Drive Victoria's Road to Success
Step-by-Step • Skill-by-Skill • Confidence for Life
LESSON 1 — INTRODUCTION & FUNDAMENTALS
Cockpit drill
Moving off using POM
Stopping safely using MSPSL
LESSON 2 — BUILDING KEY SKILLS
Roundabouts
Lane discipline
Signals
Effective mirror use
LESSON 3 — CONFIDENCE ON BIGGER ROADS
Driving on larger roads
Understanding single and dual carriageways
Understanding speed limits
Identifying blockers
Reducing hesitation at roundabouts
LESSON 4 — LANE CHANGING & POSITIONING
Safe and effective lane changing
Planning ahead
Turning right at a roundabout and taking third exit on a dual carriageway
Correct lane positioning
LESSON 5 — MULTI-LANE ROUNDABOUTS
Taking the first exit
Taking the second exit
Correct lane selection and discipline
Start Forward bay parking
LESSON 6 — MANOEUVRES & FURTHER PRACTICE
Third exits on multi-lane roundabouts
Fourth exits on multi-lane roundabouts
Improving observation, positioning and lane discipline
LESSON 7 — REAL-WORLD DRIVING
Start Reverse bay parking
Practice more Forward bay parking
Start Romen Roundabout
LESSON 8 — DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE
Return to further parking practice
Reverse and forward bay parking
Romen Roundabout — different lanes and exits
Practise a range of entrances and exits at Romen Roundabout
LESSON 9 — MINI ROUNDABOUTS & PARKING
Start Fenny Stratford double mini-roundabout
Start Parallel parking
Practise a range of mini-roundabouts throughout Bletchley
Improve positioning, observation and planning
LESSON 10 — INDEPENDENT DRIVING
Sat Nav practice
A5 driving
Country-road driving
Practice Moving the car back for two cars length manoeuvres
LESSON 11 — MOCK TEST & ASSESSMENT
Complete a full mock driving test
Assess overall driving ability and test readiness
Identify areas requiring further improvement
Aim to complete at least three additional mock tests
Complete as many further mock tests as needed to build confidence
🏁 TEST WEEK PREPARATION
BLETCHLEY TEST-ROUTE HOTSPOTS
During test week, we recommend completing at least three focused lessons covering key Bletchley test-route hotspots.
These lessons can focus on:
Common test routes
Challenging junctions
Major and mini-roundabouts
Lane discipline
Local test-route hotspots
Driving manoeuvres
Independent driving
Building consistency and confidence
🏆 READY FOR YOUR TEST?
By this stage, you should feel:
✓ Confident
✓ Prepared
✓ Skilled
✓ Test-Ready
✓ Ready for Independent Driving
MORE THAN A TEST
Building the skills and confidence for a lifetime of safe driving.
Other useful information
DRIVING TEST CHECKLIST
THE KEY SKILLS YOU NEED TO PASS YOUR TEST
1. ANTICIPATION
- Constantly observe the road ahead and identify potential hazards early.
- Anticipate that other road users may make mistakes or unexpected moves.
- Understand who has priority at junctions, roundabouts and crossings.
- Read the road ahead rather than reacting at the last moment.
2. HESITATION
- Take enough time to properly assess traffic before moving.
- Never rush into an unsafe situation.
- Avoid unnecessary hesitation when it is clearly safe to proceed.
- Make safe, confident decisions.
3. PLANNING
- Read road signs and Sat Nav instructions well in advance.
- Plan your route early.
- Choose the correct lane before reaching junctions and roundabouts.
- Position yourself early to avoid sudden lane changes or last-minute decisions.
4. PROGRESS
- Maintain appropriate progress without unnecessarily holding up other road users.
- Accelerate positively when it is safe to:
- Join a new road.
- Leave a roundabout.
- Move away from junctions.
- Drive at a suitable speed for the road and traffic conditions while staying within the speed limit.
5. POSITION
- Maintain a safe and appropriate road position during normal driving.
- Choose the correct lane well before junctions and roundabouts.
- Stay centred within your lane unless road markings require otherwise.
- Position correctly for left and right turns.
6. MIRRORS
Mirrors first — always.
- Check your mirrors whenever your speed or direction changes.
- Follow MSPSL:
Mirrors → Signal → Position → Speed → Look - When turning, check at least two mirrors:
- Interior mirror
- Relevant side mirror
- Make sure your mirror checks are effective and do not affect your steering.
7. SPEED
- Stay within the speed limit at all times.
- Adjust your speed to suit:
- Road conditions
- Traffic
- Weather
- Visibility
- Avoid driving unnecessarily slowly when conditions allow normal progress.
