The Highway Code - Using the road ( General rules )

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

159)	Before moving off you should use all mirrors to check the road is clear look round to check the blind spots (the areas you are unable to see in the mirrors) signal if necessary before moving out look round for a final check. Move off only when it is safe to do so. Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk
160)	Once moving you should keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction drive with both hands on the wheel where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer select a lower gear before you reach a long downhill slope. This will help to control your speed when towing, remember the extra length will affect overtaking and manoeuvring. The extra weight will also affect the braking and acceleration.
161)	Mirrors. All mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey. You should use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed be aware that mirrors do not cover all areas and there will be blind spots. You will need to look round and check. Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Maneuver Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/product_list.asp

Practical driving test for cars

The practical driving test (car)

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.

Car practical test is generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday. Click to know more about booking test.

The car driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• Can drive safely
• Know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving practical test

What will the test include?

The practical test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away.

After the eyesight test, you will be asked two vehicle vehicle safety checks. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises.

The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Know more about the Driving Manoeuvres in more detail.

Vehicle safety questions

These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded. Click here to see marksheet

What happens during the car driving practical test

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the practical test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

After the practical test

When the practical test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass...

If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.

If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test

If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.


If you fail...

If you fail the driving test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your car or motorcycle test.

Driving test standards

All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test.

Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc

DSA do not conduct practical tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead. If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.

Taking your instructor with you for driving test

The Driving standard agencies are insisting or encouraging people to have an observer with them who will be sitting in the back of the car while taking their driving practical test. Sometimes, candidates have to attempt for the second time to pass the driving practical test or sometimes times it takes a lot longer time.

Generally, it would be your driving instructor but it could be your mum, dad or your friend or whoever taught you to drive. The third person will watch everything which takes place during your respective driving practical test and then they can comment on your performance which will help you to improve your performance.

Except examiner to have someone else in the car with you makes you feel bit comfortable. Personally it helps a lot. The person in the back can't talk to you but it's always nice to know you have a familiar face in the car with you, you know for a little bit of moral support. It's also good for when the test ends because your driving instructor can help you with any minor (or major) faults you made.

Many times it may happen that you don't even know where you made a mistake or where you were lacking. In this case if our instructor is with us as an observer can tell you where you were lacking or made mistakes. Sometimes if you fail twice in your test and you lose your confidence in this your instructor may help you to correct you and can reassure you that next time you will pick up. Instructor will point out every single mistake of yours to which you can rectify which will help you for life time.

The most important thing about having an observer on test is about passing your driving practical test as it's about beginning a process which is lifetime.

Driving test day and you are nervous?

Many learners fail in their driving test because they get nervous and stressed out on their driving test day. Nearly everyone gets nervous about taking their driving test, no matter how well prepared they are. It has been observed that people who are usually cool and calm, they also get worried as the day of their driving test day gets nearer and their nervousness gets worse.

People get nervous about taking their theory test because :

• Pressure from friends/family
• Fear of failure
• Self-doubts and lack of confidence in your driving
• Lack of preparation
• Previous test failure(s)

Things to remember while appearing for the driving test:

• Practice and practice and practice - The main reason of failure in a test is lack of driving theory test practice. So don't rush into taking your driving test unless and until you're properly prepared and confident about your theory test practice and hazard perception test practice .
• Avoid listening to 'failure stories'.This would make you more nervous. Just focus on your performance.
• Think positive about your driving test. Thinking can build an actual difference to overcoming driving test nerves
• Believe in yourself - Be confident in your own abilities.
• Don't panic - Say to yourself in your head I CAN do this test.
• Don't take medicines to calm your nerves.
• One day before your theory test get a good rest.
  
• Don't drink too much coffee, tea and fizzy drinks; the caffeine will you and make your thinking less clear.
  
• Taking test in the early morning will give you less time to worry about it.
  
• Do not spread the news - Don't tell your friends and other people that you've booked your theory test. This will build the extra stress of trying to live up to your friends and others expectations. Letting your parents know will do as they will give you all the support you want.
  
• Revise in mind - Perform coordinated tasks by imagining doing them, by practicing in your head.
  
• Perspective - Overall, remember that although exams are important, they are not the be all and end all. You can always re-take the driving theory test.

Minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds

Minimum test vehicle requirements for mopeds
For the driving practical test you must use a suitable machine which meets the minimum test vehicle requirements. The same motorcycle has to be used for both the modules.

The moped you use for your practical test must:
Have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cylinder capacity (cc), and a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) which is approximately equivalent to 32 miles per hour (mph).

Be equipped with pedals to be able to drive the moped forward, if the moped was used before 1 August 1977 Minimum test vehicle requirements for motorcycles.
If your motorcycle is less than 75 cc it is not acceptable for the motorbike practicaltest.

If you pass your practical test on a motorcycle with automatic or semi-automatic transmission, this will be recorded on your licence. Your full licence entitlement will be restricted to motorcycles in this category.

There are three different categories of machine you can use for your motorcycle test:

Category A1 (light motorcycle)- a solo motorcycle between 75 and 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kilowatts passing your test on a machine in this category will enable you to ride machines up to 125 cc as a full licence holder

Category A2 (standard motorcycle) - a solo motorcycle between 121 and 125 cc, capable of exceeding 100 kph (62.5 mph) passing your test on a machine in this category will enable you to ride machines with a power output not exceeding 25 kilowatts (33 brake horse power) as a full licence holder for a period of two years; after the two year period the restriction will be automatically lifted and you may ride larger machines

Category A (unrestricted) - a solo motorcycle with a power output of at least 35 kilowatts (46.6 brake horse power) - passing your test on a machine in this category under the Direct Access Scheme or Progressive Access Scheme will enable you to ride a motorcycle of any engine size and power output

You must use the same category of machine for both parts of the motorcycle practical test. Machines similar to the BMW C1 motorcycle are not suitable for the practical test.

