- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Discuss Driving
Thursday, 31 July 2025
SHOW ME QUESTIONS
Show Me Tell Me Questions
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked question 12, 13 or 14.
Monday, 21 April 2025
Smart Watch Distractions while Driving
Danger on Wrist |
Smart watch Distractions Behind the Wheel
UK
drivers are being warned that current laws about ‘screen’ use and distractions
while Driving
can result in fines up to £1,000 and six penalty points.
Concerns are growing over the
risks associated with the popularity of new screen-based distractions while
driving.
Smart design
Specialist insurance broker Choice Quote, has issued the warning
that while these devices offer convenience, they can also pose a serious
safety hazard on the road.
According to Rule 149 of the Highway Code, drivers are prohibited
from using hand-held devices—including smart watches—while operating a vehicle.
This includes seemingly minor actions like checking a
notification, skipping a song, or lighting up the screen.
Doing so could be interpreted as driving without
due care and attention, a charge that carries serious legal consequences.
While specific laws targeting
smart watches remain limited, their use falls under the broader legal framework
concerning mobile devices and driver distraction.
While mobile phones are the
main focus of public safety campaigns, experts warn that smart watches pose
similar risks—if not more—due to their accessibility and subtlety.
Time
for change
Road safety campaigners have
long argued that even brief glances at digital screens can impair a driver’s
reaction time.
For younger drivers, or those
learning, the risks are even higher because of their greater use of digital
technology.
As technology becomes ever more
popular, it is important that drivers are educated about the Road Safety
risks and the Potential Legal Consequences.
Monday, 17 March 2025
Driving Test Short Notice Cancellation Period to Change
DrivingTest Short Notice Cancellation Period to Change on 8 April 2025
When we published our 7-point plan to reduce DrivingTest Waiting Times on 18 December 2024, we confirmed that one of the
actions would be to increase the short notice cancellation period.
DVSA is increasing the short notice cancellation period for Car Driving
Tests from 3 clear working days to 10 clear working days. DVSA intend to
introduce this change on Tuesday 8 April 2025.
To do this, dvsa will need to change legislation. This process has
already started and Statutory Instrument
has been laid before Parliament to change the rules. If Parliament approves the
change, it will come into force from 8 April 2025.
This change only applies to Car Driving Tests.
Telling pupils about the change
DVSA is emailing everyone with a car driving test booking to tell them
about this new deadline to change or cancel without losing driving test. Theses
emails are being sent today.
Please make sure that your pupils know about the change when you have
your next lesson with them.
What happens next
DVSA will email everyone with a cardriving test booking again to tell them and remind them of their new
deadline.
Monday, 10 March 2025
Conquering Your Driving Test Anxiety:
Your Guide to StayingCalm and Confident During your Driving Test
Picture this: Your palms are sweaty, your heart races, and your mind is a whirlwind of worst-case scenarios. This is driving test anxiety. You aren't alone. Many people face this. It can ruin your performance. But you can manage it! This article gives you useful ways to handle stress and You can pass that driving test with flying colours.
UnderstandingDriving Test Anxiety
Let's explore what driving test anxiety really is.
What is Driving Test Anxiety?
Driving test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety. It happens before or during your driving test. You might getnervous when you know you are being watched. Your body reacts. Maybe your heart pounds. Perhaps you sweat a lot. Negativethoughts pop into your head. "I'm going to fail!" you think. This anxiety can make driving hard.
Common Causes of Driving Test Anxiety
Why does driving test anxiety happen? Many reasons exist. Fear of failure is a big one. The need to do well adds pressure. Feeling unsure of your skills can also trigger anxiety. If you had a bad driving lesson before, this could make it worse. Also, going to an unknown place can be unsettling. All these things add up.
The Impact of Anxiety on Driving Performance
Anxiety hurts your driving skills. It can blur your focus. You might take longer to react. Making good choices becomes difficult. Your muscles get tense. It's hard to steer smoothly when stressed. So, controlling anxiety boosts your driving.
Pre-Test Preparation: Building Confidence and Control
Good preparation before the test is essential.
Thorough Practice and Preparation
Practicemakes perfect. Get plenty of driving time. Drive in all kinds of weather. Know the test route well. Have your instructor act like an examiner. This will make the real test seem less scary.
Mastering Relaxation Techniques
Learn ways to calm down. Deep breathing helps. Breathe in slowly, hold, then breathe out. Try tensing and relaxing muscles. Imagine yourself succeeding. These tricks lower stress.
Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations
Change your thinking. Stop negative thoughts. Tell yourself, "I can do this!" Focus on your good points. Remember when you did well. Positive words build confidence.
Strategies for the Day of the Test
Here is how to handle test day itself.
