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
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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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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 Driver’s 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 Driver’s 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
Driver’s 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 Driver’s
Record (pupil’s part), such as other traffic, junctions,
reversing and parking, are split into sub-topics in the
instructor’s 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
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.
Driver’s Record (Pupil's Part)
The pupil should bring their part of the Driver’s
Record to every lesson. It contains the same key
areas of competence and uses the same 5 levels as
the instructor’s 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 instructor’s 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
every topic. The pupil should take the completed
Driver’s Record with them to the driving test centre.
All elements of the Driver’s 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 • manufacturer’s 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 vehicle’s 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)