Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 4. Analysing the Driving Test Report. (DL25)

The next sections we can look at on the Driving Test Report Form, after the reverse manouevres are vehicle checks, precautions and control, which are numbered on the form as follows.

7. Vehicle Checks.

These checks take place at the driving test centre, before the driving begins, and are more commonly known as "show me / tell me." You will need to demonstrate to the examiner a basic level of knowledge and understanding of the vehicle you are to use. This could include opening the bonnet and pointing out the dipstick, oil top up, brake fluid reservoir etc., and having an understanding of the handbrake and footbrake and power steering, for example.There are about 20 different questions in all, and you will be asked 2 of them, so make sure you've done your homework! For the full list of questions go to our website at
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

8,9 &10 are not relevant.

11. Precautions.

Before you start the engine, make sure you are properly seated and able to operate all controls.

12. Control.

This section is pretty intense and will really judge whether or not you have mastered the basic skills required to be a safe driver. For car driving tests, it is broken down into the following sub sections:

• Accelerator.
• Clutch.
• Gears.
• Footbrake.
• Parking Brake (handbrake.)
• Steering.

Let's look at each in turn and some of the more common faults that can spoil your day. There are many more possibilities where things can go wrong, but we can't look at everything.

• Accelerator: Too many revs on moving off, burns fuel and can cause a surge of speed. Not enough revs on moving off, can cause the car to stall. You must be able to " set the gas" accurately. If you are waiting at lights etc, only set the gas just before you are ready to go. Do not sit there with the engine racing. The gas pedal must always be used smoothly and accurately to keep within a safe speed.
• Clutch: Moving away smoothly, quickly and under control is vital for success, so you must be able to use the clutch well. If you keep stalling, you're not ready, same if you roll back on hills. Make sure you fully depress the clutch on stopping. Clutch control is needed on manouevres and slow moving traffic, so you must be able to control the car at very low speeds, in any situation.
• Gears: Make sure you are familiar with, and are able to use all of the gears on your car. Select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions. Change gear in good time but not too soon before a hazard. Do not allow the vehicle to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch depressed. You should not need to look down when you make a gear change.
• Footbrake: Use the footbrake smoothly and progressively when necessary. Brake in plenty of time before any hazard. You should be able to adjust the brake pressure easily as the hazard changes as you approach it.
• Parking Brake. (handbrake.) Make proper use of the handbrake to keep your car still on hills and during manouevres when necessary, and when you park. Do not "click" the lever, press the button!
• Steering: Accurate steering is crucial, as you obviously have to keep your car in the right place. Steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible, avoiding harsh or sudden steering. By this stage, you should be holding the wheel correctly at "ten to two" and be able to "push and pull" the wheel, avoiding crossing your hands. Keep both hands on the wheel as much as possible.

If you are having problems with any of these controls, or want to get started, our driving instructors at John Lowe Driving can really help you. They have some great techniques that will ease the heavy lifting that can go with mastering the controls. Call us on 01452 614226.