the following items with you to the test centre.

• Your theory test pass certificate;
• Both parts of your signed photocard driving licence or your signed driving licence and photographic identification. Acceptable forms of photographic identification include:
• Your photocard driving licence.
• Your passport, which doesn’t have to be a British passport.
• An employers identity or workplace pass bearing your photograph and name or signature or both.
• Trade union card bearing your photograph and signature.
• School Bus Pass bearing the name of the issuing authority and your photograph and signature.
• A signed photograph, together with a suitable statement (as shown opposite) from a recognised figure of authority.
• Acceptable figures who can certify you as being the named person include: Approved Driving Instructor, Member of Parliament, medical practitioner, teacher (qualified), Justice of the Peace, police officer, civil servant (established), bank official, minister of religion, barrister or solicitor.
• It is extremely important that you arrive in good time at the test centre so that the above documents can be checked. If you arrive after the start time you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.

Your Test Vehicle

The vehicle you intend to drive must be legally roadworthy, has a current MOT certificate if over the prescribed age and be fully covered by insurance for its present use and for you to drive. The driver will be asked to sign a declaration that the cars insurance is in order. The test will not be conducted if you are unwilling to do this. Hire cars are unlikely to be insured for this purpose. Your test vehicle should also display a valid tax disc and L-plates or alternatively D-plates in Wales to the front and the rear. Your vehicle must also have a properly fitted head restraint and a fully functioning seat belt fitted to the front passenger seat and an additional interior rear - view mirror for suitable use by the examiner. If you overlook any of the above your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.

Saturday and Evening Tests

Some test centres operate Saturday tests and in summer, when it is light, evening test at an extra cost.

What to Expect

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) practical driving test is designed to test your ability to control the vehicle and to ensure what you have learnt over your lessons has stuck with you

PRACTICAL TEST - What To Expect

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) practical driving test is designed to test your ability to control the vehicle and to ensure what you have learnt over your lessons has stuck with you. If you pass, you will be allowed to drive on the public highway without your ‘L’ Plates and without supervision. The test takes approximately 40 minutes, and it is taken by a DSA examiner, who will sit in the passenger seat.

Arrival

Aim to arrive at the test centre early, in order to give your test car a quick check to ensure tyre pressures are correct, and that all lights are in working order. Shortly before your appointment time, go into the test centre and register. You will require your license (both photocard and paper counterpart). The test centre should have a toilet – it is wise to use it, to prevent discomfort later on! You will be asked to sign a declaration on the test report form (DL25), which confirms that your test vehicle is insured and roadworthy. Normally your instructor will wait at the test centre, though he will travel with you in the back of the car if you wish. Occasionally, an assessor will sit in the back of the car. He (or she) is there to assess the examiner, not you, so do not worry about them.