Arriving Prepared and On Time
Be on time. Plan your trip to the test centre. Have all your papers ready. Don't rush. Rushing adds stress. Being ready calms you down.
Managing Anxiety in the Waiting Room
Keep doing relaxation methods. Listen to soothing music. Read something light. Find something to take your mind off the test. This keeps worry away.
Communicating Effectively with the Examiner
Speak clearly. Make eye contact. If you don't understand something, ask. Good communication can ease stress. It also shows you're confident.
During the Test: StayingCalm and Focused
Staying relaxed during the exam is important.
Maintaining a Calm and Composed Demeanor
Sit up straight. Breathe deeply. Keep your face relaxed. Act calm, even if you don't feel it. Looking calm can make you feel calmer too.
Dealing with Mistakes and Setbacks
Everyone makes mistakes. If you mess up, don't panic. Admit the mistake. Don't dwell on it. Focus on driving safely from that point forward.
Staying Present and Focused on the Task
Pay attention to the road. Ignore distractions. Don't let your mind wander. Focus on each moment. Staying present boosts your driving.
Post-Test Strategies: Learning and Moving Forward
After your test, learn from the experience.
Sunday, 2 March 2025
VEHICLE TAX RATES ARE CHANGING FROM 1ST April 2025
ROAD TAX IS CHANGING FROM 1ST April 2025
Vehicle
Excise Duty is linked directly to your car, van and the cost varies depending
on vehicle age, list price and CO2 emissions. The different rates are known as
car tax bands, road tax bands or VED bands.
Vehicle tax cost is based on:
- How old your vehicle is.
- Its engine size.
- Its official CO2 emissions.
This figure is on the V5c registration document. It’s measured in official
tests before a new model can be put on sale.
- Since April 2017 it depends on the car’s list price when new, too.
Cars registered between on or after 1 April 2017
These
are the VED rates for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017. Cost is first
payment.
CO2
emissions (g/km) |
Diesel
cars (TC49) that meet the RDE2 |
All
other diesel cars (TC49) |
Alternative
fuel cars (TC59) |
0 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
1 - 50 |
£10 |
£30 |
£0 |
51 - 75 |
£30 |
£135 |
£20 |
76 - 90 |
£135 |
£175 |
£125 |
91 - 100 |
£175 |
£195 |
£165 |
101 - 110 |
£195 |
£220 |
£185 |
111 - 130 |
£220 |
£270 |
£210 |
131 - 150 |
£270 |
£680 |
£260 |
151 - 170 |
£680 |
£1,095 |
£670 |
171 - 190 |
£1,095 |
£1,650 |
£1,085 |
191 - 225 |
£1,650 |
£2,340 |
£1,640 |
226 - 255 |
£2,340 |
£2,745 |
£2,330 |
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Top 10 Reasons people Failed Car Driving Test between 2023 - 2024.
1. Not Making Effective Observations at junctions
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You must always:
·
make effective observations before moving into a new road
·
make sure it is safe
before proceeding
Examples 1 : Failing to judge the speed of an
approaching vehicle
When you turn either left or right from a
minor road, you make observations but fail to judge the speed of the
approaching vehicle. You move off, forcing the vehicle to slow significantly.
Example 2 : Entering a roundabout with a
vehicle approaching from the right
When you approach a roundabout, there’s a
vehicle approaching from the right. You still enter the roundabout, causing the
vehicle approaching to slow down.
Example 3 : Making no effective observations
at all
When you emerge from a junction, you make no
effective observations at all. This causes:
·
a vehicle approaching
from either the left or right to do an emergency stop to avoid hitting you
·
the driving examiner
to use the dual controls to brake
Example 4: Making no observations when joining
a dual carriageway from a slip road
When you’re on a slip road to join a dual
carriageway, you enter the dual carriageway without making any observations, or
you do not give way to the traffic on the main carriageway.
Example 5: Going straight ahead at a
crossroads
When you approach a crossroads, you do not
recognise that it’s a junction. You emerge and cross the crossroads without
making any observations to the right or left.
Example 6 : Looking too late
When you emerge from a junction, you look too
late (either left or right) for the observations to be effective, as you’re
already partly into the next road.
Example 7: Repeatedly not looking left when
turning left
Throughout the test, when you turn left from a
minor road into a busier road, you do not make any effective observations to
the left. This means you’re unaware of any parked vehicles, obstructions or
other possible hazards.
2. Not Using Mirrors Correctly when changing direction
You must always:
·
make full and
effective use of all the mirrors
·
check the mirrors
carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed
·
use the ‘mirror -
signal - manoeuvre’ routine effectively
Here are some examples of mistakes that would
count towards this fault.
