Lady-Drivers :: Preparing for your Driving Test

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EYESIGHT TEST

At the start of the test, the examiner will ask you to read a vehicle number plate. If you require glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive. If you have problems with the eyesight test, you may consider contacting an optician.

PRECAUTIONS

Make sure you always adjust the Seat, Mirror & Seat belt so that you are comfortable and can reach all the controls. Before you start the engine, make sure that the doors are shut properly, the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral. If you restart the engine quickly, for example after stalling the engine, you must make sure that you keep the vehicle under control.

CONTROL

Always try to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible. This means less wear and tear on your vehicle and a smoother ride for your passengers. Make proper use of the accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start. Always depress the clutch just before you stop. Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Change gear in good time but not too soon before a hazard.

MOVE AWAY

The examiner may ask you to move off safely and under control on the level, from behind a parked vehicle and if practicable on a hill. Remember to always use your mirrors, and signal if necessary. Just before moving away check that it is safe by looking round for traffic and pedestrians in your blind spot. Move off in a controlled way making balanced use of the accelerator, clutch and brakes, and steer safely. Make sure you are in the correct gear, and do not allow the vehicle to roll back.

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EMERGENCY STOP

If you have to stop in an emergency remember to brake evenly and progressively and try to avoid locking the wheels. Remember that in wet weather it can take twice as long to stop safely. After carrying out an emergency stop, remember to carry out all round observations before moving away, as you are not in the "normal stopping position".

REVERSE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT

Whenever you are reversing a vehicle, you will need to proceed under full control. Steer a course reasonably close to the kerb. Remember that you vehicle will swing out as you turn the corner. Avoid hitting or mounting the kerb, or steering too wide. You must take good, effective all-round observation throughout the manoeuvre and show consideration to other road users.

TURN IN THE ROAD

Keep a look out for traffic and pedestrians whenever you are turning your vehicle and be prepared to give way to them. Control your vehicle smoothly. Do not let the vehicle mount the pavement and try not to touch the kerb as this can cause damage to your vehicle as well as endangering other road users. Watch out for obstructions on the footpath.

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REVERSE PARKING

You must take good all-round observation and show consideration to other road users whilst parking your vehicle. Control your vehicle smoothly making proper use of the clutch, accelerator, brakes and steering. Remember as you steer your vehicle into the parking space, the front of the vehicle will swing out. Keep a special look out for cyclists and pedestrians who may pass close to the front of your vehicle.

USE OF MIRRORS / REAR OBSERVATION

You should use your mirrors often, including exterior mirrors where necessary, and always be aware of what may be in your blind spots. Just looking is not enough. You must know what is happening all around you and act sensibly and safely on what you see. You must always check carefully before signalling | changing direction | changing speed. Use the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre (M.S.M.) routine. Do not signal without first using your mirrors. Always do both before you act.

GIVE APPROPRIATE SIGNALS

You must signal clearly to let others know what you intend to do. You must signal only using signals in the Highway Code, if it would help other road users, including pedestrians, and in plenty of time. Other road users need to see and understand what you intend to do so they can react safely. Your signals, or lack of signals, must not mislead others. Always ensure that the signal has been cancelled after the manoeuvre has been completed. Do not beckon to pedestrians to cross the road, you could put them in danger from other vehicles.

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RESPONSE TO SIGNS AND SIGNALS

You should understand and be able to react to all signs and road markings. You must act correctly at traffic lights, and check that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows. Obey signals given by police officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Look out for signals given by other road users, including people in charge of animals, and be ready to act accordingly.

USE OF SPEED

You should make safe, reasonable progress along the road bearing in mind the road, traffic and weather conditions and the road signs and speed limits. Make sure you can stop safely well within the distance you can see to be clear. Remember that as a new driver you will lose your licence if you get more than six penalty points, and you will have to retake both your theory and practical tests.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE

Always keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. Remember on wet or slippery surfaces it takes much longer to stop safely. When you stop in traffic queues leave sufficient space to pull out if the vehicle in front has problems.

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MAINTAIN PROGRESS

In order to pass your test you must show that you can make reasonable progress and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. You should be able to choose the correct speed for the type of road, type and density of traffic, weather and visibility You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being overcautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from a junction as soon as it is safe and correct to do so.

JUNCTIONS (INCLUDING ROUNDABOUTS)

You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding.

JUDGEMENT WHEN: OVERTAKING, MEETING ONCOMING TRAFFIC, TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC

Allow enough room when you are overtaking another vehicle. Cyclists and motorcyclists need at least as much space as other vehicles. They can wobble or swerve suddenly. Do not cut in too quickly after overtaking. Take care when the width of the road is restricted or when the road narrows. If there is an obstruction on your side or not enough room for two vehicles to pass safely, be prepared to wait and let the oncoming vehicles come through. When you turn right across the path of an approaching vehicle, make sure you can do so safely. Other vehicles should not have to stop, slow down or swerve to allow you to complete your turn.

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POSITIONING

You should position your vehicle sensibly, normally well to the left. Keep clear of parked vehicles and position correctly for the direction that you intend to take. Where lanes are marked, keep to the middle of the lane and avoid straddling the lane markings. Do not change lanes unnecessarily.

CLEARANCE TO OBSTRUCTIONS

plenty of room to pass stationary vehicles and be prepared to slow down or stop. A door may open, a child may run out or a vehicle may pull out without warning. Keep a safe distance from builders skips or other large obstructions, as you may not be able to see pedestrians or workers close to the obstruction.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

You should be able to recognise the different types of pedestrian crossings and show courtesy and consideration for pedestrians. At all crossings you should slow down and stop if there is anyone on the crossing. At zebra crossings you should slow down and be prepared to stop if there is anyone waiting to cross. Give way to any pedestrian on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing. You should give way to cyclists at a toucan crossing as you would to a pedestrian.

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POSITION FOR NORMAL STOPS

Choose a safe legal and convenient place to stop, close to the edge of the road, where you will not obstruct the road and create a hazard. You should know how and where to stop without causing danger to other road users.

AWARENESS AND PLANNING

You must be aware of other road users at all times. You should always think and plan ahead so that you can judge what other road users are going to do predict how their actions will affect you react in good time Take particular care to consider the actions of more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. Avoid reacting to road and traffic conditions at the last moment rather than anticipating them.

ANCILLARY CONTROLS

You should understand the functions of all the controls and switches, especially those that have a bearing on road safety. These include: indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, demisters and heaters. You should be able to find these controls and operate them correctly when necessary without looking down.