The Test

You will leave the test centre and walk to your test car. Your examiner will stop you, and ask you to read the registration of a car (not your test car) from an approximate distance of about 20.5 metres. If you wear glasses normally for driving, you should wear them. The registration plate will be of a standard size and font. If you cannot read the plate, the test will terminate (and you will lose your fee). You will next take part in the ‘Show Me/Tell Me’ section of the test. You will be asked two questions. One question will normally ask you to identify a feature of the engine bay, and explain how to use it (e.g. “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.”). Secondly, you will be asked to tell the examiner how you would check a certain part of the car is working (e.g. “Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.”). In some cases you will physically have to show how you would check, in others you will only need to explain verbally. A full list of the questions and answers can be downloaded from the DSA’s website, at www.dsa.gov.uk. If you are not already in the car, you will now get in. The examiner will join you in the passenger seat. He will instruct you to start the car, and the test will commence. Ensure your seatbelt is fastened, before checking your mirrors and getting underway. During the test, you will follow a set route (which can be viewed on the DSA’s website). Most centres have multiple routes, which can be changed at the examiners discretion, so there is little point in attempting to remember the routes – particularly as each centre has at least 10 routes. The route will test your ability to drive sensibly and efficiently. On the route, you will also be required to perform two manoeuvres from a list of three. The test route will take several types of driving into account – from driving on a dual carriageway, to busy main roads, from de-restricted country lanes to quiet residential streets. The examiner will give instructions to you in plenty of time, giving you chance to check your mirrors and indicate without being marked down. If you take an incorrect turning – don’t worry. Unless you have gone down a no entry road, you should not be penalised. After all, the test is testing your ability to drive a car, not to follow instructions. Taking a wrong turn safely is better than realising, and taking the correct turn in a dangerous manner which could cost you the test. If at any time you are unsure of what your examiner requires you to do, don’t hesitate to ask. The examiner can appreciate you are likely to be nervous, and will be happy to repeat or clarify any instructions. If at any point you think you have failed, do not give up – carry on driving as you have been taught, as it may turn out that you haven’t failed. It will also help to identify any errors in the debrief after the exam. During the test, you will be assessed on the DL25 form. The form has several headings, and spaces for marks and comments, and also records the end result of your exam. The form will be explained in greater detail later. Once you have finished the test route, you will finish back at the test centre. At this stage, you will park the car, and the examiner will inform you that the test is complete. He or she will then take a moment to count up your mistakes. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults – any more, and you earn an automatic fail. Any ‘serious’ or ‘dangerous’ faults will also result in an automatic fail. If you pass – congratulations! You will be presented with a pass certificate, which can be sent to the DVLA to upgrade your driving license. The examiner can also update licences issued after March 2004 electronically. If you fail, do not let it get you down. Work out what went wrong, and aim to improve areas which were not satisfactory.

PRACTICAL TEST - The dl25 Document

The DH25 Explained

The DH25 document is the document on which your driving test is logged. It is A4 sized, and is filled in by the examiner during the test The dl25 document is the document on which your driving test is logged. It is A4 sized, and is filled in by the examiner during the test. The top boxes on the dl25 regard the administration of the test. Most of the boxes will be filled in by the examiner – such as the application reference, date and time. He will also fill in the car details such as the car registration and type of test. You will be required to sign a declaration acknowledging that the test vehicle is roadworthy and insured. Once filled in, the test can begin.

1. The first section of the test is the eyesight test. Failing the eyesight test is an instant fail, and will be marked in section 1a as a serious error. The test will terminate. Section 1b only applies if you are not required to take a separate theory test.
For the manoeuvres, you will be marked on control and observation (except for the controlled stop, for which you will be marked on promptness and control). You can receive the normal three ‘grades’ – minor, serious, and dangerous.
2. Controlled Stop: If you are asked to perform this manoeuvre, you will be marked on your promptness and control of the vehicle. 1 in 3 tests will be required to perform the controlled stop.
3. Reverse Around A Corner (Left): You should display observational skills and maintain full control of the vehicle, to finish within 30cm of the kerb.
4. Reverse Around A Corner (Right): As above. Not all test centres require this manoeuvre to be performed.
5. Reverse Parking: You will use another vehicle as a guide, and should finish the manoeuvre 30cm from the kerb, within 2 car lengths of the car in front.
6. Turn In The Road: Despite being commonly known as the ‘3 point turn’, there is no requirement to actually complete the manoeuvre in 3 points. You can take as many as you want, as long as you do not hit the kerb, and maintain control of the vehicle.
7. The Vehicle Checks: You will be required to show the examiner you know the fundamental safety checks to perform on your vehicle – such as ensuring fluid levels are correct, that lights work and that the horn is operational.

Manoeuvres 8 and 9 are used in the taxi test only; manoeuvre 10 is only used in the car + trailer test. For the following manoeuvres, you can receive up to three minor marks. Should you receive three minors for any section, you will automatically receive a serious fault, and will therefore fail the test.