Example 1 : Not using mirrors when exiting
a roundabout
You need to take the right-hand exit on a
large multi-lane roundabout. When you move from the right-hand lane to the
left-hand lane to exit the roundabout, you make no rear or passenger-side
observations or mirror checks.
Example 2 : Causing a vehicle to slow when
changing lanes on a dual carriageway
When you’re on a dual carriageway, you check your mirrors when changing lanes, but there’s a vehicle approaching in the lane you want to move into. You start to change lanes anyway, causing the approaching vehicle to slow down.
Example 3 : Trying to change lane on a roundabout when a vehicle is directly alongside
When you’re driving on a roundabout, you try to change lanes when there’s a vehicle directly alongside you. The driving examiner has to take control of the steering wheel to stop a collision.
Example 4 : Exiting a roundabout without checking mirrors
When you exit a roundabout, you do not check your mirrors and cut across the path of a closely following vehicle to the left-hand side of the car.
3. Not Moving Off Safely
You must be able to move off safely while
making the correct observations:
·
from the side of the
road
·
on a slope or hill
(gradient)
·
from behind a parked
vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle
Here are some examples of mistakes that would
count towards this fault.
Example 1: Moving off from behind a parked
vehicle into the path of an approaching vehicle
When you move off from behind a parked vehicle, you check your mirrors and blind spot, but still move off into the path of an approaching vehicle. This causes the vehicle to significantly slow down.
Example 2 : Repeatedly moving off from the side of the road with no blind spot checks
Throughout the test, you repeatedly move off from the side of the road with no blind spot checks in situations where they’re needed.
Example 3: Pulling off from the right-hand side of the road, causing an oncoming vehicle to slow or stop
After the ‘pull up on the right’ exercise, you move off with either an oncoming vehicle or a closely approaching vehicle from behind. This causes the vehicle to severely slow down or stop.
Example 4 : Not making any rear observations when moving off following an emergency stop
After you do the emergency stop exercise, you
move off without making any rear observations, having been stationary in the
middle of the lane for some time.
4. Incorrect Positioning When Turning Right at Junctions
You must be able to
position the car as close to the centre of the road as is safe.
Any mistakes you make in this area will be
counted under the ‘Junctions - Turning right’ fault on your driving test
result.
Here are some examples of mistakes that would
count towards this fault.
Example 1: Positioning in the left-hand
lane when turning right at a roundabout
When you need to turn right at a roundabout,
you use the left-hand lane when it’s not appropriate, and continue around the
roundabout in that lane. This causes confusion to several following vehicles.
Example 2: Obstructing traffic when you
wait to turn right
When you want to turn right into a minor road, you position your car too far to the left while you wait for oncoming traffic to clear. This causes severe delays to the following traffic on a road where it was wide enough for the traffic to pass you on the left.
Example 3: When you want to turn right at the end of the road, you incorrectly position to the left
When you reach the end of a wide road with no
road markings, you position in the left of your lane when you’re actually
turning right.
5. Not Responding Appropriately to Traffic Lights
You must act correctly
at traffic lights, checking that the road is clear before you proceed when the
green light shows.
Here are some examples of mistakes that would
count towards this fault.
Example 1: Failing to
react to red traffic light
When a red light is clearly showing, you
attempt to proceed through the junction.
Example 2: Stopping after the first white
line when there are advanced stop lines for cyclists
At a signal-controlled junction with an
advanced stop line to allow cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic,
you stop beyond the first white line in the area for cyclists.
Example 3: Not
progressing when you’re waiting to turn right at a junction and it’s safe to
proceed
When you need to turn right at a junction, you
continue to wait in the middle of the junction when the repeater light has
turned red and the oncoming traffic has stopped. This causes you to completely
block the junction controlled by traffic lights.
Example 4: Not going ahead when a green light
is showing and the junction ahead is clear
When a green light or a green filter light is
clearly visible, you continue to wait at a clear junction. You make no attempt
to proceed.
Example 5: Going ahead when a green light is
showing but the junction is not clear
When the traffic lights are green, you go
ahead, even though the junction is not clear. This then means you’re then
blocking the junction when the traffic lights change.
6. Not Having Proper Control of the Steering
You must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible.
You must steer at the appropriate time, as steering too early or
late can cause the car to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user.
Here are some examples of mistakes that would count towards this
fault.
Example 1: Repeatedly not steering enough or steering
late on the approach to junctions when turning left
Throughout the test, when you turn left, you repeatedly under steer,
not following the shape of the kerb. This means there’s not enough space for
vehicles turning right to fit alongside your car.
Example 2: Not steering enough when going
around a bend
When you drive around a bend at an appropriate speed, you do not
apply enough steering. This causes both passenger-side wheels to mount the
pavement.
