Please note that the driving test has changed very much over the years and that the Highway Code and Road Traffic Laws have also been updated many times. The driving test is no longer considered a test but an assessment of the person’s ability to drive safely and in accordance with the Road Traffic Act and Highway Code to a basic standard. Hand positioning on the steering wheel and use of the parking brake (handbrake) have also changed. Please speak to me for more details about this. In 2020 the DVSA went from being physically (paper) marked to digital. The test is a minimum of 30 minutes of wheels in motion, meaning when the iPad moves a timer begins and when the car stops at lights or parked the timer pauses and then starts again when the car moves. This is why sometimes some tests are out longer than others due to busy roads or work being carried out on the highways. The test itself is based on three areas:
Control
Highway code and road traffic act
Risk assessment/ sharing the road with other users.
We have a copy/print of the iPad layout used by the examiners should you wish to have a copy yourself.

Stage 1. 
Controls and setting up seat operation. Learning to control the following. 
•    accelerator 
•    clutch
•    gears
•    footbrake
•    parking brake
•    steering
Moving off using just the clutch and getting used to braking gently to a stop, repeat until this can be done without instruction. This is done in a safe and convenient location.  

Stage 2.
Left. Moving off controls, going left, junction emerging (stop) on an open junction leading into gear change and then junction approaching turning left. This will then lead to looking, assessing, deciding, and acting at the junction emerging whether to stop or go. Highway Code Rules 170 to 172 and Laws 10, 16, 25, 36. Repeat until this can be done without instruction. This is done in a safe and controlled environment that meets the driver’s skill level.

Stage 3.
Right. Moving off controls and gear change. Going right across other lanes, junctions emerging (stop) on a closed junction and junction approaching. This will then lead to looking, assessing, deciding, and acting at the junction emerging whether to stop or to go. Highway Code Rules 170 to 172 and Laws 10, 16, 25, 36 Repeat until can be done without instruction. This is done in a safe and controlled environment that meets the driver’s skill level.

Stage 4A
Main road driving. Incorporating stages 1, 2, and 3 into a Figure Of Eight circuit starting and ending from the same trading/ business estate. This is done on a 30mph road only to allow the driver to get used to speed and is done in a safe and controlled environment that meets the driver’s skill level.  This will help the driver to get used to having cars in front/ behind and oncoming as well as getting used to gaps when following or passing hazards. The circuit will incorporate two traffic light junctions both single and twin lanes. Two mini single-lane roundabouts. All four pedestrian crossings as well as driving high street and housing estate roads and two A roads. The circuit is repeated until the driver can do this without instruction. This is done in a safe and controlled environment that meets the driver’s skill level.

Stage 4B
Figure Of Eight circuits as above, incorporating the use of mirrors and observations (peripheral vision or blind spot check). The use of mirrors is part of the DVSA driving test and is listed as follows:
Signaling
Change of direction
Change of speed
When the driver is comfortable with the above this can be taken on to the faster 40/50/60 and even 70 mph roads within the skill level of the driver and do so in a safe and controlled environment.

Stage 5.    
Box / Traffic/AI lighted junctions, either single or multiple lanes. Old traffic lights (up to 1979) with amber box Rule 174 Highway code, updated traffic light system Rule 175 Highway code and AI system including Rules 176, 177, and 178. Including Rule 173 if the test is in Taunton. And Laws 10, 29, 36,43

Stage 6.    
Roundabouts, there are four types. Rules 184 to 190 Highway code and Laws 36 – 10(1) 16(1)
Mini (single lane) up to 4 exits 
Multi-lane up to 4 exits  
Multi exits between 5 / a maximum of 8 exits
Roundabouts controlled by traffic lights

Stage 7.    
Reverse Manoeuvre. Straight-line reverse practice, then learning four reverse techniques. The examiner will choose one of the four below, they are looking for control and observations. Rules 200 to 203 Highway code and Law 106
•    Reverse right
•    Reverse Park (parallel) 
•    Drive into Bay
•    Reverse into Bay

Stage 8.    
Emergency Stop. This can be taught nearer the time of the driving test or when the driver feels they need to. I can send over the format required.

Show-and-tell questions are part of the driving test. I can send you a copy or you can find them on the Government Website under DVSA.