Section 17 on the Driving Test Report is used to mark your response to signs and signals on the road and those given by traffic controllers (police, traffic wardens, school crossing patrols, etc.) and other road users.
The section is laid out as follows:
17. Response to signs/signals.
traffic signs.
road markings.
traffic lights.
traffic controllers.
other road users.
There is a lot going on here, so a lot can go wrong. Remember, on your driving test, you will be effectively alone, even though the examiner is with you in the car, he is only there to record your driving actions, so will not offer you any help, unless it is to avoid serious danger.
OK, we've got that out of the way, so how do we cope with this mass of information that will be all around you?
Firstly, as always, make sure you are ready to take your test. Make sure you understand the structure of the different road signs, circular signs giving orders, triangular signs which warn, rectangular signs which inform and direct. Understand also road markings (painted on the road) which can do any of these things. Get to know the sequence of traffic lights, which will enable you to make better decisions.
If you have been having regular driving lessons and your instructor has said you're ready, then you will be at the right standard, but you have to keep your eyes open and your wits about you, especially in busy, congested, or unfamiliar areas.
At the test centre, after you have completed the show me / tell me exercise, the driving part of your test will begin. Your examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead, unless directed otherwise by road markings, or traffic signs. You must also respond to traffic lights and traffic controllers and act properly on signals given by other road users. These skills are absolutely vital in the independent driving phase of your test, as well as the directed phase.
What will the examiner expect?
He will expect you to be able to understand, in good time, and to be able to act upon information given by:
What will the examiner expect?
He will expect you to be able to understand, in good time, and to be able to act upon information given by:
Road signs.
Road markings.
Traffic signals.
Signals from traffic controllers.
Signals from other road users.
Driving faults will be recorded if the response to any of these situations is below standard.
What is the examiner looking for regarding road signs? He will expect you to:
- Obey any signs giving orders (circular shape.)
- Drive properly after seeing signs giving warnings (triangular shape), directions or information, (rectangular shape.)
Typical faults that are recorded and can lead to a bad day regarding road signs:
- Does not act upon information given by road signs.
- Disregards mandatory signs. (Stop, no entry, etc.)
- Ignores warning signs.
- Ignores prohibiting signs. (eg no motor vehicles.)
- Ignores priority signs. (Often at traffic calming areas.)
Faults that can ruin your day regarding road markings if you don't act properly with:
- Lines and lane markings.
- Stop or give way lines.
- Box Junctions. ( Very important! Make sure you know how they work, especially positioning to turn right!)
- Bus tram and cycle lanes.
- Traffic calming markings.
- Parking and waiting markings.
Typical faults recorded:
- Does not obey lane direction arrows.
- Crosses solid white lines.
- Uses bus lane when prohibited.
- Ignores yellow lines when parking.
- Incorrect action at box junctions.
- Stops on worded markings.(eg Keep Clear.)
- Parks on zigzag lines. (Schools, pedestrian crossings.)
Traffic Lights. We all know about traffic lights. Don't we? Things still go wrong on numerous driving tests.
Stopping at traffic lights.
You will be expected to stop before the white line at traffic lights.
When the light is red.
When it is safe to stop on amber.
Proceeding.
You will be expected to move away when the lights become green, provided it is safe.
Always remember, green means go, only if it is safe.
Typical driving faults recorded at traffic lights:
- Continues to drive on when the lights are red.
- Fails to stop at amber light when it is safe and possible.
- Drives away on red and amber.
- Moves away on green when it is unsafe.
These individuals include police, school crossing patrols, traffic wardens, and those in charge of roadworks with stop/go signs. All signals given by these people must be obeyed.
Signals ignored, or not noticed, will be recorded as a driving fault, resulting in a dismal experience.
Other Road Users.
The examiner will expect you to act properly on signals given by other road users, provided it is safe to do so. This can be confusing. Take your time (not too long) when other drivers are flashing their lights and gesticulating. Make sure it concerns you, and only proceed when you are certain it is the correct action and that it is perfectly safe.
Wow! This is a hefty section and we hope that it can help with the way you deal with signs and signals. If you need any help with this subject, or want to start your driving lessons, please call us on:
01452 614226.
Warm Regards, John Lowe.
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