DRIVER'S EXPERIENCE

It is very important that you

gain experience driving on
Record this on the private
practice form available from your
THEORY TEST
Studying for your test while
you are taking driving lessons
ALERTNESS
ATTITUDE

RECORD
different types of roads, in a
variety of conditions. If you
don't, you could find yourself
in a situation that you don't
instructor or the DSA website. will help you to see how it SAFETY & YOUR VEHICLE
relates to driving on the road. SAFETY MARGINS
Use the list below to tick the areas The theory test has two HAZARD AWARENESS
that you have covered either with parts which you must pass VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

have the experience to deal your driving instructor or during at the same sitting: OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLE

with safely. private practice: VEHICLE HANDLING

The Driving Standards It comes in two parts: this sheet MOTORWAY RULES
Agency have developed the is for you and the other part (free 1 MULTIPLE CHOICE RULES OF THE ROAD
You should drive in all types of
Driver's Record to help you to download) is a more detailed DRIVING INSTRUCTOR This consists of 50 multiple ROAD & TRAFFIC SIGNS
weather conditions. Take some
keep track of your progress record for your instructor or choice questions, some of which
lessons or practice when it's dark PRIVATE PRACTICE DOCUMENTS
and encourage you to accompanying driver. If you will be within a case study scenario, ACCIDENTS
become skilled in all the key choose to use this Record take it or when the sun is very low. Make
covering the topics on the right: VEHICLE LOADING
use of the local area to cover all WET ROADS
areas below. to each lesson and your test. We
encourage you to gain as much types of roads in towns and out DARKNESS
The Record is based on the practice on the road as possible in the country.
DAYLIGHT
official learning to drive syllabus (see EXPERIENCE overleaf).
and lists all the skills you need to If you can practise with a friend DUAL CARRIAGE
drive safely. It will help you see Your instructor will be able to or relative get as much driving COUNTRY
how you're progressing and offer you further advice or visit experience as possible.
TOWN AND CITY
identify the skills that need more www.direct.gov.uk/motoring
attention. Using this Record will
help you to prepare for your You need to be skilled in all the
practical test and become a
safer driver.
key areas below before taking
your practical test PASS PLUS
After you pass your test,
improve your driving skills and
reduce your chances of having
Av
a crash. You may also get 2 HAZARD PERCEPTION LOOKING FOR CLUES
ia
al

MSM ROUTINE
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instructor or call the Pass Plus CUTTING DOWN THE RISKS

button as soon as you realise,
1- 552814-9
hc u m t u o b a n s el u r n id

hotline 0115 936 6504 RESPONDING

from the clues, that you may have
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to change your speed or position We recommend that you prepare

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Or send an email to the team at

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on the road. Before you take your for both parts of the theory test
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passplus@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
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theory test you need to develop while developing your on road

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skills in the following areas: experience.

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DATE OF THEORY TEST PASS

THEORY & PRACTICAL TESTS: visit www.direct.gov.uk/motoring for useful

information and to book online or call 0300 200 1122 to book either test by phone Designed by DSA Publications. Crown copyright 2003. DRP(11/09)
 boxes 1-4 should
1 = introduced 2 = under full instruction 3 = prompted 4 = seldom prompted 5 = independent be initialled and dated

COCKPIT CHECKS 5 date PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

SAFETY CHECKS 5 date DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTS 5 date TURNING THE VEHICLE AROUND 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

MOVING AWAY & STOPPING 5 date REVERSING 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

SAFE POSITIONING 5 date PARKING 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

MIRRORS - VISION & USE 5 date EMERGENCY STOP 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

SIGNALS 5 date DARKNESS 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

ANTICIPATION & PLANNING 5 date WEATHER CONDITIONS 5 date

initials initials
inst. no inst. no

USE OF SPEED 5 date

1 = introduced 3 = prompted 5 = independent
initials
inst. no LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
OTHER TRAFFIC 5 initials date
5 date
inst. no
initials
inst. no
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
5 initials date
JUNCTIONS 5 date inst. no
initials
PASSENGERS & CARRYING LOADS
inst. no
5 initials date

