What skills do I need in order to pass my driving test? Can I answer yes to everything?

A comprehensive 'tick-list' of skills you need to pass your test...

Cockpit Drill

You should know the right order to carry out the cockpit drill by understanding the DSSSM method when getting into the car.

Are you able to demonstrate this without forgetting anything?

Flower

Follow this method for good safety checks.

• F = Fuel - Is there enough?

• L = Lights - Are all your lights working?

• O = Oil - Where and how to check your oil and fluid levels

• W = Water - Do you know how to wash your windscreen front and back?

• E = Electrics - Check for any warning lights, indicators and horn 

• R = Rubber - Tyre, do you have the correct tyre pressure, correct tread depth and good tyre conditions? 

Foot controls

• Gas pedal - Are you able to operate the gas pedal in a eco friendly manner? 

• Brake - Are you able to brake smoothly EVERY single time? 

• Clutch - Are you using the clutch properly? Moving off smoothly? Changing gear smoothly? Not coasting around corners?

Moving off and stopping in a safe place

• Moving off - Are you able to move off safely on level ground, hills, angle around a vehicle?

• Observations while moving off - Are you using the correct technique POM Prepare, observe and manoeuvre? 

• Safe place - Are you able to identify a safe place to stop ahead? 

• Stopping - Knowing where and when to signal, whilst being able to slow down with minimal effect on the traffic behind and ahead?

MSPSL

• Do you know what MSPSL is and is able to explain what and why we use this method?

• Are you using MSPSL every single time at all junctions?

Positioning 

• Positioning - Are you able to identify and adapt to road positions depending on the road?

• Clearance space - Are you keeping the correct clearance space from other road users and parked cars without needing any assistance? 

Anticipation and Planning 

• Are you able to identify hazards ahead and plan accordingly? 

• Can you drive in different weather conditions and is able to adapt depending on the weather?

• When approaching the following; Cyclists, motorcyclists, larger vehicles, pedestrians (young and old), animals and emergency vehicles you know how or what to do in the safest manner?

Use of speed

• Do you know all the national limits in the UK?

• Do you know how to tell speed limits on each road?

• Are you able to adjust your speed accordingly depending on the weather? 

• Knowing how to adjust speed on high streets and built up neighbourhoods?

• Know and understand the stopping distance on each road depending on the road conditions?

Meeting traffic

• Do you understand who needs to give way when meeting oncoming traffic with parked cars on the side of the road confidently?

• Are you able to pass by traffic on narrow roads?

• Crossing traffic (right turns)  

• Are you able to turn right at traffic lights? 

• Do you know where to stop and seek opportunities? 

• Do you know the differences between Nearside and Offside crossing traffic 

• Can you cross traffic on busy roads safely using filter lane?

Junctions 

Are you aware of the different type of junctions you may come across?Do you know the following;

• What a T-junction and a Y-Junction is?

• Are you able to apply MSPSL accordingly and deal with the junction safely?

• Do you know what a crossroad is?

• Are you able to deal with the junction safely and understand how to turn right at a crossroad?

• Can you approach safely and Independently using the road signs and markings to help you navigate at the junction?

• Do you know what an unmarked junction is and understand who has right of way?

Roundabouts

• Are you aware of the different types of roundabouts you could come across? Standard roundabouts ,Mini roundabouts, Multiple roundabouts, Traffic light controlled roundabouts and Spiral roundabouts. Are you able to do the following;

• Can you safely approach roundabouts with effective observations and awareness? 

• Can you in good time identify what type of roundabout you are approaching from the list above?

• Do you know which lane you should be using?

• Are you familiar with the 12 o’clock rule?

• Do you know who has priority? 

• How to exit a roundabout safely?

Pedestrian Crossings

• Are you able to identify the different types of Pedestrian crossings you may come across? A few to mention are Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, Equestrian. Do you understand how they all operate?

• Zebra crossings and island crossings, do you understand the difference between the two?

• School crossings and Patrol crossings? Do you understand what they are? 

• Do you know how to do the following;

• Speed and approach to crossing?

• So you know how to apply MSPSL to different crossings?

• So you understand the rules on overtaking by a crossing? 

• Do you know when and where you can and cannot stop?

• Do you understand the different approaches to the crossings in different weather conditions? 

Reversing 

You should be confident in reversing, applying good clutch control (in manual), safely while under complete control. Understand the steering directions correctly around curves and sharp manoeuvring. 

Can do the following independently;

• Can you reverse on a hill (up or down)

• Can you reverse on a narrow and wide road

• Can you reverse on the left and right hand side of the road

• Can you reverse into parking spaces and driveways 

• Can you reverse accurately and smoothly 

• Whilst reversing, can you make accurate all round observations including blind spots. 

Turning the car around AKA 3 point turn

Turning the car around should be done in side streets or on a roundabout but if neither are available then should be done in a safe manner on the road with effective observations. 

You should be able to turn the car around on the following;

• Can you turn the car around on a flat Road or chamber?

