You must
1. Understand the function of the ·Accelerator · Clutch · Gears · Footbrake · Handbrake · Steering And be able to use these competently.
2. Know the function of other controls and switches in the car that have a bearing on road safety, and use them competently.
3. Understand the meaning of the gauges and other displays on the instrument panel.
4. Know the legal requirements for the vehicle.
5. Be able to carry out routine safety checks such as · Oil and coolant levels · Tyre pressures And identify defects, especially with the · Steering · Brakes · Tyres · Seat belts · Lights · Reflectors · Direction indicators · Windscreen wipers and washers · Horn · Rear view mirrors · Speedometer · Exhaust system
6. Understand the effects which a loaded roof rack or extra passengers will have on the handling of your vehicle.
You must
1. Know the common causes of accidents.
2. Know which road users are most at risk and how to reduce that risk.
3. Know the rules, risks and effects of drinking and driving.
4. Know the effect of fatigue, illness and drugs on driving performance.
5. Be aware of any age-related problems among other road users, especially among children, teenagers and the elderly.
6. Be alert and able to anticipate the likely action of other road users, and be able to take appropriate precautions.
7. Be aware that courtesy and consideration towards other road users are essential for safe driving.
You must
1. Know the important principles concerning braking distances and road holding under various road and weather conditions.
2. Know the handling characteristics of other vehicles with regard to stability, speed, braking and manoeuvrability.
3. Know the some vehicles are less easily seen than others.
4. Be able to assess the risks caused by the characteristics of other vehicles and suggest precautions that can be taken, for example · Large commercial vehicles pulling to the right before turning left. · Blind spots for some commercial vehicle drivers. · Bicycles and motorcycles being buffeted by strong winds.
You must
1. Know the particular hazards in both daylight and the dark, and on different types of road, for example · On single carriageways, including country lanes · On three-lane roads · On dual carriageways and motorways.
2. Gain driving experience on urban and higher-speed roads (but not on motorways) in both daylight and the dark.
3. Know which road surfaces provide the better or poorer grip when braking.
4. Know the hazards caused by bad weather, for example · Rain · Fog · Snow · Ice · Strong winds
5. Be able to assess the risks caused by road and traffic conditions, be aware of how the conditions may cause others to drive unsafely, and be able to take appropriate precautions.
You must
1. Have sound knowledge of the meaning of traffic signs and road markings.
2. Have a sound grasp of the meaning of traffic signs, for example · Speed limits · Parking restrictions · Zebra and pelican crossings
You must have the knowledge and skills to carry out the following tasks safely and competently, practising the proper use of the mirrors, observation and signals.
1. Take necessary precautions before getting in or out of the vehicle.
2. Before starting the engine, carry out safety checks on · Doors · Seat and head restraints · Seat belts · Mirrors Also check that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral.
3. Start the engine and move off · Straight ahead and at an angle · On the level, uphill and downhill.
4. Select the correct road position for normal driving.
5. Use proper observation in all traffic conditions
6. Drive at a speed suitable for road and traffic conditions.
7. React promptly to all risks.
8. Change traffic lanes
9. Pass stationary vehicles.
10. Meet, overtake and cross the path of other vehicles.
11. Turn right and left at junctions, including crossroads and roundabouts.
12. Drive ahead at crossroads and roundabouts.
13. Keep a safe separation distance when following other traffic.
14. Act correctly at pedestrian crossings.
15. Show proper regard for the safety of other road users, with particular care towards the most vunerable.
16. Drive on both urban and rural roads and, where possible, dual-carriageways – keeping up with the flow of traffic where it’s safe and proper to do so.
17. Comply with traffic regulations and traffic signal given by police, traffic wardens and other road users.
18. Stop the vehicle safely, normally and in an emergency, without locking the wheels.
19. Turn the vehicle in the road to face the opposite way using forward and reverse gears.
20. Reverse the vehicle into a side road, keeping reasonable close to the kerb.
21. Park parallel to the kerb whilst driving in a reverse gear.
22. Park the vehicle in a multi-storey car park or other parking bay, on the level, uphill and downhill, both in forward and reverse directions.
23. Cross all types of railway level crossings.
You must know
1. The importance of correct tyre pressures
2. The action needed to avoid and correct skids.
3. How to drive through floods and flooded areas.
4. What to do if you are involved in an accident and breakdown, including the special arrangements for accidents or breakdowns on a motorway.
5. Basic first aid for use on the road as set out in The Highway Code.
6. The action to take to deter car thieves.
You must gain a sound knowledge of the special rules, regulations and driving techniques for motorway driving before taking your driving test.
After passing your test, lessons are recommended with an ADI before driving unsupervised on motorways.