ROUNDABOUTS 5 date
inst. no

initials SECURITY
inst. no 5 initials date
inst. no
 NOTES FOR GUIDANCE
Use the Driver's Record to chart
and record your pupil's progress.
The Drivers Record is based on the
recommended syllabus for learning to
drive and lists all the competencies
necessary for safe driving. It will help
a learner driver to see what progress
they have made and identify the
competencies yet to be covered.
Once the record is fully completed,
it will show that all the skills linked to
safe driving have been covered to a
satisfactory level and that the pupil
is ready to take the test.
The Drivers Record has two
separate parts. The first part is
designed for the instructor to record
detailed progress on a lesson-by-
lesson basis. The second part is
designed for the pupil to keep, to
show progress towards each of
the key competencies.
For further information and to download copies visit direct.gov.uk/driversrecord
Drivers Record (Instructor's Part)
This consists of loose A4 sheets detailing the skills
that need to be developed while learning to drive.
A loose-leaf format allows you to use continuation
sheets as required. This means that you can add
additional sheets to reflect the number of lessons that
each of your pupils require, dependent on their
experience, ability and progress.
Marking System
A pupil's progress (or regression) is recorded by
writing a number in the box alongside the relevant
competence that corresponds with the level of ability
demonstrated on that lesson. There are five levels:
1 - lntroduced
2 - Under full instruction
3 - Prompted
4 - Seldom prompted
5 - lndependent
The marks should only reflect your pupil's skill in that
particular topic. Some competencies require more
than one skill. For example, reversing includes
observation, control and accuracy. Therefore the level
recorded should reflect the overall performance for
each competence on that lesson.
Some of the competencies listed in the Drivers
Record (pupils part), such as other traffic, junctions,
reversing and parking, are split into sub-topics in the
instructors part of the Record.
A 3-Ievel marking system is used for some of the
competencies (instead of 5 levels), because these are
more likely to be covered as theoretical subjects.
Under full instruction and Seldom prompted are every topic. The pupil should take the completed
therefore not required for these competencies.
Competencies
The key competencies that make up the official
recommended syllabus are tabulated and linked to
the skills that a pupil should master to demonstrate
competence in that area. Under-pinning knowledge
for each competency is listed along with the relevant
source material.
Private Practice
This sheet should be given to the pupil so that a
record can be kept of any driving experience gained
during any private practice sessions.
Research has shown that learner drivers who gain
lots of experience in a wide variety of different
situations and conditions, before taking a practical
test, generally perform better on the test and go on
to be safer drivers.
Drivers Record (Pupil's Part)
The pupil should bring their part of the Drivers
Record to every lesson. It contains the same key
areas of competence and uses the same 5 levels as
the instructors part to measure performance. The
date and your initials should be entered at levels 1
to 4 at the point when a consistent performance is
demonstrated over several lessons for that particular
competence.
Once a pupil has demonstrated consistent
independent performance of a particular competence
over several lessons, you should enter the date, your
initials and personal reference number in the last box
against that topic. As with the instructors part, some
competencies use a 3-level marking system.
You should only complete the Declaration of Test
Readiness when you have completed the last box for
Drivers Record with them to the driving test centre.
All elements of the Drivers Record may be copied
for your own use.
Crown Copyright 2010 DRI(11/10)
 DRIVER'S RECORD Driver name

Date of lesson

1= introduced 2 = under full instruction 3 = prompted 4 = seldom prompted 5= independent

