Before taking your Driving Test, it is strongly advised that you take a Mock Driving Test to, not only give you a good understanding of how the real test is conducted, but also to give you a very good idea of your own ‘test readiness’. During the Mock Driving Test you will be briefed on what to expect when arriving at the Driving Test Centre, what the Examiner will expect of you and given an understanding of the Examiners ‘Driving Test Report’.
You will then drive for approximately 40mins emulating the requirements of an actual driving test. Listed below are guidance notes for you to familiarise yourself with as your drive will be judged on this criteria.
Along with taking a mock driving test you can visit the DVSA's website for further information about being ready to pass your driving test.
To book your driving test online, click here: www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
Vehicle checks:
It is important that the vehicle is in good working order and you can operate vehicle controls. You will be asked some ‘show me/tell me’ type safety questions. You need to show a basic knowledge of the checks you should make on a regular basis. The ‘show me’ question will be asked whilst you are driving.
Precautions:
These checks are simple but important. Before you start the engine, you need to make sure that your seat is adjusted correctly to allow you to reach all your driving controls with ease. This is because an incorrect seat position can affect your ability to take observations and keep proper control of the vehicle.
Control:
Throughout the mock driving test you will need to show that you can use all the controls smoothly and at the correct time. This means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a smoother ride for your passengers.
Move off:
You will need to show that you can move away on the level, on a slope and at an angle safely, under full control and taking effective observation. Move off only when it is safe to do so.
Use of mirrors - rear observation:
You should use the mirrors safely and effectively, acting correctly upon what you see. Where mirrors are not enough, for example to cover ‘blind spots’, then you must take effective rear observation. You must always check this carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed. You need to demonstrate you can use the Mirror - Signal - Manoeuvre (MSM) routine effectively.
Signals:
You should only use the signals shown in the Highway Code. You should signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. This is particularly important if it would help other road users or pedestrians. You should always signal in good time and ensure that the signal had been switched off after the manoeuvre had been completed. You should not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road.
Controlled Stop:
You might be asked to show that you are able to stop your vehicle in good time and under full control, as if in an emergency situation. Remember, when driving in wet or icy weather conditions, it will take you longer to stop safely.
Reversing exercises:
You will be asked to complete one slow speed reverse manoeuvring exercise. You will need to show you are able to keep control of your vehicle whilst taking effective observations and acting correctly on what you see.
Clearance:
You should give parked vehicles and other obstructions enough space to pass safely. You need to watch out for changing situations such as pedestrians walking out from between parked cars, doors opening and vehicles trying to move off. You should be prepared to slow down or stop, if needed.
Response to signs and signals:
You will need to show that you can react correctly to all traffic signs, road markings, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. You should obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens, Highways Agency officers and school crossing patrols. You should watch out for signals given by other road users and carry on only when you are happy that it is safe to do so.
Use of speed:
You should make safe and reasonable progress along the road. You need to keep in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions, road signs and speed limits. You need to show confidence based on sound judgement. Remember at all times, you should be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Following distance:
You should always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. You should be able to stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should also leave extra distance in wet or slippery conditions. Leave enough space when you are stopped in traffic queues.
Maintaining progress:
You will need to show that you can drive at a realistic speed, appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. You need to approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or slowing or stopping other road users. You should always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so. Driving too slowly can frustrate other drivers which creates danger for yourself and others.
Junctions including roundabouts:
You will need to use the correct Mirror - Signal - Manoeuvre (MSM) procedure. You should also be looking for correct positioning and approach speed at junctions and roundabouts. This is because these skills are essential for dealing with these hazards safely. Turning right across busy roads/dual carriageways is particularly dangerous. To drive safely and pass your mock-test you must be confident that you can judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic safely. You also need to look out for other road users emerging and turning at junctions and be ready to alter your course or stop. Be extra watchful in poor light or bad weather conditions for the more vulnerable road user, such as cyclists and motorcyclists.
Judgement:
Your judgment skills will be assessed throughout the mock-test. You need to show sound judgment when overtaking, meeting or crossing the path of other road users. You should only do this when it is safe and legal and make your intentions clear. Be sure that you understand the intentions of other road users.
Positioning:
You should position your car in a safe position; normally this would be keeping to the left of the road. You need to keep clear of parked vehicles and be positioned correctly for the direction that you intend to take. You need to look for and be guided by road signs and markings. Other road users may judge your intended actions by where you are positioned, so be aware of where you are at all times.
Pedestrian crossings:
You should be able to identify the different types of pedestrian crossings and take the correct action. You need to monitor your speed and time your approach to crossings so that you can stop safely if you need to do so You should pay particular attention if crossings are partly hidden by queuing or parking vehicles. You should also show consideration for elderly or infirm pedestrians who are trying to cross the road.
Position/normal stops:
You should always chose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not block the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without causing inconvenience or danger to other road users.
Awareness/Planning:
You must be aware of other road users at all times. You must plan ahead to judge what other road users are going to do. This will allow you to predict how their actions will affect you. You need to anticipate road and traffic conditions, and act in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment. You should take particular care to consider the actions of the more vulnerable groups of road users such as pedestrians, cyclists other motorcyclists and horse riders.
Ancillary controls:
You will need to show that you can operate all of your vehicle’s controls safely and effectively whilst on the move keeping proper control of your vehicle whilst using secondary controls. These include de-misters heating controls, indicators and windscreen wipers.
Eco Safe Driving:
You should drive in an ‘eco friendly manner’, considering your impact on the environment. Plan well ahead and choose appropriate gears, avoid heavy braking and over revving of the engine, particularly when stopped or moving off. If you have to stop for a long period such as at road works or railway crossings, consider stopping the engine to reduce pollution and save fuel. This will be assessed on your mock-test; however this assessment will not affect the overall result of the test. If there are areas that need improvement you will receive appropriate feedback at the end of the mock-test.
Independant Driving:
Four in every five driving tests will include around 20 minutes of following directions given by a Sat Nav system. This will be included as part of your driving lesson schedule, but may not be part of your Mock Driving Test. If not, then you will be asked to follow a series of road signs.