INTRODUCTION
The following pages will give some valuable information which I hope will assist you in preparing for your driving test, achieving a pass and enable you to continue to enjoy your driving.
CONTENTS
Frequently asked questions This section contains the answers to the most commonly asked questions in relation to the driving test.
Places to watch Information about particular roundabouts and junctions which may prove difficult.
Manoeuvres This section contains advice on manoeuvres and how to correct yourself if things go wrong on test.
Show me/Tell me questions A list of the questions you may be asked by the examiner prior to your test.
What happens on the day of my test ?
On the day of your driving test we will do an hour driving lesson prior to the test, arriving at the test centre about ten minutes before your test is due to commence. We will go into the test centre where you will be met by your examiner who will ask you to read and sign an insurance and a residency declaration. After this you will be asked to read a car number plate to test your eyesight. You will then go to your vehicle where the examiner will ask you two ‘Show me Tell me’ questions (see final section). The examiner will then ask you to make yourself comfortable while he/she makes a few checks of the car. He/she will then explain what will happen during the test and ask you to move off when you are ready.
How long will the test last ?
You will be driving for approximately 35-
What documents do I need on the day of my test?
On the day of your test you will need to bring with you both parts of your driving licence (your plastic photocard licence and your paper counterpart) and your theory certificate. If you have an old style paper licence you will also need to bring a valid passport.
What car will I use to do my test ?
You will use the same car you are learning to drive in.
How many faults can I make without failing my test ?
You are allowed to make 15 driver (or minor faults) but if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail your test.
What should I do if I do not understand the examiners instructions ?
If the examiner gives you an instruction and you are unsure where he/she wants you to go ask him/her politely if he/she could repeat the instruction.
Will I fail for stalling ?
If for example you were moving off from the side of the road and you stalled causing no danger or inconvenience to anyone you will receive a driver fault. If however the front of your vehicle was stuck out in the road causing an obstruction you may receive a serious fault. Other examples of this could be moving off at a junction or turning at the traffic lights. If you stall depress the clutch and start the engine as soon as possible but try not to panic.
Will I fail for going the wrong way ?
You will not fail for going the wrong way as long as you do it safely using the correct lane and signalling correctly. If you find yourself in the wrong lane do not try to move at the last minute just follow the lane you are in and signal accordingly. It is likely the examiner will try to get you back on the intended route.
Will I fail for going too slow ?
You will be expected to make progress appropriate to the road and traffic conditions. So if you are in a 30mph speed limit you will be expected to travel a 30mph if it is safe to do so. However if for example there are children playing at the side of the road or the road is narrowed due to parked vehicles you will be expected to slow down to an appropriate speed. If you are on a fast road ie 50 or 70mph again drive at the speed limit but if there are hazards such as heavy traffic or bad weather slow down to an appropriate speed and make sure you keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Should I signal to move off ?
Ask yourself would a signal be of assistance to other road users. If yes then use a signal to move off but make sure it is safe before putting on your signal. If there are cars coming from behind do not put a signal on until they have passed as you may mislead them into thinking you are moving off.
Should I signal to stop at the side of the road?
Ask yourself ,would a signal be of assistance to other road users? If yes then use a signal to stop.Make sure you do not give a misleading signal such as signalling too early if you are stopping just after a side road . This may lead to other drivers thinking you are turning at this time.
Should I overtake slower moving vehicles ?
You will be expected to overtake slow moving vehicles if you can do so safely and not exceeding the speed limit. Watch out for obstructions or junctions ahead if you are unsure keep a safe distance behind the vehicle until you are satisfied that it is safe to overtake, then use a signal to warn the vehicle you are overtaking.
Disclaimer
Please note the following information you may find useful to help you pass your test. They are, however guidelines only and may change as indeed may the road layout to which they pertain.
ICI ROUNDABOUT
Approaching this roundabout from A1053 (mad mile)
Middlesbrough and Teesport
roundabout. Do not be put off by the road markings in the centre lane for
the roundabout in the middle lane.
Approaching this roundabout from Grangetown A1085
Instruction Turn right leaving by the fourth exit following the road markings towards
the A174.
Action Approach in the right hand lane displaying a right signal keeping to the right
lane on the roundabout. As you pass the traffic lights the lane will start to widen keep left moving into the left lane at the 2nd set of traffic lights. As you pass the third exit, check the left hand side is clear signal left and exit the roundabout in the left hand lane.
Instruction Follow the road ahead leaving by the second exit sign posted towards
Action Approach in the left hand lane and keep to the left hand lane on the
Middlesbrough / Teesport this lane will be used by vehicles approaching
GREYSTONES ROUNDABOUT
Approaching this roundabout from A174 (Parkway)
Teesport.
Action Approach in the left hand lane and keep to the left hand lane on the
roundabout.
Approaching this roundabout from Eston
Instruction Turn right leaving by the third exit signposted towards A174 Thirsk.
Action Approach in the right lane displaying a right signal moving to the right lane on the roundabout. As the lane widens keep left following the middle lane, as you pass the second exit signal left and exit the roundabout in the left hand lane. As you leave the roundabout be aware of traffic emerging from the slip road on the left.
Approaching this roundabout from A1053 (mad mile)
Action Approach in the right lane displaying a right signal and keep to the right lane on the roundabout. As soon as you pass the traffic lights keep left and move immediately into the left hand lane after passing the second exit. If it is not safe to move over leave your right signal on and continue all the way around the roundabout rather than risk cutting someone up in the left hand lane.
Thirsk
Action Approach in the right lane displaying no signal, as the lane widens keep left approaching the roundabout in the middle lane. Move into the middle lane on the roundabout signalling left as you pass the first exit. As you leave the roundabout be aware of traffic emerging from the slip road on the left.