COCKPIT CHECKS
SAFETY CHECKS
CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTS
MOVING AWAY & STOPPING
SAFE POSITIONING
MIRRORS - VISION & USE
SIGNALS
ANTICIPATION & PLANNING
USE OF SPEED
OTHER TRAFFIC
meeting traffic
crossing traffi
c
overtaking
JUNCTIONS
turn left
turn right
emerge
ROUNDABOUTS
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS
TURNING THE VEHICLE AROUND
REVERSING
straight reverse
left reverse
right reverse
PARKING
parking in a bay
parallel parking
EMERGENCY STOP
DARKNESS
WEATHER CONDITIONS
1= introduced 3 = prompted 5 = independent
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
PASSENGERS & CARRYING LOAD
S
SECURITY
For further information and to download copies visit direct.gov.uk/driversrecord Crown Copyright 2010 DRI(11/10)
 COMPETENCIES PAGE 1/2

All the competencies or topics broken down on CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTS MIRRORS - VISION & USE OTHER TRAFFIC
these pages may require knowledge of particular accelerator, clutch and footbrake interior and exterior meeting, crossing and overtaking
legal responsibilities which need to be covered. For handbrake, steering, speedometer, horn, indicators flat, concave and convex one way and two way roads
detailed information about this or any other area and gears three-lane two-way roads
instrument panel warning lights Underpinning knowledge major, minor and narrow roads
please refer to the source material listed below: MSM and PSL
wipers dual carriageways
hazard, reversing, side, fog and headlights when to use them
Driving - the essential skills demister and heated windows why they should be used Underpinning knowledge
The Highway Code manufacturers options how to act on what is seen MSM and PSL
Know Your Traffic Signs blind spots when and why to give way
Vehicle handbook Underpinning knowledge frequency of checks and why passing places and warning signs
the function of each obstructions, parked vehicles...
the effects of incorrect use planning and anticipation
COCKPIT CHECKS
how to read and understand them SIGNALS how to act on what is seen
by arm and by indicators motorways
DSSSM brake, reversing and hazard lights
driving position MOVING AWAY & STOPPING by other road users and traffic controllers
head restraints MSM and PSL JUNCTIONS
seat belts observation and blind spots Underpinning knowledge T-junctions and Y-junctions
doors control and co-ordination why signals are necessary crossroads and slip roads
gears and handbrake safety check on level and on gradient when and how to signal marked and unmarked junctions
mirrors at angle and straight ahead unnecessary signals one-way streets
Underpinning knowledge urban, rural and dual carriageways
Underpinning knowledge
order of adjustment Underpinning knowledge
best driving position
co-ordination of accelerator, clutch and footbrake ANTICIPATION & PLANNING
handbrake and steering risk awareness in connection with: drivers, cyclists, MSM and PSL
mirror adjustment, including anti-dazzle where and when to look and what to look for turning, entering and emerging
variety of seat adjustments motorcyclists, pedestrians, animals, road works,
suitable stopping places emergency vehicles and any other road users advance warning signs and road markings
signals when necessary zones of vision
Underpinning knowledge priorities
SAFETY CHECKS MSM and PSL
POWER (petrol - oil - water - electrics - rubber) SAFE POSITIONING hazard perception

Underpinning knowledge normal driving visual warnings ROUNDABOUTS

lane discipline times and places of high risk mini and major
daily and weekly vehicle checks weather conditions
service intervals passing stationary vehicles and obstructions multiple and satellite
bends scanning and priorities traffic light controlled
planning for journeys
clear windscreens approaching and entering
Underpinning knowledge leaving and turning
MSM and PSL USE OF SPEED straight ahead
other vehicles positioning (LGV, cyclists etc) appropriate speed
wide and narrow roads making progress Underpinning knowledge
one-way streets hesitancy MSM and PSL
lane discipline
Underpinning knowledge correct position
national speed limits zones of vision
restricted speed limits observation
road and weather conditions priorities
traffic conditions
pedestrian activity
stopping distances

For further information and to download copies visit direct.gov.uk/driversrecord Crown Copyright 2010 DRI(11/10)
 COMPETENCIES PAGE 2/2

