Hire cars can only be used in tests if they’re fitted with dual controls and meet all the other driving test vehicle rules.

Does this mean that all cars used on a test must be dual-controlled?

The site seems to say that this only applies to hire cars.

Edited by Doc on 03/01/2015 at 15:02

It's called "making progress" and I believe it has it's origins in Plodspeak.

I am familiar with the concept of making progress but I didn't think it was obligatory - do you know different?

Those are good documents but still don't tell me what I wanted to know. For example:

"Observations: Not taking effective observation before emerging"

This doesn't say what effective observations are. Is it mirror checks, should checks or both?

"Normal driving: Incorrect positioning during normal driving"

This doesn't say what the correct position is. I believe it is in the centre of the lane, but it doesn't state this. What frustrates me is that sitting in the centre of the lane is often not the best or safest position but they don't allow for that.

I think this is what I was looking for actually. I have one of these books, so I just had a look through it. It seems like some of what my instructors had been saying was not correct. For example, I was always forced to ride in the centre of my lane, but DSA book is more wordy and it sounds like they are actually more flexible depending on the conditions.

It always amazes me how many people who 'drive', think that one has to drive in a 'special manner' for a driving test.

This is not the case.

The Examiner is looking for [in the case of Cat B] a reasonable standard of competence. The Candidate is expected to exercise a thorough, working knowledge of the Highway Code.

The Candidate should be able to demonstrate they can 'keep up with the flow of traffic, if safe to do so'...this is an assessment of competence, not a 'rule' which must forever more be complied with.

For CAt B, the candidate must demonstrate they can park their vehicle properly. They must also demonstrate they can follow their intended route[road signage]..

I note above, a question regarding 'effective observation?' [ie, what constitutes 'effective observation?]......if a candidate fails to demonstrate effective observation,. they will receive drivng faults..perhaps a serious fault [test fail]...So, what do you lot think is meant by 'effective observation?'

Coming up with the excuse, 'I didn't see them' is the result of ineffective observation...so where do you think you will look before proceeding?

Is there anywhere you don't think you have to look?

There is also much misunderstanding by candidates , of what they have heard in instruction.

Any Instructor will know, there is a huge difference between why the candidate thinks they have failed, and what the Examiner says they have failed on.

The example of a novice driver 'drivng to the speed limit, ''because my instructor said so'' is a classic example of a lack of comprehension of that aspect, where, and why it was said, etc.

There are books in WH Smiths..usually near to the Highway Code, which outline the DVSA syllabus for each test category.