Driving Test Technique Flashcards

As an ADI, when preparing a pupil for their driving test, how should you teach them to handle the examiner's directions?

Answer: Listen carefully, ask for clarification if unsure, and execute manoeuvres safely rather than rushing — the examiner will repeat directions if needed

Pupils should listen carefully to the examiner's directions and, if unsure, ask for them to be repeated. The examiner will happily repeat an instruction. It is better to confirm understanding than to act on a misheard direction, as safety is always the priority.

What constitutes a dangerous fault during the driving test?

Answer: An action that causes actual danger to the candidate, examiner, public, or property, or that requires physical intervention from the examiner

A dangerous fault involves actual danger to someone or something, or requires the examiner to physically intervene (such as grabbing the steering wheel or using the dual controls). It is the most severe category of fault and results in immediate failure.

During the driving test, a pupil stalls the engine at a junction. How will this likely be assessed?

Answer: It depends on the context — a stall alone may be a minor fault, but if it causes danger or the pupil panics and makes the situation worse, it could become a serious or dangerous fault

Stalling is not automatically a serious fault. A single stall that is recovered smoothly may be a minor fault or not marked at all. However, if the stall causes danger (e.g., at a busy junction), if the candidate panics, or if repeated stalls indicate a lack of control, it could be assessed as serious or dangerous.

How should an ADI prepare a pupil for the eyesight test at the start of the driving test?

Answer: Ensure the pupil can read a number plate at 20 metres (or 20.5 metres for the older-style plates) and advise them to wear their glasses or contact lenses if prescribed for driving

The driving test begins with an eyesight test where the candidate must read a number plate at 20 metres (20.5m for older plates). If the candidate normally wears glasses or contact lenses for driving, they must wear them. Failure to pass the eyesight test means the driving test does not proceed.

What is the difference between a minor fault and a serious fault on the driving test?

Answer: A minor fault is a less serious driving error that does not create a dangerous situation, while a serious fault is one that is potentially dangerous or involves a habitual pattern of minor faults

A minor (driving) fault is an error that is not dangerous in itself but could become dangerous if repeated. A serious fault is one that is potentially dangerous — it could cause danger to the candidate, examiner, public, or property. A pattern of the same minor fault may be marked as serious.

An ADI pupil asks what the examiner is looking for during normal driving between manoeuvres. What should the ADI explain?

Answer: The examiner continuously assesses all aspects of driving including observation, use of mirrors, signalling, road positioning, speed control, following distance, anticipation, and response to other road users

The examiner assesses the candidate's driving throughout the entire test, not just during manoeuvres. This includes effective observation, appropriate mirror use, correct signalling, road positioning, speed management, following distance, anticipation, and interaction with other road users.