Changes to driving practical test from Oct 2010

• Independent driving element in UK driving test will come in effect from Oct 2010
• Independent driving is when the learner get out on the road He/She will be driving alone and they need to know how to drive safely

Motorcycle with a sidecar
Only candidates with certain disabilities can use a motorcycle and sidecar combination for the test.

Wear the right clothing
 If the examiner feels that the type of clothing you are wearing will not give sufficient protection from injury the examiner may refuse you to appear for the practical test.

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders( General advice )

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

144) You MUST NOT drive dangerously drive without due care and attention drive without reasonable consideration for other road users. Law RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 as amended by RTA 1991 145) You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property, or in the case of an emergency. Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & RTA 1988 sect 34 146) Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution where there are junctions, be prepared for road users emerging in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority be prepared to stop at traffic control systems, road works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. If pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you. 147) Be considerate. Be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care (see Rule 204). You should try to be understanding if other road users cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey slow down and hold back if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow them to get clear. Do not overreact by driving too close behind to intimidate them. not throw anything out of a vehicle, for example, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists. 148) Safe driving and riding needs concentration. Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as loud music (this may mask other sounds) trying to read maps inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio arguing with your passengers or other road users eating and drinking smoking You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. Separate regulations apply to England, Wales and Scotland.   Laws TSf(EV) regs 2007, TSfP(W) regs 2007 & TPSCP(S)  regs 2006

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Mobile phones and in-vehicle technology

149) You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver, except to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Never use a hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone while you are driving or riding – find a safe place to stop first or use the voicemail facility and listen to messages later. Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 & CUR regs 104 & 110 150) There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle systems such as satellite navigation systems, congestion warning systems, PCs, multi-media, etc. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as cruise control or lane departure warnings. They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels. Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.   Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3 & CUR reg 104 151 In slow-moving traffic. You should reduce the distance between you and the vehicle ahead to maintain traffic flow never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely leave enough space to be able to manoeuvre if the vehicle in front breaks down or an emergency vehicle needs to get past not change lanes to the left to overtake allow access into and from side roads, as blocking these will add to congestion. be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may be passing on either side.

Driving in built-up areas

152) Residential streets. You should drive slowly and carefully on streets where there are likely to be pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars. In some areas a 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed limit may be in force. Look out for vehicles emerging from junctions or driveways vehicles moving off car doors opening pedestrians children running out from between parked cars cyclists and motorcyclists. 153) Traffic-calming measures. On some roads there are features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to slow you down. When you approach these features reduce your speed. Allow cyclists and motorcyclists room to pass through them. Maintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the calming measures. Give way to oncoming road users if directed to do so by signs. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas.

Country roads

154) Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they appear,and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road surface. Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. You should also reduce your speed where country roads enter villages. 155) Single-track roads. These are only wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. 156) Do not park in passing places.

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Vehicles prohibited from using roads and pavements

157) Certain motorised vehicles do not meet the construction and technical requirements for road vehicles and are generally not intended, not suitable and not legal for road, pavement, footpath, cycle path or bridleway use. These include most types of miniature motorcycles, also called mini motos, and motorised scooters, also called go peds, which are powered by electric or internal combustion engines. These types of vehicle MUST NOT be used on roads, pavements, footpaths or bridleways.   Laws RTA 1988 sects 34, 41a, 42, 47, 63 & 66, HA 1835,  sect 72,& R(S)A sect 129 158) Certain models of motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quad bikes, are suitable only for off-road use and do not meet legal standards for use on roads. Vehicles that do not meet these standards MUST NOT be used on roads. They MUST NOT be used on pavements, footpaths, cycle paths or bridleways either. You MUST make sure that any motorcycle, motor tricycle, quadricycle or any other motor vehicle meets legal standards and is properly registered, taxed and insured before using it on the roads. Even when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles MUST NOT be used on pavements. Laws RTA 1988 sects 34,  41a, 42, 47, 63, 66 & 156, HA 1835, sect 72, R(S)A sect  129, & VERA Ss 1, 29, 31A, & 43A

The Highway Code - General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders( Multi-lane carriageways )

The Highway Code Introduction

The Highway Code - Rules for drivers and motorcyclists ( 89-102 )

Lane discipline

133) If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, move over. 134) You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed. Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/

Single carriageways

135) Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning right. Remember, you have no more right to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the opposite direction do not use the right-hand lane. 136) Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, use only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.

Dual carriageways

A dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to separate the carriageways. 137) On a two-lane dual carriageway you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking, move back to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so. 138) On a three-lane dual carriageway, you may use the middle lane or the right-hand lane to overtake but return to the middle and then the left-hand lane when it is safe. 139) Climbing and crawler lanes. These are provided on some hills. Use this lane if you are driving a slow-moving vehicle or if there are vehicles behind you wishing to overtake. Be aware of the signs and road markings which indicate the lane is about to end. 140) Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a broken white line unless it is unavoidable. You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply. Law RTRA sects 5 & 8 141) Bus lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs that indicate which (if any) other vehicles are permitted to use the bus lane. Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation. You may enter a bus lane to stop, to load or unload where this is not prohibited. 142) High-occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes. Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. The operating times and vehicle types will be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs. You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted (see ‘Information signs’). Vehicles permitted to use designated lanes may or may not include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs). Where HOV lanes are in operation, they MUST ONLY be used by vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants. Laws RTRA sects 5 & 8, & RTA 1988, sect 36 143) One-way streets. Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use the left-hand lane when going left the right-hand lane when going right the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. Remember – traffic could be passing on both sides. Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & RTRA sects 5 & 8 Visit: http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/hazard_perception_info.asp