Last update ~ 6th April 2012 ~ CS

Blackpool & Fylde Advanced Motorists Group

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Every course includes an evening, shortly before the test, when you, the Associate Member must attend so you can meet one of our Examiners, raise questions and discuss concerns. The following is a distillation of the guidance that we would expect you to display to your Examiner.

The start

 Prior to arriving for test, you will have ensured that you have completed the external vehicle checks, that your vehicle is roadworthy and legal and that your driving position is appropriate.

 You should offer to the Examiner a repeat of the external vehicle checks, the Cockpit Drill and the Static brake test

Please Note ~ if you commit a moving traffic violation of any description on the drive, you will fail the test.

Signals

 Signal to benefit all other road users if appropriate.

 If in doubt – signal.

Cancelling of Signals at Traffic Lights

 To avoid ‘signal clutter’ when stationary at traffic lights, if intending to turn left or right, it is generally advisable to cancel a signal and re-apply prior to moving off.

 However, circumstances (such as the approach of a following vehicle after cancelling the signal) may require that consideration be given to re-applying the signal again if this would benefit the driver. E.g. if there is an empty adjacent lane which the following vehicle may then decide to adopt.

 Generally, if there is one vehicle stopped behind you in this two-lane situation, a signal will not be required.

Motorways

 Shoulder checks are of particular importance on motorways due to ‘blind spots’ and should be carried out in addition to mirror checks prior to changing lanes or overtaking.

 When joining a motorway, use the inside lane on the slip road. This allows more time for forward observation and for other traffic to see you.

 A signal is required if other vehicles are in lane 1 (to ask permission/co-operation).

 When overtaking any moving vehicle do not exceed the speed limit to make that overtake. We suggest giving one indicator click for every 10mph road speed prior to changing lanes to inform other road users of your intentions to give them time to react.

Positioning for Bends

 When the road bends to the right, you would normally position the vehicle to the nearside for three reasons – safety, stability and view.

 If the road bends to the left, position the vehicle to the left of the crown of the road as this gives an early view around the bend and assists stability.

 However, if there is oncoming traffic, remain in your “normal” road position, as the potential danger from the oncoming traffic may be greater than the advantage obtained by an early view.

 Use good judgement and remember to use the ‘limit point’.

Brake and Gear Overlap

 A candidate who is unable to consistently separate the use of the footbrake prior to depressing the clutch for changing gear will usually fail. Minor overlaps may be permitted. The Examiner will usually consider the cause of overlapping to be poor observation and planning, which if shown to be at fault here is likely to be poor in other aspects of the drive.

 It is unlikely that a ‘planned overlap’ will be needed due to the lack of hills in the area.

 An overlap most certainly will not be valid when for example leaving a 60mph stretch to enter a minor road.

Traffic Light Approach

 On approaching green traffic lights in a 30mph area, the Examiner would expect a speed reduction of 2 or 3 mph.

 This may be followed by selection of a lower gear.

 Mirror checks must be carried out at the ‘speed’ phase and all round observations to be made prior to moving off if you need to stop at a red light.

 Ensure that it is safe to proceed BEFORE entering the junction by looking right and left. Do not leave this essential safety check until you are crossing the junction, as this is too late.

 When stopped behind another vehicle, remember the “Tyres and Tarmac rule.”  

Designated Lane Signals

 If there is a physical barrier between designated lanes for a left/right turn, then no signal is required.

 In the absence of such a barrier, a signal is required, even though road markings indicate that a dedicated lane exists, if another road user would benefit.

 Again, in a dual option lane, a signal is required.

 For Test purposes, if in doubt – signal.

STOP & GIVE WAY signs ~ Use of Handbrake

 Although there is no legal requirement to apply the handbrake at a STOP sign, the only way to avoid any doubt is to apply the handbrake. Your vehicle MUST come to a complete halt.

 At GIVE WAY signs and other situations where the vehicle is stopped for some time, the handbrake should be applied if the pause exceeds a wait.

Courtesy Signals

 Acknowledgement of another driver’s courtesy is to be encouraged as long as it is safe to momentarily remove the left hand from the steering wheel.

Crossing Centre Lines

 Provided it is safe to do so, and enables progress to be made, there is no objection to crossing centre lines (or the crown of the road in the absence of lines). But remember – hazard lines are there for a purpose.

 It is permissible to straighten out bends if it is safe to do so. DO NOT go onto the “wrong” side of road purely for an early view.  

 When starting the overtaking triangle remain on your own side of road until in the overtaking position, then move out for the final extended view from the one second position

 Safety is the prime consideration in these circumstances, and for Test purposes, the best general advice is to remain on your own side of the road if you are in any doubt.