Instruction Follow the road ahead leaving by the second exit signposted towards
Instruction Turn right leaving by the third exit signposted towards Eston.
Instruction Follow the road ahead leaving by the second exit signposted towards A174
HARTINGTON INTERCHANGE
Approaching this roundabout from Middlesbrough centre
Instruction Turn right leaving by the third exit signposted towards Redcar and Teesport
on the A66
Action Approach in the right hand lane displaying a right signal moving into the
right lane on the roundabout. As soon as you pass the first set of traffic
lights the lane will widen, keep left and follow the kerb signalling left as
you pass the second exit.
MACDONALDS ROUNDABOUT
Approaching this roundabout from Middlesbrough centre on A66
Instruction Turn right leaving by the fourth exit following road markings towards A171
Action Approach in the right lane displaying a right signal moving into the right
lane on the roundabout. As you are approaching the third exit (A66)
Redcar the lane will start to widen keep left and follow the kerb signalling
left as you pass the third exit.
ORMESBY ROUNDABOUT
Approaching this roundabout from Ormesby Bank
Instruction Follow the road ahead leaving by the second exit
Action Approach in the right hand lane displaying no signal, move into the right
hand lane on the roundabout. As you pass the first exit check the left hand
side is clear signal left and exit the roundabout.
BOROUGH ROAD
As you approach Middlesbrough town centre from Hartington interchange there is a large yellow box junction just before the traffic lights near the bus station. If following a row of traffic hold back and make sure you can clear the yellow box junction before proceeding. There is only enough room for two cars between the traffic lights and the yellow box junction.
NORMANBY ROAD / FABIAN ROAD
If you are travelling down Normanby Road turning right into Fabian Road there is a yellow box junction at the traffic lights. If the lights are on green you may enter this yellow box junction providing the only vehicles preventing you from from turning are the oncoming vehicles.
ALL MANOEUVRES
All manoeuvres must be completed safely and under control. The key to successfully completing a manoeuvre is to keep the car moving very slowly and stopping if necessary in order to make further observations or to assess whether an adjustment in position is required.
There is no time limit on a manoeuvre but obviously if you were waiting unnecessarily causing an obstruction to other vehicles you may be penalised. If a vehicle waits for you to complete a manoeuvre take your time but remember to still keep observing all around as another vehicle may not wait.
TURN IN THE ROAD
The turn in the road exercise is often referred to as a three point turn but this can be misleading as you do not necessarily have to complete the manoeuvre in three moves. If you think you are about to hit the kerb on your final move stop put the vehicle into reverse gear and move back and then forwards again. The examiner will accept this providing you have done the manoeuvre under control and are not in this position because of moving too fast or because of inadequate use of the steering.
REVERSE AROUND A CORNER
Again the key to reversing is to move very slowly and stopping if necessary. If you realise you have gone too far back and missed your turning point stop the car and after making all round observations move forward and start again.
Whilst reversing around the corner if you are unsure as to your position in the road again stop the car giving yourself time to assess the situation and make corrections as appropriate, again moving forward if necessary.
Once you have straightened the wheels again stop the car and if you think you are going to hit the kerb take the car forward to correct your position
REVERSE PARKING (ROAD)
If you realise you have gone too far back and missed your turning point stop the car and after making all round observations move forward and start again.
After making your turns to the right if you realise you are too far from the kerb go forward and start again. If you think you are going to hit the kerb stop the car and move forward steering quickly to the left then straighten your wheels and move back allowing yourself enough room to drive off from behind the parked vehicle.
REVERSE PARKING (CAR PARK)
The examiner will give you a choice of which parking bay you would like to reverse into although your choice may be limited if there are other cars in the car park. Whilst reversing into the parking bay you will need to make good all round observations paying attention to the car park gate in case another car enters the car park.
Once you have straightened the wheels stop the car and check in both of your mirrors in order to assess your position. If you think you are going to miss the parking bay stop, observe then move forward towards the middle of the car park. As you do this straighten the car then reverse back into the bay.
(We will practice these in your lessons)
Show me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Tell me how you would check 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.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Switch the ignition on (do not start the engine) and operate the brake pedal . Ask the examiner to check if they are working or you can make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc.
Show me / explain how you would check that 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 two 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 wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Inside passenger door frame or manufacturers guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Tell me how you would 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.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Show me how you would check the horn is working.
Check is carried out by using control.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
Turn ignition on (do not start the engine) operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.
Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate switch them walk around the vehicle. (As this is a ‘Tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit the vehicle)
Turn on dipped headlights and ignition, operate switch. Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a problem with the anti lock braking system.
Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch, check with main beam warning light.
TRUNK ROAD / NORMANBY ROAD
NORMANBY ROAD / TRUNK ROAD
If you are travelling down Normanby Road towards South Bank approaching the traffic lights on the Trunk Road you need to use the middle lane for going straight ahead towards South Bank. The lanes are clearly marked but it can be difficult to see the signs and markings in heavy traffic.
If you are travelling along the Trunk Road (A1085) towards Redcar approaching the traffic lights on Normanby Road you need to use the middle lane for going straight ahead towards Redcar. The left lane is also marked straight ahead but shortly after the lights this lane is marked to turn left into Tesco. You would not be penalised for using the left lane but it is easier to use the middle lane.
Approaching this roundabout from Cargo Fleet lane
Instruction Follow the road ahead leaving by the second exit
Action Approach in the left hand lane as the lane widens keep to the middle lane. As you move onto the roundabout keep left and follow the kerb signalling left after you pass the first exit