Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 9- Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

In this post we will look at 3 sections on the Driving Test Report that are concerned with speed and following distance. They are:

Section 18. Use of speed.
Section 19. Following Distance.
Section 20. Progress.

Let's look at them individually and how they are laid out on the examiners form.

18. Use of speed. That's it. It's all he's got in front of him! But he will record all speed related faults in this section, nearly always faults due to excessive speed. It does not always apply that you have exceeded the speed limit, but your speed may be considered to be too high for a particular situation.

You obviously must not exceed the speed limit on your driving test, so that must be your first aim. Make sure you know the limit on each road you are driving on, as the limits can change frequently in areas around Gloucester, for example. 
Remember what you have learnt about street lights and how they designate a 30 mph zone unless signs tell you differently. Look for signs and clues! It's all there! 
Make sure that you understand the sign for the national speed limit and how the national speed limit changes depending on the type of road you are on.
When you are doing any sort of driving, always use a speed that enables you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear in front of you. This can vary tremendously, depending on the type of road and the conditions. Always have your overall stopping distance in mind and remember that weather conditions can greatly affect the stopping distance, doubling in the wet and times ten on icy or snowy roads.

So what is the examiner checking?

1. Your approach to junctions and hazards at the correct speed. (Speed on approach.)
2. Your proper use of speed to maintain a safe gap between you and other road users.
3. That you always drive at a speed that enables you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Typical faults recorded in Use Of Speed.

• Exceeds the speed limit.
• Speed too high for the road, traffic or weather conditions.
• Too fast approaching hazards.
• Too fast on approaching junctions.

19. Following distance. Again, that's it! It's all he's got to record the faults.
This aspect of driving has its own honoured section itemised on the Driving Test Report, because getting too close and not following other vehicles at a safe distance is a common cause of accidents, in particular rear end shunts. Ask any driving instructor how long the back of their car stays intact to see why it is a constant problem!

You will be expected to:

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front in slow moving traffic, equivalent to your thinking distance, about a car length for every 10 mph.

Keep enough distance from larger vehicles so that you get a clear view of the road ahead.

Use the 2 second rule to calculate your following distance in good conditions and to at least double the distance in poor conditions.

Remember and use the "tyres on the tarmac" rule in waiting traffic, so that if the car in front breaks down, you have enough room to manoueuvre around it.

Typical Faults Recorded Under Following Distance.

• Drives too close to vehicles ahead.
• Two-second rule not used.
• Thinking distance rule not used in heavy traffic.
• Too close to car in front in traffic queue.

20. Progress. This section is broken into two subsections on the Driving Test Report:

1. Appropriate speed.
2. Undue hesitation.

These sections contribute to a lot of avoidable test failure.Some students who have not been properly coached think that by driving slowly and cautiously on their test all the time will be a good idea. NO!
Driving well under the speed limit can be just as dangerous as going too fast. It can cause rage and frustration from other drivers who may try some crazy overtaking to get past.

If you are approaching hazards, or waiting for a safe chance to emerge at a junction, you should proceed as quickly as is safe, blending with the other traffic. If you are too hesitant, it will lead to problems for you and other drivers, as you will not be behaving in a normal driving way. You may unexpectedly stop, unnecessarily slow down, or not move away when expected, especially if someone has given way to you. It leads to confusion and will be marked down on your test.

You will be expected to:

1. Reach the speed limit if the road and traffic conditions allow, or at a realistic speed if conditions are tricky.
2. Approach hazards at a sensible speed, without being overcautious and spoiling the progress of others.
3. Emerge promptly from junctions without stopping at Give Way lines if it is safe, or emerge at the first safe chance.                                                                                       

Typical faults recorded on Progress.   

Appropriate speed.     

• Drives much too slowly on clear roads.  
• Never reaches maximum speed for the road when safe.
• Slows down excessively when not necessary.
• Makes slow progress when increasing speed in normal driving.     

Undue hesitancy.   

• Stops unnecessarily at junctions and other hazards.
• Waits unnecessarily when it is safe to go.
• Waits for green light at pedestrian crossings, when it is clear on flashing amber.     
• Waits for other drivers who are clearly giving way.  

The problems that a lot of learner drivers face, described above, are all curable with the correct coaching, so if you would like some help, or want to start your lessons, we are here.

Call us on 01452 614226.

          http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org      

      

Best Regards, John Lowe.