Example 3: Steering late when turning right
into a minor road
When you turn right into a minor road, you steer late and not
enough. This causes a ‘swan neck’ effect, and you drive fully onto the wrong
side of the new road to correct your position.
Example 4: Repeatedly mounting the pavement
when pulling up on the left
Throughout the test, when you pull up on the left-hand side of
the road, you mount the pavement with both passenger-side wheels before the car
returns to the road.
Example 5: Steering late when moving out to
pass parked vehicles.When you approach
parked vehicles, you steer late and get too close to the parked vehicles.
7. Not Responding Correctly to Traffic Signs
You must be able to understand and react correctly to all
traffic signs.
Here are some examples of mistakes that would count towards this
fault.
Example 1: Going to the wrong side of a ‘keep
left’ sign
You go to the wrong side of a ‘keep left’ sign in the road.
Ignoring a ‘stop’ or ‘no entry’ sign
You ignore either:
·
a ‘stop’ sign by
crossing the line on the road and not making sure the way ahead is clear
·
a ‘no entry’ sign
(these are usually at the end of a one-way road, where all traffic would be
heading towards you)
Example 2: Driving in a bus lane
You drive in a bus lane when a sign shows that you cannot use it
at that time.
Example 3: Choosing the wrong lane at a
roundabout with clear signage
When you approach a roundabout, you get into the wrong lane when
a sign clearly shows which lane you should go in. You then go around the
roundabout in the wrong lane.
Example 4: Acting late or not at all to speed
limit changes. You either act far too
late or not at all when a clearly visible sign shows a change of speed limit.
8. Not Responding Correctly to Road Markings
You must be able to understand and react correctly to all road
markings.
Here are some examples of mistakes that would count towards this
fault.
Not following direction arrows on the road
Example 1
When you’re driving in a lane that is clearly marked to only be
used to turn left, you turn to the right.
Example 2
There are 3 lanes ahead of you. The left lane has an arrow
pointing left to the city. The centre lane has an arrow pointing straight ahead
for the A3. The right lane has an arrow pointing right to York Street.
You are being asked to follow directions to the city, but you
drive into the centre lane, and still attempt to turn left.
Example :
Straddling lanes on a roundabout
When you approach a roundabout, there are clear road markings
showing the different lanes. You drive the car so that it’s straddling 2
different lanes.
Example : Crossing double white lines where
the line nearer to you is solid
When driving on a road with double white lines marking the
centre, and the line nearer to you is solid, you unnecessarily cross it.
Example : Ignoring a box junction
When you approach a box junction (these have criss-cross yellow
lines painted on the road), you enter it either partially or fully when the
exit is not clear.
Example : Not following road markings at
mini-roundabouts
When you’re approaching and driving around a mini-roundabout,
you do not steer correctly because you do not follow the road markings.
9. Poor Positioning on the Road During Normal Driving
You must be able to:
·
position the car
correctly for your intended route
·
position the car in
the middle of marked lanes
·
only change lanes when
necessary
Here are some examples of mistakes that would count towards this
fault.
Example 1: Repeatedly driving too close to the
kerb or centre of the road
Throughout the test, you repeatedly drive too close to either:
·
the kerb, putting
pedestrians at risk
·
the centre of road,
putting oncoming drivers at risk
Example 2: Unnecessarily driving in the
right-hand lane of a dual carriageway
When you drive on a dual carriageway, you unnecessarily drive in
the right-hand lane for a considerable length of time.
Example 3: Cutting across the normal road
position when you go ahead at a roundabout with no lane markings
When you go ahead at a roundabout with no lane markings, you
‘straight-line’ the roundabout with no consideration for following vehicles.
‘Straight-lining’ means you drive in a straight line in the road, rather than
following the bend of the roundabout.
10. Not Driving at a Safe and Reasonable Speed
You must be able to show you can drive at a safe and reasonable
speed when appropriate.
You must:
·
take into
consideration the conditions of the road, the amount of traffic, road signs and
signals, and the speed limit
·
drive at a speed where
you can stop safely, well within the distance you can see to be clear
Here are some examples of mistakes that would count towards this
fault.
Driving over the speed limit
Example 1
When driving along a road with a speed limit of 40mph which then
drops to 30mph, you drive at more than 30mph for an unnecessary amount of time
after the limit has dropped.
Example 2
When driving on a road with a temporary speed limit because of
road works, you drive faster than the temporary speed limit.
Not adjusting your speed to the road
conditions
Example 1
When driving down a busy high street, you do not lower your
speed accordingly.
Example 2
When driving in a bad weather (such as heavy rain or fog), you
do not lower your speed accordingly.
Example 3
When driving on a country road where the national speed limit applies, you approach a
sharp bend too fast and try to drive around it. This results in the loss of
control of the car.