Remember this is an assessment of your ability to drive safely on the busy roads today so obviously that is the Objective To show the examiner you can do just that - on your own without any Help

Please be self critical and think can I drive alone or is my instructor still "prompting" me if he / she is then the answer is obvious. YOU ARE NOT READY   simple but true and in the near future you will Be


The Test

Study the show me / tell me questions it is a good start if you get these correct

The examiner will state at the start of the test to " follow the road ahead unless road markings or traffic signs tell you otherwise and he / she will tell you in good time when you need to turn left or right.

If the examiner asks you to 'take the next available turn', it's may be that one of the roads is inaccessible, (one way street / no-entry sign?) or the examiner could say, 'take the second on the right / left this being the first' This is normally   because the junctions are a bit close together and you could misunderstand.

If you are unsure Ask They are nice people contrary to what stories you may hear.


General driving between the two manoeuvres........

Remember your 'normal driving position' and Keep well to the left the kerb generally is your "friend"

DON'T get too close to stationary vehicles or obstructions as you are pass them. This is a common Failure

SCAN AND PLAN in other words look around for anything i.e. people at crossings or lights that may Change "PLAN"

Try and make "progress" whenever you can in other words up to the speed limits if its "SAFE"

Try and drive briskly but safely , try not to drive too "careful " this can be a common mistake by a lot of candidates on driving test - make progress within the speed Limits

Plan and anticipate and try not to hesitate at junctions i.e. go if it’s Safe

You will get you marks for hesitancy if you don't progress at a reasonable pace.

Don't forget that it is advisable at a STOP SIGN to apply the handbrake this will at least mean you have STOPPED and will also have the desired time to look effectively before emerging.

Make sure you make effective observation at junctions when emerging Especially Look both ways at least Twice Be sure it’s clear.

Remember, "Creep and peep" where you need to. If there's a danger, stop creeping but keep Peeping As soon as it's clear move positively into the new road, check the mirror and cancel unneeded signals.

At every junction or roundabout ask yourself "What can I see? Is it safe? Can I go?"

As always the golden rule is "IF   IN DOUBT DONT GO OUT"


Signals...........

Signals are there to warn and inform - not confuse... They should be used in good time as part of the MSM routine and then canceled when no longer needed.

Always signal on approaching a junction to turn left or right, no matter how clear the road is.

Also, always signal on the approach to any roundabout if you have to turn left or right. Always signal on a roundabout to inform other road users that you intend to turn off at the next exit, even if going straight on.

Don't indicate every time you pass a parked car or move out slightly for a pedal cyclist.
Always consider before each time you change position in the road "would a signal help other road users" If not, don't use one.

Moving off.......

Moving off is one of the most important and basic skills to get right.

During the test the examiner will ask you to stop on the left and move off again several times. You may think this is pointless, but the examiner wants to see how effective your observations are and how safely you move away.

Make sure you get the basics correct when moving off and stopping! The examiner will stop you at least two or three times to make sure you safe and remember those blind areas!


EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
When you see a pedestrian, expect them to step out, that way you won't be surprised.

When overtaking cyclists give them the same clearance as you would a car if possible. If you can't give them that much room, SLOW DOWN. Trade speed for space.

Don't follow cyclists too closely. GIVE THEM ROOM!

Mirrors........
Use the mirrors as you are taught “effectively" look access decide then act!

When leaving roundabouts check your left door mirrors remember!!!!!!!! unless your going straight ahead check your right