Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 6 - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

In this post, we will look at the use of mirrors on your driving test and figure out why using your mirrors correctly is vital for test success. You must make the use of your mirrors part of a basic Mirrors- Signal- Manoueuvre (MSM) routine, as you have been practising on your lessons to have any chance of passing. Again we can sum it up with a short expression- "No mirrors, no pass." It's as true today as it's always been and that expression captures the absolute requirement for proper mirror use on your test.
You must always know how your driving is likely to affect following traffic, and to keep up to date with what is happening behind you at all times.

What is the examiner looking for?

Section 14 on the Driving Test Report is laid out as follows:

Use of mirrors (before)

• Signalling.
• Change direction.
• Change speed.

Before signalling. This is part of the MSM routine which you should be fully aware of and able to operate easily at all times. The word "before" is important, perhaps it should be "well before."

Change direction. This covers proper mirror use before junctions, changing lanes and overtaking. Note the word "before" again.

Change speed. Either before slowing down, stopping, or speeding up.

Your mirror use will also be checked before you open any car door, or move away.
The examiner will check that you are using the mirrors in good time, in the proper order and that you act properly on what is happening.
You must also use your mirrors frequently, depending on the road and traffic conditions occuring.

Typical mirror faults.

Signalling.

• Signals before checking mirrors.
• Mirrors and signals at the same time.
• Acts wrongly on information from the mirrors.
• Signals unnecessarily.

Change direction.

• Fails to check mirrors before turning left or right.
• Fails to check mirrors before changing lanes.
• Fails to check mirrors before and after overtaking.
• Fails to check mirrors after entering a new road.

Change speed.

• Fails to check mirrors before increasing speed.
• Fails to check mirrors before reducing speed.
• Fails to check mirrors before stopping.

We hope this post can help to clarify any mirror doubts you may have, as it's unfortunately pointless going for your test until you've got all aspects of mirror use sewn up.

As always, our instructors are here to help you, so if you are having mirror problems, we have some priceless, easy to remember systems that can help you conquer any glitches.

Give us a call on 01452 614226 to book a session.

Don't forget- Let's be careful out there!

Warm Regards,

John Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org