Driving Tips - Safety Routine
Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.
Accelerator
Anticipation
Approaching Junctions
Brake
Clearance
Clutch
Crossing Other Traffic
Crossroads
Emergency Stop
Exterior Mirrors
Gear Lever
Gears
General
Handbrake
Head Restraint
Indicators
Interior Mirror
Making Progress
Meeting Approaching Traffic
Mirrors
Moving Away
Moving Off
Overtaking
Pedestrian Crossings
Reverse Parking
Reversing
Road Positioning
Safe Distance
Safety Routine
Seat
Seat Belts
Signals
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stopping
T-Junctions
The Engine
Turning the Car Around
Practical Driving Test Tips — Safety Routine
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| A warning light or control is unfamiliar | The vehicle differs from the one used previously. | Check the vehicle handbook and ask your instructor before moving. Do not guess at a safety-critical control. |
| Loose items could interfere with driving | The passenger area and footwell were not checked. | Secure luggage and remove anything that could obstruct pedals, steering, visibility or occupants. |
| The car is not prepared before moving | The cockpit check is incomplete. | Before driving, make sure doors are closed, the seat and head restraint are adjusted, mirrors are set and the seat belt is correctly fastened. |