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS REVERSING DARKNESS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

controlled eg. pelican left, right and straight fog, ice, snow, wind and rain noise and pollution
uncontrolled eg. zebra flat and cambered roads urban and rural areas
school crossing patrols square and radius corners single and dual carriageways Underpinning knowledge
wide and narrow roads driving styles and impact on environment
Underpinning knowledge on level and on gradient Underpinning knowledge green issues
MSM and PSL speed and stopping distances vehicle maintenance
visual warnings Underpinning knowledge vehicle condition and characteristics disposal of vehicle waste
speed of approach and overtaking safe, convenient and legal visibility health and safety of drivers and others
times and places of high risk co-ordination of foot and hand controls skidding and aquaplaning
waiting pedestrians steering (position and method) warning signs and signals
central refuges and split crossings judgement and accuracy use of lights, horn and hazard lights PASSENGERS & CARRYING
weather conditions observation parking
LOADS
scanning signal options
drivers' responsibilities regarding adults, children,
babies and animals
WEATHER CONDITIONS carrying loads on and in the vehicle
DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS PARKING fog, ice, snow, sun, wind and rain loading trailers and cycle racks
urban, rural and clearways In a bay and parallel urban and rural areas
on level and on gradient single and dual carriageways Underpinning knowledge
Underpinning knowledge use of seatbelts
MSM and PSL Underpinning knowledge Underpinning knowledge doors, guards and restraints
speed limits safe, legal and convenient speed and stopping distances airbags and seating
lane discipline co-ordination of foot and hand controls vehicle condition and characteristics load and luggage stowage
advance warning and information signs steering - position and method visibility weight distribution
joining, leaving and turning judgement and accuracy skidding and aquaplaning
breakdowns, hazard lights and triangles observation warning signs and signals
motorways signal options use of lights, horn and hazard lights
SECURITY
road and weather conditions parking
vehicle, contents and personal security
when parking, driving at night and daytime
EMERGENCY STOP in event of breakdown and accident
TURNING THE VEHICLE AROUND quick reaction LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
flat and cambered roads control and skidding driver and vehicle requirements Underpinning knowledge
wide and narrow roads personal and vehicle security systems
Underpinning knowledge Underpinning knowledge safe places for parking
Underpinning knowledge hazard perception drink and drugs minimising opportunities for theft of and from
safe, legal and convenient clutch and brake co-ordination mobile communications vehicle, and attack
co-ordination of foot and hand controls ABS tiredness and rest periods
steering (position and method) front and rear wheel skid control dealing with accidents
judgement and accuracy defensive driving licence requirements and accompanying drivers
observation road and weather conditions health and eyesight
signal options moving away safely vehicle condition and registration
tax, MOT and insurance
traffic rules and regulations

For further information and to download copies visit direct.gov.uk/driversrecord Crown Copyright 2010 DRI(11/10)
 PRIVATE PRACTICE Driver name

When you go out driving with a friend or relative we You can use this form to record what you did by ticking the appropriate Take note of the time and mileage when you start so that you can fill in how
would encourage you to record the type of driving boxes. You'll probably tick several for each drive, for example, it may have much time you spent on the road and how many miles you covered. Fill in
experience that you have gained. been light when you started to drive but dark by the time you finished. the time in hours (0.5h, 2.5h) and the distance in miles (20m, 47m).

Date of lesson

WET ROADS
DRY ROADS
DARKNESS
DAYLIGHT
DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
COUNTRY
TOWN AND CITY
OVERALL TIME IN HOURS
DISTANCE TRAVELLED
COMMENTS...

Date of lesson

WET ROADS
DRY ROADS
DARKNESS
DAYLIGHT
DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
COUNTRY
TOWN AND CITY
OVERALL TIME
DISTANCE TRAVELLED
COMMENTS...

For further information and to download copies visit direct.gov.uk/driversrecord Crown Copyright 2010 DRI(11/10)