Examiner's directions

From Penzance to Wick, and all points in between, the test must be fair and consistent. The examiners should give directions which are clear, and easy to follow.

Examiners and test candidates may well chat a bit during the test, but there are guidelines how directions and instructions should be worded.

The examiners aren't being stuffy when they test you, they are just trying to make life easy for you. The following text is a list of all of the examiner's standard phrases, which is taken from Annex Seven of the DSA's internal guidelines. Riveting stuff...

Preliminaries

• Good morning/afternoon Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ……..may I see your driving licence and your photo ID please (and if required: also your TT pass certificate please).
• Mr/……..would you read and sign this insurance and residency declaration please?
• Is your name and address still the same as on your driving licence?
• If not … Could you please enter your new address on the counterpart (or in the appropriate place on the old style paper licences) of your licence.
• Thank you, will you lead the way to your car please.

Note: In an effort to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere during the test examiners are encouraged to introduce themselves and use the candidate's first name, provided there is no objection.
As self-introduction works best when it is spontaneous the examiner should decide whether to do it on the way to the car, or wait until seated inside it. Examiners are encouraged to use a form of words that suits their own style and personality. The following examples are for guidance only:

• "I'm………, I see your first name is………May I call you……………….?"
• "My name is……….would you object to me calling you…………..?"
• "I'd like to introduce myself, my name is…….do you mind if I call you………?"
• "My name is………….what would you prefer me to call you?"

Note: A pre-test brief should be offered. This can be given during the walk to the car, or, if the distance is short, in the car. This should outline what will happen during the drive, for example:

• The test will last about 38-40 minutes and it will take in various roads and traffic conditions and I will ask you to complete two manoeuvres. The sort of things you have been practising with your instructor/accompanying driver.
• Which car are you using?
• Will you read the number of ………..car……………..
• Now I should like to ask you a few questions about your vehicle and other matters relating to vehicle safety. (Give candidate a few moments to put on gloves)
• If you would like to make yourself comfortable in your car now please, I will join you in a moment.

General directions

• Throughout the drive continue ahead, unless traffic signs direct you otherwise, and when I want you to turn left or right I will tell you in plenty of time. Move off when you are ready, please.
• Would you pull up on the left at a convenient place, please.
• or
• Pull up along here, just before………..please.
• Drive on when you are ready, please.
• Take the next road on the left/right, please.
• Will you take the second road on the left/right, please. (If necessary add this is the first.)
• At the end of the road turn left/right, please.
• At the roundabout
• turn left please (it is the first exit)
• follow the road ahead (it is the second exit)
• turn right please (it is the third exit).

(Additional information should be given if necessary to assist the driver to plan their route through the hazard. Examples are in brackets above).

Emergency stop

• Pull up on the left at a convenient place, please.
• Shortly I shall ask you to carry out an emergency stop. When I give this signal, (simultaneously demonstrate, and say) 'Stop', 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?
• Thank you. I will not ask you to do that exercise again. Drive on when you are read

Left-hand reverse

• Pull up along here just before you reach the next road on the left, please.
• I should like you to reverse into this road on the left. Drive past it and stop, then back in keeping reasonably close to the kerb.

Right-hand reverse

• Pull up on the left before you reach the next road on the right, please.
• I should like you to reverse into that road on the right. Continue driving on the left until you are past it then pull up on the right just past the junction, back in and continue well down the side road, keeping reasonably close to the right-hand kerb.

Reverse parking

• Would you pull up on the left well before you get to the next parked car, please.
• This is the reverse parking exercise. Would you drive forward and stop alongside the car ahead. Then reverse in and park reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb. Try to complete the exercise within about two car lengths.

Reverse Parking - car park

Beginning of the test

• Would you pull forward either to the left or the right so that your wheels are straight, then reverse into a convenient parking bay. Finish within one of the bays.

End of the test

• I should like you to reverse park in the car park. Drive forward into the car park, then reverse into a convenient parking bay. Finish within one of the bays.

Turn in the road

• Would you pull up on the left just past the …….please.
• I'd like you to turn your car around to face the opposite way, try not to touch the kerbs when you're turning.

Angle start

• Pull up on the left just before you get to the next parked car, please. (If necessary add: leave enough room to move away.)

End of the test

• Stop the engine and make yourself comfortable
• Please give me a few moments to complete my report
• If the instructor/trainer/accompanying driver is present ask: would you like your (instructor/accompanying driver) to be present for the conclusion of the test? If the instructor/trainer/accompanying driver is not present the question should not be asked
• If at any time the instructor/accompanying driver comes over to the vehicle to listen to the conclusion of the test, the examiner must ask the candidate whether they want their instructor/accompanying driver present

Pass

• That's the end of the test and I'm pleased to tell you that you've passed, well done.
• Please take time to read this leaflet (Issue INF129) It contains important information on the New Drivers Act, Pass Plus and Towing Trailers
• Here is a copy of the Drive On magazine
• Would you please read the health declaration and sign the bottom of the test report. If necessary customer should be referred to note 28 on the DL25D. (If the health declaration is not accepted – cross it out and follow NON ADLI route)
• The attached notes will help to explain the faults I have recorded but if you wish I can explain them to you now
• If requested give debrief and mark the debrief box. (Normally the debrief does not have to include all the faults committed, just a factual overview of the candidate's driving test performance)
• Please take time to read this leaflet (Issue INF129) It contains important information on the New Drivers Act, Pass Plus and Towing Trailers
• Here is a copy of the Drive On magazine
• Would you please read the health declaration and sign the bottom of the test report. If necessary the customer should be referred to note 28 on the DL25D (If the health declaration is not accepted - cross it out and ask the candidate to sign as receipt of DSA10)
• The attached notes will help to explain the faults I have recorded but if you wish I can explain them to you now
• If requested give debrief and mark the debrief box. (Normally the debrief does not have to include all the faults committed, just a factual overview of the candidate's driving test performance)
• Issue candidate's copy of the DL25 and notes for guidance
• Thank you and congratulations…………………..Goodbye.

Fail

• That's the end of the test and I'm sorry you haven't passed. Would you like me to explain why?
• If requested give debrief and mark debrief box. The debrief should include all serious and dangerous faults and if the candidate fails on an accumulation of more than 15 driving faults then all the faults need explaining.
• Here is the copy of the test report. Are you going to apply for your next test by phone, post or online?
• Would you like a copy of the Driver's Record?
• Thank you……………………..Goodbye.