The practical test of driving ability
The practical test of driving ability lasts for approximately 60 minutes and is designed to assess your driving techniques and level of competence. Before the test begins, you will be asked by the examiner to undertake an eyesight check. This means reading a car number plate from a distance of 27.5 metres (90 feet), with the help of glasses or contact lenses if worn. If you fail the eyesight check, you will not be allowed to take the practical driving test.
Following the eyesight check the examiner will provide a brief explanation of the test and the standard of driving required. This will include clarification of the terminology and expressions to be used by the examiner, as well as a description of exactly how directions will be given.
The test route is always demanding and will cover motorway and/or dual carriageway driving, primary and non-primary roads, rural and urban driving. At the examiners discretion, .you may be asked to perform one or more of the standard reversing manoeuvres. In addition, a hill start is usually incorporated. The test itself is of an advanced nature and a very high standard of competence and professionalism is required.
Candidates must show that they have a thorough knowledge of the principles of advanced driving and road safety, and that they can apply them in practice. It is also important to demonstrate excellent hazard perception and planning skills.
The following are some of the skills and qualities that will form the basis of your practical driving test and on which you will be assessed:-
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Concentration |
System Of Car Control |
Manoeuvring |
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Observation |
Cornering Principles |
Use Of Mirrors |
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Anticipation |
Use Of Accelerator |
Use Of Signals |
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Hazard Identification |
Acceleration Sense |
Passenger Comfort |
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Hazard Management |
Braking |
Vehicle Sympathy |
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Position/Margins |
Clutch Control |
Courtesy |
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Speed Limits |
Gear Selection |
Commentary |
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Overtaking |
Gear Changing |
Knowledge |
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Safe Progress |
Steering |
Aptitude/Competence |
At some stage during the drive you will be required to demonstrate the ability to give a descriptive talk-through commentary; this will be for a period of not less than 10 minutes. Refer to separate guidance note entitled ‘Commentary Driving’.
The test will include a strict assessment regime – only a maximum of 4 driving faults will be allowed. As with all other DSA driving tests a serious or dangerous fault will result in automatic failure.
Candidates taking the Part Two Practical Driving Test must comply with all traffic laws and conform to all mandatory speed limits, road signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, continuous white line markings and ‘Stop’ signs etc. Contravention of any one of these would amount to the commission of a traffic offence and consequently test disqualification. It should be borne in mind that this could also jeopardise any further attempt at the test depending of course on the gravity of the offence.
At the end of the test the examiner will give you the result; this is usually done in the car at the test centre. If you pass, you will be given an application form to apply for the Part Three Test of Instructional/Coaching Ability which should be sent to the DSA Nottingham, with the appropriate fee.
If you fail, the examiner will give you a sheet (including another application form) listing your mistakes, and will also tell you briefly why they have been listed. However, the examiner cannot discuss them in detail.
At ‘The Driving Training Centre’ the possibility of failure is not an option. If you prepare properly and follow the advice of our instructional staff, then there is absolutely no reason why you should not be successful at the first attempt. After all, we are in the success business and it is in our interest to provide you with as much help and support as possible to ensure a positive outcome.
During practise sessions we will aim to provide you with a comprehensive training programme that fulfils the DSA criteria. This means identifying aspects of your driving that may need some further development and subsequently customising the training to meet your individual requirements; we never subscribe to the idea that one size fits all. On top of this, we will provide you with training materials as appropriate, to help you revise in your own time. Naturally we will take into consideration that you are already an Approved Driving Instructor and therefore an accomplished driver in your own right. Even so, it is absolutely essential to point out that your chances of success will be considerably enhanced if you have a sound knowledge and understanding of ‘Roadcraft’. This after all is the oracle of advanced driving, and don’t forget, this test is all about driving at an advanced level.