Former DVSA examiner

Driving test preparation tips

Former examiner reveals what they're really looking for on test day

INSIDER EXAMINER KNOWLEDGE

The #1 reason students fail

Not performing the 5-point check before moving off

This is the MOST CRITICAL element on the driving test. Many students rush this and fail instantly.

The 5-point check (in order):

  1. Left check: Look left to make sure no one is near your car or leaning against it
  2. Front check: Look ahead to ensure you have enough gap to move out safely
  3. Indicate: Signal your intention to move (this is when you indicate)
  4. Right wing mirror: Check what's coming from behind on the right
  5. Right blind spot: Look over your right shoulder before moving

You must perform ALL five checks in sequence every single time you move off. Missing even one can result in an immediate fail.

Essential test techniques

Roundabout navigation - "Clock method"

First exit (left):

  • Indicate left on approach
  • Check right - only "two car lengths"
  • Exit when safe

Second exit (straight):

  • NO indication on approach
  • Check right - only "two car lengths"
  • Indicate left when passing first exit
  • Exit when safe

Third exit or more (right):

  • Indicate right on approach
  • Stay in right lane
  • Indicate left when passing exit before yours
  • Exit when safe

Critical tip:

"Think of a round clock. Only look TWO CAR LENGTHS to the right. If you're looking further down the road, you're looking for trouble." - Former examiner

Speed bumps - "Hit at 12"

The rule:

Approach at 12 mph, maintaining straight alignment

  • Slow down BEFORE the bump using gentle braking
  • Don't try to navigate around it - go straight over
  • One tire can go over - no need to center perfectly
  • Larger bumps are actually easier than smaller ones
  • Never brake ON the bump

Safe following distance - The 2-second rule

Following distance when moving:

  • ✓Normal conditions: 2-second gap
  • ⚠Wet conditions: 4-second gap
  • !Icy or snowy conditions: 10-second gap

When stationary - "Tires and tarmac":

Keep enough distance that you can see the car's tires AND the tarmac beneath them

This is roughly one car door length or enough space for a motorbike to fit between you

Why this matters:

If an ambulance comes behind you, you need space to move out of the way. This is a critical safety requirement examiners check.

Two hands on wheel - ALWAYS

INSTANT FAIL POINT

Highway Code requires two hands on wheel at ALL times

The reason:

If hit from behind with only one hand on the wheel, you have NO CONTROL over which direction the car will veer. This is a critical safety failure.

Amber light protocol

"Prepare to stop" doesn't mean you must stop

  • If you're underneath the light when it turns amber, you can proceed
  • NEVER stop ON a zebra crossing - check you have space to clear it first
  • Stopping suddenly can be dangerous if someone is behind you

Yellow box junction:

  • NEVER block when going straight or turning left
  • EXCEPTION: You CAN enter and wait if turning right (only scenario allowed)

Speed limit intelligence

The golden rule:

Always 30 mph unless otherwise posted

  • If you don't see a speed limit sign for 15-20 seconds while driving, it's 30 mph
  • Streetlights typically indicate 30 mph zone
  • No repeaters for 30 mph - it's the default
  • If speed limit appears on road surface, it's usually 20 mph

What are "repeater signs"?

Repeater signs are the speed limit signs you see regularly along the road to remind you of the current limit.

Practical tip from your instructor:

"I don't look at the floor, I look at the signs. When I see a 20 mph sign, I know within 5-10 seconds I'll see another one - that's your repeater. Any speed limit except 30 mph will have repeaters to remind you. If you're not seeing repeaters, you're in a 30 mph zone."

Common fail points

1. Inadequate observations

Not doing proper shoulder checks or blind spot checks

2. Poor mirror use

Not checking mirrors before signaling, changing lanes, or turning

3. Incorrect lane positioning

Especially at roundabouts and complex junctions

4. Hesitation

Stopping when you should proceed or proceeding when you should stop

5. Speed management

Driving too slowly or not recognizing speed limit changes

6. Steering control

One hand on wheel, crossing hands, or poor hand positioning

Want to learn these techniques properly?

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