- Always choose a safe and appropriate speed for the situation.
8. KERB
- Avoid touching or mounting the kerb.
- Leave sufficient clearance when passing parked vehicles.
- Take extra care when:
- Pulling up
- Moving off
- Turning into side roads
- Completing parking manoeuvres
9. STOPS
- Stop smoothly and remain in full control.
- Follow MSPSL before stopping.
- Stop in a safe and legal position.
- Avoid stopping too early or too late.
- Do not block junctions, crossings, driveways or other road users.
10. MOVE OFF
Follow POM every time.
P — Preparation
Select the correct gear and prepare the vehicle.
O — Observation
Check your mirrors, blind spots and surroundings.
M — Move
Move away smoothly when it is safe to do so.
11. CONTROL
- Maintain full control of the vehicle at all times.
- Keep a steady and appropriate steering grip.
- Ensure mirror checks do not affect your steering.
- Use smooth acceleration, braking and steering.
- Select the correct gear for the situation.
- Maintain good control during all manoeuvres.
12. AWARENESS
Maintain constant awareness of everything happening around you, including:
- Road signs
- Traffic lights
- Pedestrian crossings
- Cyclists and motorcyclists
- Parked vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Junctions and roundabouts
- Speed-limit changes
- Road markings
- Potential hazards developing ahead
KEY REMINDERS
MIRRORS FIRST
Check your mirrors before changing speed or direction.
MSPSL
Mirrors → Signal → Position → Speed → Look
POM
Preparation → Observation → Move
LOOK AHEAD
Read the road well ahead and anticipate potential hazards.
PLAN EARLY
Make decisions early and avoid last-second changes.
BE CONFIDENT
Make safe, positive decisions without unnecessary hesitation.
MAKE GOOD PROGRESS
Drive at an appropriate speed without exceeding the speed limit.
STAY AWARE
Always know what is happening around you and be prepared for changing situations.
TEST-READY
Confident • Prepared • Skilled • Safe
More than passing a test — building the skills for a lifetime of safe driving.
More useful information
TELL ME & SHOW ME QUESTIONS
TELL ME QUESTIONS
1. Brakes
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack.
Test the brakes as you move off.
The vehicle should not pull to one side when braking.
2. Tyre Pressures
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Check the manufacturer’s guide or vehicle information.
Use a reliable tyre-pressure gauge.
Check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold.
Remember to check the spare tyre if fitted.
Refit the valve caps after checking.
3. Head Restraint
Tell me how you’d make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears.
It should be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
Some head restraints may not be adjustable.
4. Tyres
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Check for cuts, bulges or other damage.
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm.
This must be across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
5. Headlights & Tail Lights
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the light switch, turning on the ignition if necessary.
Explain that you would walk around the vehicle to check that the lights are working.
6. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the system.
7. Direction Indicators
Tell me how you’d check that the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the indicator switch, turning on the ignition if necessary.
Explain that you would walk around the vehicle to check that the indicators are working.
8. Brake Lights
Tell me how you’d check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal.
Use reflections in nearby windows or doors to check the lights.
Alternatively, ask someone to help you check them.
9. Power-Assisted Steering
Tell me how you’d check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine.
You should notice a slight but noticeable movement as the power assistance begins to operate.
Alternatively, turn the steering wheel shortly after moving off to confirm that the power assistance is working.
If the steering becomes unusually heavy, the system may not be working correctly.
10. Rear Fog Lights
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the fog-light switch, turning on the dipped headlights and ignition if necessary.
Check that the warning light is illuminated.
Explain that rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced.
11. Dipped to Main Beam
Tell me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you’d know that main beam is on.
Operate the headlight/main-beam switch, with the ignition or engine on if necessary.
Check that the main-beam warning light is illuminated.
12. Engine Oil
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick or oil-level indicator.
Check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings.
If necessary, top up the oil to the correct level.
13. Engine Coolant
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient coolant.
Identify the coolant expansion/header tank and the high and low level markings.
Check that the coolant level is between the correct markings.
Explain how you would top it up to the correct level.
Never remove a coolant cap when the engine is hot.
14. Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir.
Check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
SHOW ME QUESTIONS
When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would:
1. Rear Windscreen
Wash and clean the rear windscreen.
2. Front Windscreen
Wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. Dipped Headlights
Switch on the dipped headlights.
4. Rear Demister
Set the rear demister.
5. Horn
Operate the horn.
6. Front Windscreen
Demist the front windscreen.
7. Side Window
Open and close the side window.
