1. Control of the Vehicle

Smooth use of clutch, gears, accelerator, and brakes

Confident steering (no swerving or late turning)

Hill starts, moving off, and stopping smoothly

Good use of mirrors before signalling, changing speed, or direction

2. Observation and Awareness

Looking around properly before moving off

Regular mirror checks and reacting to what you see

Noticing hazards like cyclists, pedestrians, or roadworks

Checking blind spots, especially when changing lanes or turning

3. Use of Signals and Road Positioning

Correct use of indicators at the right time

Good lane discipline – no drifting

Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles

Correct and legal position at junctions, roundabouts, etc.

4. Judgement

Making safe and timely decisions

Choosing appropriate gaps in traffic

Not hesitating too long or rushing decisions

Overtaking, turning, and merging safely and legally

5. Manoeuvres

You'll be tested on 1 of the following:

Parallel park

Bay park (forwards or reverse)

Pull up on the right and reverse 2 car lengths

Possibly emergency stop

Key things they check:

Control during the manoeuvre

Good all-around observations

No hitting the kerb or unsafe movements

6. Independent Driving (20 mins)

Follow either sat nav directions or road signs

They check how well you navigate on your own

Stay calm if you go the wrong way (it's not a fail unless it's unsafe)

7. Safety and Legal Compliance

Speed limits

Stopping at red lights and stop signs

Giving way to others correctly

No stalling dangerously or rolling back on hills

Common Reasons People Fail

Not checking mirrors before actions

Poor lane discipline

Inadequate observation at junctions

Failing to give way or causing someone to slow down

Mounting the kerb or unsafe manoeuvres