Howth-Sutton School of Motoring - www.howthsutton.com

Howth Sutton

School of Motoring
...driving for life!

Driving test guide

Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail!!!

 

So what are the Examiners going to be watching for?

The following is a list of all of the most important driving points. It would be well worth your while reading through it a few times especially coming up to your test. However these tips are also very important for the rest of your driving life also.

Oral test

You will be required to answer a few questions on the Rules of the Road and on signs and signals.

Before starting

Visibly check and ensure that:

  • all doors are properly closed.
  • the seat and head restraints are properly set.
  • your seatbelt is properly on
  • your wing and rear-view mirrors are adjusted to their correct viewing positions.
  • the hand brake is on and the gear stick is in neutral.

Car controls

Operating the Car Controls

  • Understand the function of the main car controls, - the steering, the clutch, the gears, the accelerator, the foot brake and hand brake and operate them smoothly and correctly.
  • Operate the minor controls, like indicators, lights, windscreen wipers and de-misters properly and appropriately.
  • Know and understand the instrument panel, such as the speedometer, and hazard lights etc
  • Balance the accelerator and clutch smoothly moving off
  • Avoid stalling the car
  • Accelerate smoothly and evenly
  • Choose the correct gear for the speed and situation
  • Change gear timely before corners and hazards
  • Brake early and gently (except in emergencies)
  • Understand when to apply the hand brake.
  • Hold the steering wheel correctly with both hands (between 'ten to two' and 'quarter to three' position.
  • Steer properly and smoothly ('pull/push' method best)

Moving off

You will be required to move off safely and in control on a level road, from behind a parked vehicle and also on a slope.

  • Use 'MSM' i.e. Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and Look sequence of actions as ever.
  • First check your mirrors. This is very important.
  • Also check your blind spot (over shoulder) for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or animals
  • Then signal your intentions using your indicator
  • Finally, using the appropriate gear, and having released the handbrake, manoeuvre into position, maintaining full observation as you do so, properly and smoothly using the accelerator, clutch, steering and brakes.

At Junctions

  • Check your mirrors and over your shoulders
  • Signal your intentions in good time using indicators
  • Position the vehicle correctly and in the correct lane
  • Adjust your speed appropriately
  • Watch out particularly for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Be alert and observant for possible hazards
  • Assess speeds of other vehicles especially at roundabouts
  • Read signs correctly, i.e. Stop signs, Give Way signs, etc.

Mirrors

  • Use your mirrors first before signalling and changing position
  • Use your mirrors properly and effectively before any move
  • Assess what you see properly and safely

Signals

Always ensure that you use your signals to:

  • Clearly let others know what your intention are as early as possible
  • Help other road users, including pedestrians
  • Always ensure that your signal is cancelled after use.

Hand Signals

You should also know how and when to give hand signals. You will be required to demonstrate the six hand signals while in your car from a stationary position showing a points-man you intend to:

  • go straight ahead
  • turn right
  • turn left

You will also be required to demonstrate the same three intentions traffic behind you.

Signs & Signals

  • Understand road and traffic signs and markings.
  • React safely and promptly to them.
  • Act properly at traffic lights. Do not rev unduly or race away from the lights.
  • And even when you get a green light always check quickly that it is safe to proceed without delaying unduly.

Speed

  • Make good progress, do not be over-cautious
  • Take account of the conditions i.e. of the road, the traffic, your visibility and the weather conditions.
  • Stay within speed limits
  • Always comply with road signs
  • Ensure that you can stop safely, well within the distance clear ahead of you
  • Keep a safe distance appropriate to your speed especially on wet or slippery road surfaces.

Safe Distance

  • Adjust your speed to the traffic conditions so that you can stop within the distance that is clear ahead of you.
  • Maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front (remember the Two Second Rule - watch the vehicle in front pass a specific point and see if you can say: 'only a fool breaks the two second rule' before reaching that point)
  • Double that distance in bad driving conditions
  • Be ready to react to changing road and traffic conditions

Make Progress

  • Make good progress.
  • Keep up with the traffic.
  • Do not delay unduly at junctions. Move as soon as safely possible.
  • Demonstrate confidence and common sense judgement.

Overtaking

  • Allow enough room, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
  • Allow enough room after overtaking and avoid cutting back in too sharply.
  • Consider the speed and position of any vehicles behind or coming towards you.
  • Overtake only when it is safe and you will not cause other vehicles to slow down or alter course.

Meeting Traffic

Meet and deal with traffic safely and confidently.

  • Use the MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look) system.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop.
  • Keep well back from an obstruction or the vehicle in front if you need to stop, so that you can see ahead and will have the room to move off again in the event of a blockage.
  • Show judgement when meeting other traffic and act decisively when stopping and moving off

Crossing other Traffic

  • Use the MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look) system system in correct order.
  • Then take the correct position and adjust your speed appropriately.
  • Watch for oncoming traffic and stop if necessary.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists crossing at the side road.
  • Show sound judgement before turning across the path of approaching traffic.

Reversing around a Corner

  • Use the MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look) system system in correct order.
  • Smoothly, properly and Safely with full control.
  • Keeping fairly close to the kerb without mounting or hitting it.
  • Without swinging out too wide.
  • Having checked traffic and road conditions.
  • Having looked out for traffic and pedestrians.
  • Stop in a safe position when completed

Turnabouts

You will be asked to 'turnabout' the vehicle. This is sometimes also called the 3-Point-Turn, but can in fact take five or seven or more movements if required.

  • Use the MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look) system system in correct order.
  • Be aware of other road users
  • Keep looking around throughout the manoeuvre
  • Do not touch or mount the kerb.
  • Manoeuvre smoothly and with control, making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering.

Road Position

  • Normally keep to the left of your lane/side of road
  • Keep a generally straight line avoiding weaving in and out between parked cars
  • Obey lane markings

Passing Stationary Vehicles

  • Allow at least the width of a car door, 1.5 car doors if possible.
  • Watch for doors opening, vehicles pulling out, cyclists, and children and pedestrians emerging.

Pedestrians Crossing

  • Be considerate and courteous.
  • Stop at pedestrian crossings where required
  • Give way to pedestrians at pelican crossings if the lights are flashing amber.
  • Slow down and stop at the correct marked distance at zebra crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting to cross.
  • Control your speed on approach to pedestrian crossings.
  • Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.

Stopping

  • Use the MSPSL (Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look) system in correct order.
  • Stop where you will not obstruct the road or cause a hazard
  • Stop near to the edge of the road
  • Not cause danger or inconvenience to other road users when you stop
  • Show awareness and anticipation of potential hazards
  • Be aware of other road users throughout your test
  • Sensibly assess what other road users are about to do, how you may be affected by that and act safely, appropriately and in good time
  • Show consideration for their others safety when stopping and take care not to endanger pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and people in charge of animals.