P - PREPARE the car by selecting reverse gear, set light consistent gas and find a very light clutch bite point.

O - OBSERVE using the 1 to 5 point 360 degree backward observation process. If it is clear and safe to go, consider using the handbrake. 

M - MOVE by releasing the handbrake and reversing slowly staying within the control and accuracy parameters required for the manoeuvre.

MOVING OFF   OBSERVATIONS FOR REVERSING MANOEUVRES

Start the observation sequence by looking over your right shoulder down the right side of the car and continue sweeping through to the left finishing up looking over the left shoulder out of the rear window.

Using the 1 to 5 point 360 degree observation method in reverse.

1, start looking over the right shoulder down the right side of the car. 

2, followed by the right exterior mirror.

3, then the centre mirror.

4, followed by the left exterior mirror.

5, finish by looking over the left shoulder out of the rear window.

ONLY MOVE OFF WHEN IT IS CLEAR AND SAFE TO GO.

STOPPING

When stopping ensure that you carry out observations using the centre and left mirror and then provide a signal if it is necessary. Always CHECK THAT IT IS SAFE TO STOP and that you are pulling up in a safe, convenient and legal position (SCALP). Slow down gradually and then eventually stop allowing enough time for following traffic to plan and navigate around your car. DO NOT STOP ABRUPTLY. 

Use the SCALP model to stop in a safe place at the side of the road.

S - SAFE - Not on a bend or a brow of a hill. Stop on a straight section of road where you are visible and can be easily passed by other traffic.

C - CONVENIENT - Not in front of a private driveway, access road, or lowered kerb. Do not create a hazard or block the flow of traffic. 

A - AND

L - LEGAL - Not within 10 metres of a junction in any direction, never on double yellow lines or single yellow lines inside the time restrictions. 

P - POSITION - Always stop on the left. Wheels parallel, alongside a full height kerb approximately a tyres width away from the kerb.

When the car is stationary, you will need to SECURE it from moving. Apply the handbrake, select neutral, cancel any signal, retract your feet away from the pedals and keep the engine running. Always ensure that one hand remains on the steering wheel in a driving position just in case you may need to control the direction of your car if you are hit at any point by a moving vehicle. 

Only turn off the ignition to stop the engine at the request of the examiner, this will happen at the end of the driving test. 

Use the MSPSL routine when  TURNING AT JUNCTIONS  / APPROACHING ROUNDABOUTS / STOPPING.

M - MIRRORS - Use mirrors in pairs, centre and left / centre and right. Checking for any road user moving up either side of your vehicle.

S - SIGNAL - Inform other road users of your intentions. Time the signal correctly and appropriately, take care not to give misleading signals. 

P - POSITION - Position the car appropriately on the road, relative to left and right junctions / roundabouts / one-way streets / stopping, etc.

S - SPEED - Approach at an appropriate speed by coming off the gas / braking  / changing gear / using the brake horse power of the car. 

L - LOOK - Observe effectively. Check all relevant areas before emerging / turning / moving onto and exiting roundabouts / stopping, etc.

TURNING - is the process of driving from a MAJOR (main) road into a MINOR (side) road.

EMERGING - is the process of driving from a MINOR (side) road onto a MAJOR (main) road. 

EMERGING from a JUNCTION - Use the Right - Left - Right observation routine. Only move off when it is clear and safe to go.

ROUNDABOUTS - Use Right - Left - Right observations, giving way to the right, unless you are approaching from a priority filter lane.

CROSSROADS - Use the RALAR observation routine, Right - Ahead - Left - Ahead - Right. Only move off when it is clear and safe to go.

Use the LADA model to help make effective decisions.

L - LOOK - Observe the road ahead to spot any potential hazards. A hazard is anything that will make you either brake or steer. 

A - ASSESS - Evaluate the pending hazard fully. Look for clues, check the traffic flow, pedestrian activity, road conditions, weather, etc.

D - DECIDE - As you approach the hazard decide on what actions you need to take to resolve the situation. 

A - ACT - Navigate around or through the hazard safely at an appropriate speed, stop if it is necessary.

KJT says .....

  

ENSURE THAT THE EXAMINER RECEIVES A SMOOTH RIDE THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF YOUR DRIVING TEST 

  

  

Always carry out a pre-start check - check that the handbrake is on, check the gearstick is in neutral, then start the engine.

  

Use appropriate observations - before moving off, turning, manoeuvring and stopping.

  

Drive smoothly - operate gas, brake and clutch pedals effectively, steer and change gears without affecting the smooth running of the car.  

 

Use mirrors in pairs - checking for any road user moving up either side of your vehicle before moving off, turning, emerging or stopping.

  

Use signals - effectively, cancel the signal when the manoeuvre is completed. Do not give misleading signals.

 

When driving conditions are DRY - use the CLICK, 1,000 to 2,000 method to calculate a safe distance between you and the car in front.

  

When driving conditions are WET - use CLICK, 1,000 to 4,000. 

  

When driving conditions are ICY - use CLICK, 1,000 to 10,000. 

  

Never accelerate - when you do not have clear vision of the road ahead.

  

When the road goes - speed slows.

  

When the road goes altogether - speed goes altogether.

  

When in town - slow everything down. 

  

Use Tarmac and Tyres - this gap is required when queueing behind other vehicles in town, at traffic lights, junctions, roundabouts, etc. 

  

When meeting traffic - when your normal driving line is blocked by parked vehicles and you hold back or stop, you control the situation.

  

When passing meeting traffic - allow for the width of an open car door as a minimum clearance from the side of the parked vehicle.

  

When passing cyclists - check out how they ride on your approach, are they wobbly?  do they hold a good line? Give them plenty of room.

  

When approaching roundabouts - plan to stop - look to go. Check before you cross the line for a late or fast arrival onto the roundabout.

  

What goes off a dual carriageway, must come back on - as a courtesy, slow down, speed up, or move to the right to assist emerging.

  

 

 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A DRIVER  ARE    

 

THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE    

 

THE SAFETY OF YOUR PASSENGERS     

 

THE SAFETY OF EVERY OTHER ROAD USER   

        

   www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk