This is a guide to the wording used on tests by DSA
driving examiners. Instructions given at junctions, roundabouts and traffic
lights must, out of necessity, be fairly uniform, basically the same every
time. Other wordings may be modified to suit the circumstances and to allow
some flexibility, this is to try and put candidates at ease. The aim however
must be to ensure that the test candidates are quite clear as to what is
required of them.
It’s a good idea to use these instructions when
teaching so that they become familiar with the instructions used by DSA driving
examiners on a driving test. If you would like to actual knowledge of what
examiners say whilst testing drivers why not ask a few of your learners if you
could sit in the back of a test?
Once the examiner is in the car, to start the test,
he or she will provide the following instructions.
“Throughout the test follow the road ahead, unless
road markings or road signs direct you otherwise, or if I would like to change
direction and for this I will tell you in plenty of time. Move off when you’re
ready and it is safe to do so, please”.
“Would you pull up on the left at a convenient place
please?”
“Drive on when you’re ready, please”
“Take the next road on the left/right please”.
“Take the second road on the left/right please”. (If
necessary, the examiner will add: “This being the first”).
“At the end of the road turn left/right please”.
“At the roundabout”
“Turn left please. (Followed by its exit number)
it’s the first exit”
“Turn right please. (Followed by its exit number)
It’s the third exit”
“Follow the road ahead, please. (Followed by its
exit number) it’s the second exit”
Whilst teaching at an early stage (novice driver)
you may want to make these instructions easier to understand
“Take the
road leading off to the left/right” it’s the ….. exit”
Additional information should be given if necessary
to assist the driver plan his/her route through the hazard. Examples are in
brackets above.
IMPORTANT Note: For approaching junctions (major to minor),
Emerging junctions and roundabouts, your instructions must be the same every
time, i.e. use the same wording. You may need to modify your instructions
slightly when dealing with complex roundabouts. For example, any exit located
after
Remembering that the road sign prior to the
roundabout will dictate which direction the exit is at.
“Pull up on the left at a safe & convenient
place, please” (see also point 2)
At the roadside, the examiner will say: “Shortly I shall ask you
to carry out an emergency stop. When I give this signal (The warning to stop
the vehicle will be the audible signal of the words “Stop!” together with a
simultaneous visual signal given by the examiner raising the right hand to face
level, or in the case of a left hand drive vehicle, raising the left hand. This
should be demonstrated.) I’d
like you to stop as quickly and as safely as possible. Before giving the signal
I shall look round to make sure it is safe, but please wait for my signal
before doing the exercise. Do you understand the instructions?”
He may add at the end of the exercise “after you have carried out
the emergency stop I will inform you if we have to do this again”.
After the exercise, the examiner will say: “Thank
you. I won’t ask you to do that exercise again”.
He may repeat the exercise.
“Pull up along here…. just before you reach the next
road on the left, please”. Again see point 2
“I would like you to reverse into this road on the
left. Drive past it and stop, then reverse back in to the road (opening)
keeping reasonably close to the kerb; try not to touch the kerb in doing so”.
The examiner may add “when you have reversed into
the road far enough I will tell you when to stop”
“Pull up along here just before you reach the next
road on the right, please”. Again see point 2
“I would like you to reverse into that road on the
right. Continue driving on the left, then pull up on the right just past the
junction, back into the road (or opening) and continue well down the side road,
keeping reasonably close to the right-hand kerb, try not to touch the kerb in
doing so”.
The examiner may add “when you have reversed into
the road far enough I will tell you when to stop”
“Would you pull up on the left well before you get
to the next parked car please” Also see point 2
“This is the reverse parking exercise. Would you drive
forward and stop alongside the car ahead (or target vehicle ahead). Then
reverse in and park reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb. I would
like you to complete the exercise within about two car lengths, try not to
touch the kerb in doing so”.
(Beginning of the test, i.e. test centre car park):
“Would you pull forward either to the left (or to the right) so that your
wheels are straight, and then reverse into a convenient bay. Finish within one
of the bays”.
(End of the test, i.e. on return from the driving
test): “I’d like you to reverse park in a convenient bay”.
The pupil has the choice on whether to carry out a
left or right-hand reverse into a parking bay. Most ADI’s would advise the
right-hand reverse because it’s the easier out of the two. However, you must
teach both. For example, if the exercise is carried out at the end of the test,
on arrival to the test centre car park, all the bays on the right-hand side may
be occupied and only a left-hand bay is available.
“Would you pull up on the left just past the …
please”. Again see point 2
“I’d like you to turn your car round to face the
opposite way (or direction). Try not to touch the kerb or overhang the pavement
whilst doing so”.
“Pull up on the left just before you get to the
parked car please”. (If necessary the examiner will add: “Leave enough room to
move away safely”).
The examiner will use the ‘normal stop’ wording see point
2, or specify the place to stop. After stopping, the examiner will simply say:
“Move off when you’re ready & its safe to do so please”.
Important note
When moving away the phrase “its safe to do so” may
be added-subtracted. On pulling in to the side of the road Safe Convenient and
Legal Position may be used or a variant of this. The rules are not set in stone
this is only a guide for the examiners and you should use the same.