• Are you always in full control?

• Can you turn the car around whilst looking and responding to other passing by vehicles?

• Can you turn the car around without running into or mounting the kerb?

• Are you able to coordinate hand and foot controls while reversing?

• Can you steer in the correct manner in tighter spaces?

Parking

You should be able to park your car whether is will be on the side of the road, on both sides or using a bay in a car park. You should be able to demonstrate this independently. 

• Is your clutch control smooth whilst parking?

• Are you keeping reasonable distance from other vehicles around you?

• Do you understand where you can and cannot park legally?

• Are you using all the correct observations whilst parking without be told or reminded?

• Park without being in any danger to other road users?

• Perform the manoeuvre accurately first time?

Emergency Stop

Firstly you should always be planning and anticipating the road ahead to avoid any emergency stops however when completely unavoidable you can stop the car as quickly as possible whilst keeping the car under complete control. Are you doing the following?

• How to control a skid if it occurs?

• Can you use hand and foot controls together to bring the car to a stop as soon as possible?

• Do you understand what ABS is on your car?

• Can you move off safely again after you have performed an emergency stop?

Country roads

Usually within country roads, they become a lot more narrow, up and down hills, various speed limits and dealing with animals passing by depending on where you are. Meeting traffic and knowing when to move over using the passerby lanes provided. You should be able to adjust your speed accordingly and have good clearance space throughout. 

Are you able to do the following;

• Can you deal with different gradients?

• Can you keep up with the road speed limits as well as adjusting speed when needing to?

• Can you overtake slower moving vehicles (tractors etc)?

• Can you deal with vulnerable road users such as cyclists and horse riders?

• Do you understand right of way at unmarked junctions?

• Can you approach junctions and entrances confidently?

• Do you understand the different road signs and the national speed limit?

• Can you spot hazardous situations ahead and is confident to deal with?

• Are you able to meet traffic and understand who has right of way using the passerby lanes?

Dual Carriageways

Some dual carriageways go the same speed as motorways, turn into single carriageways, have slip roads which you can join and leave and also junctions which you can enter and turn off of. Can you do the following;

• Join and leave a dual carriageway safely?

• Do you understand the lanes correctly, know which lane to drive in and overtake?

• Can you turn right on and off of a dual carriageway?

• Are you able to drive on rural dual carriageway roads and clear-ways?

• Do you know how to change lane using your mirrors and blind spots?

• Do you know what to do if you breakdown whilst using the hazard warning lights and triangles? 

• Can you respond to various of different speed limits and understand where the signs will be?

• Do you understand how the weather can affect your driving on the dual carriageway?

• Do you understand the stopping distance depending on the weather?

Motorways

Very similar to a dual carriageway and not likely to be in your driving test at the moment however is recommended to do a lesson on the motorway if you can. You should be able to understand the rules of the motorway. 

• Can you do the following (if you have had a motorway lesson)

• Can you join and leave on a motorway?

• Can you change lane using your mirrors and blind spots?

• Do you know which lane you should be driving in?

• Do you know what a hard shoulder is and when you can and cannot use it?

• Do you understand the safe distance which should be kept depending on the weather?

• Can you respond to other road users and signals and road signs?

• Do you know what to do if you breakdown?

Sat Navigation

Sat Nav is a guide with navigated you turn by turn. You should be able to use a Sat Nav independently. Can you do the following;

• Are you able to listen to turn by turn directions without getting distracted?

• Can you plan ahead to avoid any last minute changes to directions or lane choice?

• Can you still apply MSPSL in good time whilst the Sat Nav guides you?

• Can you still respond to road signs and other road users with the Sat Nav guiding you?

Following road signs

Road signs are displayed to help you understand the directions of your destination. Some road signs are bigger than others depending on the road you are on. You should be able to glance up at the road sign to know where you are going whilst keeping control of the car. You should be able to do the following;

• Can you look up a road sign and understand where to go?

• Are you able to use a road sign by a roundabout and know which exit to take?

• Can you use the road sign and understand which lane to use?

• Are you able to plan ahead when the road sign is visible?

• Can you respond to other road users whilst looking to see where you should be going?

• Can you look up at the road sign without getting distracted?

On the big day (Driving Test day)

Remember, confidence on the day of your test is crucial. Trust in your training and the hours of practice you've invested. Stay calm, composed, and focused. Visualise your success and remember that your instructor believes in your abilities otherwise they would have never put you forwards for your test. With this preparation, skill, and mindset, you're well-equipped to pass your driving test and begin your journey as a competent and safe driver on UK roads. Being it home baby!

Summary 

Ideally you should be able to answer yes to the above and perform comfortably, it's essential to reflect on the thorough preparation you've undertaken. You understand the Highway Code, practiced various driving manoeuvres, and familiarised yourself with different road types and conditions. You should be proficient in key skills such as parallel parking, good effective mirror usage, and performing emergency stops, as well as demonstrating a keen understanding of road signs, speed limits, and right-of-way rules.