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Driving Test Advice
All the help and advice
you need to help you pass the DSA driving test, from Dale Brooks. Learn
how the test is carried out and what the examiner will expect to see
from you, and you'll be prepared for success! We have the advice you
need, but you'll need plenty of practical driving experience with your
local Blackpool driving instructor Dale Brooks!
Contact your local Blackpool instructor on 01253 857465 or 07795 363583. You can also e-mail for more information
Driving Test Advice
The most important advice is not to take
your driving test until you are ready
Don’t fall into the trap. Be prepared and understand what you need to do and you’ll be fine. Thousands of people pass this test every week all over the UK. There are no 'quotas', despite what some people say in the e-mails we receive. If you fail, then the examiner simply did not feel that you were ready to drive alone. That's all there is to it
It may be hard for you to admit, but if you cannot drive on busy roads for at least 30 minutes, without any (or minimal) help from your instructor, then you are not ready
The Test
Make sure you know the show me, tell me questions and answers. This will get you off to a good start. Don’t go getting minor errors before you even move off!! Thoroughly learn the cockpit drill and go through it each time you get in the car. Make sure you do it before you move off on your test
Try to think of the driving test as several 'mini tests' . . . you drive a bit, do a manoeuvre, then drive a bit more. Divide and conquer is the best way to think of it
The examiner will tell you that unless he or she states anything to the contrary, you should follow the road ahead. You should go straight ahead at crossroads and roundabouts unless the examiner tells you not to. 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. Don't be afraid to ask if you don't know what the examiner wants
Remember, always try to plan ahead. Look for the junctions and mini roundabouts well in advance. At roundabouts, look at the sign showing where all the exits are. Then you can plan your lane changes and stay calm on the approach. Always remember, this is not really a test . . . it's an assessment!
Driving between manoeuvres
Remember your 'normal driving position' and Keep well to the left, but avoid driving in the gutter. Try to follow the line of the kerb rather than the centre lines of the road. Never get too close to stationary vehicles or obstructions as you are pass them
Look out for pedestrians stepping out and remember that push bikes can wobble. Give them plenty of room
Never look down at the gear stick when driving along... learn to change gears without looking
Don't let the car 'veer' to one side when you change gear
Don't drive too slowly . . . try to keep up with the traffic flow, but remember the speed limit! A common mistake is to try to be extra careful because the examiner is in the car with you! Always try to anticipate what might happen in good time. Whenever you can, get the car up towards the speed limit . . . but the speed limit is a maximum. So slow down if other dangers are present
Try not to stop at every junction if you can help it. Try to look well ahead - open your eyes and constantly scan the environment. You will get you marks for hesitancy if you don't progress at a reasonable pace
Don't ever forget that you must stop and apply the hand brake at a stop sign. You may have to hold the vehicle on the clutch on a slope for a short time instead of applying the hand brake (not at a stop sign!). This will be usually at junctions and roundabouts. You just need to hold the clutch on the 'biting point'. Make sure that this is only for a couple of seconds maximum
Use your eyes and your brain. Have a good look all around and if there's no chance of moving off in the next couple of seconds, get the hand brake on. When you are emerging from junctions you need to look in both directions, no matter which way you turn
As an absolute minimum, when turning left from a side road into a main road you should look at least right - left - right
When turning right into a main road across oncoming traffic, you should keep looking both ways constantly. Never forget to ask yourself "could I walk across?” when crossing the path of other traffic. 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 un needed 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 you don't know, don't go!"
Signals
Signals should be used to 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. I cannot stress enough that lots and lots of driving tests are failed through errors in moving of and stopping. Get the basics right, right now
When you move off you must use the Prepare, Observe, Move routine. You have to check all around the car by turning round to check the blind spots. A quick look in the mirror is absolutely not enough. When the examiner asks you to stop, make sure you use the MSM routine and stop somewhere that’s Safe, Convenient and Legal
Other road users
Always give pedestrians the right of way. They are the most vulnerable road users. Look out for kids and old people. They routinely take car drivers by surprise by stepping out without looking. 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. Always be prepared for them to wobble or fall off
Mirrors
Try to get the habit of using your mirrors before you do anything at all. Use them in pairs, interior and at least one wing mirror. Use mirrors before you: speed up, slow down, brake, move off, change gear, change lanes, turn a corner etc. etc. always, always, always remember that final check in the side mirror before turning right or left. It's vital and so many people don't bother. Look out for an imaginary scooter. Pretend there's one following you all the way round and watch out for it coming along side of you just as you turn When leaving roundabouts check your near side wing mirror before you move to your left. That imaginary scooter might just be darting up your near side!