1. Precautions: Before you move away at the start of the test, you should ensure that your mirrors are set, that you are comfortably seated and can reach the pedals and controls, and that your seatbelt is fastened.
2. Control: This is a wide-ranging section, covering your control of the clutch, gears, accelerator, brakes, steering and the use of the parking brake. Driving smoothly, with controlled inputs, meaning less wear and tear on the engine, should get you through this section. Additionally, selecting appropriate gears at appropriate times, and depressing the clutch before coming to a stop will be required. Also, making full use of the parking brake when stationary, and when performing hill starts will be needed. It is this section where it is easiest to pick up minor marks thanks to the number of different items you will be marked upon.
3. Moving Off: You should be able to move from a stationary position in a safe and controlled manner. The examiner will ask you to move from a level position, as well as a hill start. You will be marked on safety and control, so stalling will earn a minor mark. Remembering to check your mirrors is important, as you could potentially earn a dangerous mark if you fail to check your mirrors.
4. Use of Mirrors: During normal driving, you should check your mirrors frequently. You should also use mirrors when making a turn, changing speed or performing manoeuvres.
5. Signals: You should use your indicators to inform other road users (including pedestrians) of your intentions. Always signal in good time, and ensure that the signal has been cancelled after performing the manoeuvre, to avoid confusing other road users.
6. Clearance & Obstructions: Ensure you leave plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles or obstructions, and drive with caution in case a pedestrian walks into the road or a car door opens without warning.
8. Response to Signs and Signals: You should be able to understand and respond to traffic signs, and should respond to them as appropriate. You will also need to obey traffic signals such as traffic lights, as well as signals given by police officers, crossing patrols, and other road users.
9. Use of Speed: You should make safe progress, without travelling too slowly, or exceeding the speed limit. It is also important to ensure you can stop safely in the distance you have available, and so your speed should be appropriate to this. Factors such as traffic, weather and obstacles should also be taken into account.
10. Following Distance: The “2 Second Rule” should be followed at all times. You should not tailgate vehicles in front. When in a queue of traffic, leave enough space between yourself and the vehicle in front to pull out and pass if the vehicle has problems.
11. Maintain Progress: You should show the examiner you are capable of driving at a speed appropriate to conditions. You should also be able to pass hazards at a safe, controlled speed. At junctions, you should be prepared to move out as soon as it is safe to do so.
12. Junctions (Including Roundabouts): You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you don’t cross the white lines. You should position the vehicle correctly in order to prevent any obstruction to another vehicle. At a multi-lane junction, ensure your vehicle is positioned in the correct lane. When turning right, do not cut the corner. If turning left, do not swing out of the junction. Stay alert, and watch for cyclists and pedestrians.
13. Judgement: You must exercise good judgment in overtaking stationary vehicles, or when overtaking cyclists and motorcyclists, particularly as cyclists can wobble and swerve. Similar judgment should be exercised where a road narrows, or where traffic calming measures exist.

Also, where you are turning out of a junction, good judgment should be displayed when pulling out of the junction, in order to prevent another driver having to slow down to avoid you.

1. Road Positioning: Your vehicle should be positioned in a sensible position at all times. You shouldn’t cross white lines (unless overtaking), nor move beyond them at a junction. Where multiple lanes exist, you should drive in the centre of the lane, and should not straddle the lane markings.
2. Pedestrian Crossings: You should be able to recognise the different types of crossing, and should show courtesy to pedestrians. At all crossings, you should slow down and stop if required. You should give way to pedestrians when there is an amber light flashing (either on a pelican or a zebra crossing), and give way to cyclists at toucan crossings.
3. Positioning (When Stopping): You should stop where it is safe, where you will not obstruct a road. You should never stop on yellow lines, white zigzag markings. Nor should you stop in a bus stop, as this is an instant fail. When stopped, you should apply your handbrake.
4. Awareness/Planning: You must display awareness of other road users at all times. You should be thinking ahead, and planning ahead so that you can judge what other road users are going to do, make plans to avoid them, and act in good time. Changes in traffic conditions should also be planned for. You should take extra care considering more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.
5. Ancillary Controls: You should be able to use controls in the car as and when required. Controls such as headlights, windscreen demisters, indicators and windscreen wipers. You should be able to operate the controls without looking down.

At the end of the test, your total minors will be written up for each section, and added up to give a grand total. The examiner will also fill in which route was taken, and finally will fill in the pass/fail box, before announcing the result to you. If you have passed, you will be presented with a pass certificate, which you will send to the DVLA. You will be required to sign the assessment form to confirm you have received the certificate.