 You may cross solid white lines only within the restrictions stated in the Highway Code.

Commentary

 Although optional on Test, a good commentary can enhance your drive.

 If you decline to give a commentary, you may still explain your actions from time to time if you wish. Emphasis must be placed on what you can see and what you plan to do.

Flashing of Headlights/Use of Horn

 The flashing of headlights/use of horn, except in accordance with the Highway Code, is not acceptable for Test.

Roundabouts

 Lack of signalling on roundabouts causes Examiners concern on Test, and could lead to failure. Please refer to the Highway Code for guidance.

 Their general guidelines are that at large roundabouts, a left hand signal will be needed prior to leaving the roundabout if there are other road users who would benefit from this.

 It is permissible to ‘straighten out’ roundabouts if there is no other traffic present.

 Good observation is essential on the approach to roundabouts to correctly assess the situation and to maintain progress.

 Correct positioning and signalling at the correct time are important.

Mini Roundabouts

 At mini roundabouts, a signal on approach (to advise other road users of your intended route) should be given, but an exit signal may be omitted when turning right.

 The rules for negotiating mini roundabouts are set by the blue circular (mandatory) sign on approach, which states that we must go around the roundabout in a clockwise direction.

 There will be occasions when it is necessary for the offside wheels to mount the painted area of the mini-roundabout and this will be accepted in the appropriate circumstances.

 Remember you may have passengers in the vehicle and injury may occur if you go over the raised area of the mini roundabout at speed.

Maintaining Progress

 Although a speed limit is not a target, it is essential that Candidates demonstrate during their Test a willingness to make progress when it is safe to do so.

 Failure to make progress can result in Test failure, but some allowances can be made for special circumstances.

Speed Limit Compliance

 Most Examiners make an allowance of +2 mph to compensate for over-reading of the vehicles speedometer.

 It is also important to be aware of speed restrictions applicable to certain types of vehicles such as LGV’s, car-derived vans and coaches.

 An awareness of motorway restrictions applicable to these vehicles is also an advantage.

Manoeuvring

 During the Test you may be asked to carry out manoeuvres such as a parallel park (nearside or offside), hill start, left/right hand reverse, or reversing into a car park space.

 The important factor here is carrying out complete all-round observation checks when doing any type of manoeuvre.

 Particular attention should be paid before allowing the front of the vehicle to swing out during any reversing manoeuvre.

 Good use of mirrors is essential.

 You may dip your electric mirrors to assist during manoeuvres, but remember to re-adjust them afterwards.

 Do not over-use the handbrake during manoeuvres (sometimes the footbrake alone is preferable). Use it as required.

 Minor roll will not constitute grounds for failure.

 When moving out of a back alleyway, remember to check for danger on the footpath before you reach the highway.

Mirror Checks

 Effective mirror observations should be carried out throughout the drive and when encountering an actual or potential hazard. It is unnecessary to check your mirrors just for the sake of it.

 To avoid any ambiguity as to whether you have indeed checked a mirror, please move your head slightly towards the mirrors each time you look into them.

 Mirror and shoulder checks to be performed prior to moving off.

 Whenever a red light is seen (traffic lights/brake lights), carry out a mirror check.

 Persistent non-checking of mirrors will result in Test failure.

Gears

 Sometimes it may be appropriate to take a precautionary lower gear in plenty of time when approaching a complex hazard such as a large junction or when negotiating a series of bends.

 The Examiner will be keen to ensure you handle the gearlever at an Advanced level to avoid any mistaken gear being selected. A 1st or 2nd gear selection is better made by a positive grip on the lever with a “thumb-down” position whilst the remaining gears are better selected using a “thumb-up” grip on the lever.

 It is required of you to use selective “block” gear changes up and down the gearbox range to avoid the unnecessary use of intermediate gears.

 Eco-safe driving is now an established part of the Advanced Driving test and you will be expected to be travelling in the most economical gear when appropriate.

 Most modern cars are fitted with “cruise control” and you will be expected to utilise this feature on your Advanced Driving Test.  Most people only consider its use at higher speeds.  You will be encouraged to switch on the system for use at 30mph and above as part of your Eco-Safe driving approach.   

 If you drive a vehicle fitted with an automatic gearbox you should understand the use of the “Sport” setting and advantages of its manual override.

Road Signs & Road Markings

 It is vital that all road signs and road markings are spotted in time to re-act accordingly. Mention mirror check as soon as sign is seen as part of the System.

 You may be asked by the Examiner to name the sign you have just passed.

Observation

 Observations must be extended as speed increases.