What's expected from you on Test day ?

Discover what the examiner is expecting here...

Other tips for the Test

On the day of your Advanced Test you have the opportunity to show the examiner that you are an advanced driver. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the opportunity. We have addressed the most common faults causing Test failure. If you have any questions about these tips please raise them with your observer.

Expand each section by clicking on the sign for each tip.

Make progress

Failure to make good progress is a common shortcoming of Test candidates. Demonstrate you intend to get where you are going briskly but NEVER by sacrificing safety. Where it is safe and appropriate the examiner will expect you to drive up to but NOT beyond the speed limit. Similarly, look for opportunities to overtake. If you are not looking you may miss an opportunity to make better progress.

Modify your drive for the conditions

Be sure to modify your drive for the weather and road conditions.

When wet and slippery, the pace of your drive will need to slow. Be very aware of safe stopping distances. Be sure to keep an appropriate distance from vehicles in front. - The two second rule applies only to dry roads in good condition. Driving too close to the vehicle in front is a very common and dangerous practice not worthy of advanced drivers.

Adjust the tempo of your drive

You are likely to encounter roads where brisk progress is possible and then be directed into situations where a much slower tempo of driving is appropriate.

Recognise when the tempo of your drive needs to change and adapt accordingly. Don't rush in to situations developing in front of you; allow them to evolve first. Don't become a participant in a situation with other vehicles in close proximity if it's not necessary.

Apply the System rigorously

The System must be applied correctly to all hazards, for example not just roundabouts. This could include bends in the road, pedestrians, parked cars, cyclists, the brow of a hill, junctions, road works......the list is very long. Often, features of the system do not need to be acted upon, perhaps the gear is appropriate or no acceleration is required.

Extend your observation

Poor observation gets you into trouble. Good observation keeps you out of it. Remember to put "your eyes to main-beam and not just dipped". Look not just at the road ahead, but everywhere from which you may glean valuable information. Look out, over, under and through.

Remember what you saw

At some stage the examiner is likely to ask you about the last sign you saw by the roadside or some other observation check.

Don't just "see", actively "seek" and remember information.

Use your mirrors

Know what is going on behind you at all times. Use your mirrors - all of them - repeatedly, not just on approaching a hazard. Remember that the information phase is available to you at all stages of the system. Look for BOB and TOM at the traffic lights/roundabouts/slow traffic queues etc.
(BOB = Boy On Bicycle in the nearside mirror. TOM = Teenager On Motorcycle in the offside mirror)

Is the examiner human?

Yes, and he/she will be quite understanding if you have some Test nerves. You are ready for the Test, so now that you have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and ability as an advanced driver, make the most of it.

You have 1.5 hours with the examiner to show that you are a capable advanced driver so do not become overly concerned if you make an early error. The examiner is looking for (in order) a Safe, Systematic, Smooth and Progressive drive.

Make sure your vehicle is ready too

Ensure your documents are ready for inspection. Clean the windows/lights/number plates as a minimum. Remove any unrestrained objects from the passenger compartment - these are potentially hazardous.

Wear the right shoes/clothing

Thin soled shoes will make it much easier to drive smoothly. You can feel the brake and accelerator pressure accurately. A refined, smooth drive is a clear indicator to the examiner that you have excellent control of your car. Wear clothing you are comfortable driving in and which doesn't restrain your ability to steer well.

Offer a commentary

Although the commentary is not mandatory, if you feel you can give one, even briefly, volunteer to do so.

The commentary makes it easier for the examiner to recognise that you are a capable advanced driver and will earn you valuable "brownie points".

Know the highway code

Don't neglect to study your highway code. The rules change over the years. The examiner is unlikely to ask you a very basic question which every driver should know, but may ask you a more in-depth question. Relying on your intuition or vague memories of what signs and road markings mean, invites a slip-up on Test day.

For example do you kow:

• -when you can cross a solid white line in the middle of the road as well as when you cannot.
• -when you can enter a box junction.
• -the difference between the various white line markings in the middle of the road.
• -how colour and shape indicate the general purpose of road signs.