QUICK TEST REMINDERS
TELL ME: Answer the question before or during the start of your driving test, depending on the question.
SHOW ME: You will be asked to demonstrate one vehicle-control task while driving, when it is safe and legal to do so.
REMEMBER
✓ Stay calm
✓ Listen carefully to the question
✓ Explain clearly
✓ Don't rush
✓ Only demonstrate controls when it is safe to do so
✓ Know where the controls are before your test
Little more useful information
DRIVING TEST SITUATIONS
How to Stay Calm, Safe & In Control
Unexpected situations can happen during your driving test. The key is to stay calm, observe early, create space and make safe decisions.
1. PEDESTRIAN SUDDENLY STEPS INTO THE ROAD
What to do:
Stay alert and look well ahead. Be prepared to slow down or stop and give the pedestrian priority when required.
2. VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLS OUT
What to do:
Stay calm. Brake progressively, create space and reassess the situation before continuing.
3. CYCLIST MOVES INTO YOUR LANE
What to do:
Check your mirrors, slow down and leave plenty of clearance. Wait if necessary.
4. CAR DOOR OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY
What to do:
Look well ahead for parked vehicles and people. Reduce your speed and leave a safe gap.
5. EMERGENCY VEHICLE APPROACHES
What to do:
Stay calm, check your mirrors and make room safely when possible. Never make a dangerous manoeuvre just to help it pass.
6. UNEXPECTED ROAD CLOSURE
What to do:
Follow the signs and stay calm. If you miss a turn, continue safely rather than making a sudden manoeuvre.
7. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC LIGHTS
What to do:
Approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely. Follow the traffic lights even if the situation appears confusing.
8. PEDESTRIAN WAITING AT A CROSSING
What to do:
Look ahead and be prepared to stop. Don't rush through simply because you believe you have priority.
9. VEHICLE BRAKES SUDDENLY
What to do:
Maintain a safe following distance so you have time to react. Brake smoothly and progressively.
10. WRONG LANE AT A ROUNDABOUT
What to do:
Don't suddenly cut across traffic. Follow the safest available route and allow the examiner to give you another direction if needed.
11. SAT NAV GIVES A LATE INSTRUCTION
What to do:
Don't panic. Safety comes before the Sat Nav. If necessary, continue ahead and take the next safe route.
12. MISSED A TURN
What to do:
Carry on safely. The examiner can give you another direction. Never make a dangerous last-second turn.
13. PARKED VEHICLE BLOCKS YOUR LANE
What to do:
Check your mirrors, signal if necessary, look ahead and give priority appropriately before moving around the obstruction.
14. ONCOMING VEHICLE COMES TOO CLOSE
What to do:
Slow down, create space and be prepared to stop if necessary.
15. BUS PULLS AWAY FROM A BUS STOP
What to do:
Check your mirrors and blind spots. Don't overtake unless it is safe and legal to do so.
16. MOTORCYCLIST FILTERS PAST
What to do:
Check your mirrors frequently and expect motorcyclists to appear quickly. Don't change direction or position without checking.
17. ANIMAL NEAR THE ROAD
What to do:
Slow down and be prepared to stop. Avoid sudden swerving.
18. HEAVY TRAFFIC SUDDENLY DEVELOPS
What to do:
Stay patient. Increase your following distance and concentrate on your observations and planning.
19. YOU STALL
What to do:
Don't panic. Secure the car, restart safely, check your surroundings and continue when it is safe.
20. ANOTHER DRIVER FLASHES YOU
What to do:
Never assume they are giving you permission to go. Make your own observations and decide when it is safe.
21. ANOTHER DRIVER IGNORES A STOP OR GIVE-WAY
What to do:
Anticipate that other drivers can make mistakes. Be prepared to stop and allow them through if necessary.
22. PEDESTRIAN APPEARS WHILE REVERSING
What to do:
Stop immediately. Wait until you are certain the area is clear before continuing.
23. YOU TAKE THE WRONG ROUTE
What to do:
Don't worry. Follow the examiner's next instruction. Taking a wrong direction is usually far less serious than making an unsafe manoeuvre.
24. YOU MAKE A MINOR MISTAKE
What to do:
Don't dwell on it. Reset your concentration and focus on the next situation.
25. NERVES CAUSE YOU TO RUSH
What to do:
Slow everything down mentally:
MIRRORS → POSITION → SPEED → LOOK → DECIDE → ACT
THE GOLDEN RULE
DON'T PANIC — OBSERVE, PLAN & ACT SAFELY.
You cannot control what other road users do, but you can control how you respond.
Stay calm. Look ahead. Create space. Make safe decisions.