Are YOU Ready To Pass?

Skills you need to pass your driving test

Every driver starts here. These 4 skills form the foundation of safe driving – and understanding them properly makes everything else easier to learn.

Basics

  • Legal responsibilities

    • your health, including any medical conditions you must declare;
    • use of drugs and alcohol;
    • use of mobile phones while driving;
    • your eyesight.

  • Safety checks

    • tyres;
    • lights;
    • oil, coolant, and screen wash levels;
    • brakes;
    • windscreen.

  • Cockpit checks

    • your seat position;
    • your mirrors;
    • your headrest;
    • your seatbelt

  • Security

    • lock your vehicle correctly;
    • use any immobiliser or alarm fitted to the car;
    • keep valuables out of sight;
    • park safely and securely.

Control & positioning

  • Controls and instruments

    • use the foot controls;
    • operate the hand controls confidently;
    • read and understand the instrument panel, including warning lights;
    • adapt quickly when driving a different vehicle.

  • Moving away and stopping

    • use the mirror – signals – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines consistently;
    • move away safely;
    • stop the car smoothly and always in full control;
    • carry out thorough all-round checks before moving off.

  • Safe positioning

    • drive in the correct position for the road and situation;
    • keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front;
    • use lanes correctly, including on multi-lane roads;
    • understand how your position affects other road users.

Observation, signalling & planning

  • Mirrors – vision and use

    • use the mirror & signals in manoeuvres;
    • check mirrors at the right moments;
    • understand the interior mirror and the 2 exterior mirrors;
    • recognise blind spots;
    • interpret what you see in flat, concave and convex mirrors correctly.

  • Signals

    • know why signals matter;
    • be able to give signals clearly and at the right time;
    • recognise when a signal is not needed;
    • understand all the signals given by other road users;
    • respond correctly to signals from traffic controllers.

  • Anticipation and planning

    • use the MSM and PSL routines to respond to hazards in good time
    • identify hazards from early clues;
    • use scanning techniques to look well ahead;
    • recognise higher-risk times, places and weather conditions;
    • anticipate the actions of all the moving elements or traffic participants around you.

  • Use of speed

    • know the national speed limits;
    • adjust your speed for road, weather & traffic conditions;
    • choose an appropriate speed near pedestrians;
    • understand stopping distances.

  • Other traffic

    • handle meeting oncoming traffic safely all the time;
    • use passing places correctly on narrow roads;
    • cross the path of other traffic safely when turning right;
    • overtake legally and safely;
    • understand when to give way.

  • Fuel-efficient driving

    • understand how vehicle exhaust affects climate and health;
    • reduce fuel consumption by planning ahead;
    • always keep your car in good condition;
    • dispose of vehicle waste such as oil, batteries & tyres correctly;
    • be aware of cleaner vehicle technologies;
    • understand how features such as cruise control and adaptive cruise control works.

And more other skills...

Junctions, roundabouts & crossings

Manoeuvres

Road types

Driving conditions

Following routes

You can read the full list of Skills that you need and much more information in the following link.

Practising with family or friends

When your skills are up to scratch, your instructor might recommend extra practice with a friend or family member. Combining private practice with professional training speeds up your progress and builds the real-world experience you need to stay safe on the roads.

Your supervisor must:

  • be 21 or over
  • have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
  • be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you are learning in