When you learn to drive, you’ll be learning and practising 27 important driving skills that you’ll need for a lifetime of safe driving.

Learn with a driving instructor

It’s unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.

They’re specially trained to help you learn the 27 skills.

Practise with family or friends

When you’re at the right level, it’s a good idea to start practising with family or friends between your driving lessons.

People who combine extra practice with driving lessons do better when they take their driving test.

The skills you need to learn

The 27 skills you need to learn to become a safe driver are split into 8 groups.

1. Legal responsibilities

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to know how the law relates to both yourself and your vehicle. Make sure that you’re up-to-date with the rules and regulations.

You should understand how the following affects your driving:

• health

• eyesight

• drink

• drugs

• tiredness

• mobile phones

You must be able to check that the car you’re driving is:

• taxed and has an MOT (if it needs one)

• insured

• safe to drive (roadworthy)

2. Safety checks

It’s important that your car be in good working order before you start the engine. You should be aware of what to check, how to do it and how often to do it.

Think FLOWER to remember these checks:

• fuel – whether you have enough fuel for the journey and, if necessary, planning where to refuel the car

• lights – how to check all lights are clean and working

• oil – where and how to check the levels of engine oil and brake fluid

• water, screenwash and coolant – where they are and how to check them

• electrics – how to check that the battery and charging system, indicators, horn and other warning devices are working properly

• rubber – the correct tyre pressure, how to measure it and how to check tread depth and tyre condition

You should always check that the brakes and steering are working before you start to drive.

3. Cockpit checks

These checks may be simple, but they’re essential. The car you’re using needs to be comfortable and ready for you to drive before you start the engine.

You should always check:

• all doors are closed and the parking brake is on

• your seat is in the right position, and you can reach the foot controls comfortably

• your head restraint is in the right place

• the steering wheel is adjusted so you can use it easily

• your seatbelt is fastened and comfortable

• all mirrors are correctly adjusted

• whether you’ll need to refuel the car

• the parking brake is on and the gear lever is in neutral (or in P or N in an automatic car)

You should know:

• the right order to carry out the cockpit checks – always adjust your seat before checking the mirrors

• the different ways to adjust your seat to give you the best driving position

• how to adjust the mirrors, including adjusting the interior mirror at night so you’re not dazzled by the vehicle behind them

4. Security

This covers not only the security of your vehicle but also its contents and your personal security. You need to be aware of the ways that you can reduce the risks. This includes:

• staying alert at all times

• letting someone know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive or return

• keeping important or valuable items locked away from view while you’re in the car

• choosing a secure place to park and leave the car, especially at night

• fitting additional security measures, such as a steering wheel lock and immobiliser

5. Controls and instruments

You need to concentrate on what’s happening around you when you’re driving, so operating the vehicle’s controls should become second nature. This includes:

• foot controls – the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals

• hand controls – the parking brake, steering wheel, indicators, headlights and gearstick

• other controls – the horn (you need to know when and for what reason you can legally use it), windscreen wipers, demister and heated windows.

You should be aware of any controls specific to the car you’re driving.

You must also know the meaning and function of each element of the instrument panel.

6. Moving away and stopping

You have to move away and stop every time you drive, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure that you know how to move away and stop safely.

You should:

• be able to move away and stop safely on level ground, on a hill, at an angle and straight ahead

• use the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines

• observe what’s happening around you and be aware of any blind spots

• co-ordinate your use of the accelerator, clutch and footbrake so that you move off and slow down safely and smoothly

• use the parking brake and steering competently

• know where and when to look, what to look for and how to act safely on what you see

• be able to identify suitable stopping places

• know where and when to signal

7. Safe positioning

Make sure that you drive in the correct position for the road on which you’re travelling. It’s important not only for your safety but also for the safety of other road users.

You should be able to:

• use the MSM and PSL routines

• show good lane discipline by planning ahead and moving into the correct lane in good time

• adapt their road position to suit the road width and traffic conditions

• keep a safe position during normal driving, especially around bends

• take up the correct position on a one-way street

You must also understand:

• how other vehicles, such as lorries and cyclists, need to position themselves

• what clearance you need to leave when passing stationary vehicles, cyclists or obstructions

8. Mirrors – vision and use

You must know what’s happening around you at all times and act safely on what you see.

You should know:

• how to make use of the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines

• when to use the mirrors

• why they need to use the mirrors and the importance of regular mirror checks

• how to act on what they see in their mirrors

You also need to know about the different mirrors fitted to the car, including:

• the uses for the interior mirror and the 2 exterior mirrors

• the effect that flat, concave and convex mirrors have, and how to interpret what you see in them

• what areas each mirror covers and where the blind spots are

9. Signals

It’s important to understand, and respond safely to, signals given by other motorists. You should always give clear, well-timed signals to other road users so that they know what you’re planning to do.

You should know:

• why it’s necessary to give signals

• when and how to give signals

• when and how to give arm signals

• when signals are not required

To understand signals given by other people using the road, you should know:

• the significance of other types of signal, including brake, reversing and hazard warning lights

• how to read signals given by traffic controllers such as school crossing patrols

10. Anticipation and planning

These are the core skills of all areas of driving. You should always be aware of what’s going on around you and plan what you need to do in response. Planning ahead can also make your driving more efficient. You can save fuel and wear on your brakes if you ease off the accelerator earlier.

You should be able to:

• use the MSM and PSL routines

• identify hazards from clues and respond to them in good time

• recognise times, places and weather conditions that mean there’s a higher risk

• use scanning techniques to plan ahead and prioritise how you’ll deal with hazards

You also need to be able to anticipate the actions of other road users.

You should be familiar with the risks associated with:

• cyclists

• motorcyclists

• drivers of large vehicles

• pedestrians, including the very young, older people and those with disabilities

• animals

• emergency vehicles

11. Use of speed

Base your speed on factors such as the road conditions, weather, traffic and pedestrians. Always drive within the speed limit.

You should:

• know the national speed limits and restrictions for different types of vehicle and any restricted speed limits for the road you’re on

• adjust your speed to take account of road, weather and traffic conditions

• choose an appropriate speed where there are pedestrians and in traffic-calmed areas

• know the stopping distance for your car in different conditions and how to calculate a safe separation distance from the vehicle in front

12. Other traffic

Most of the time when you’re driving, there will be other traffic on the road. You need to be able to deal safely and confidently when meeting, crossing and overtaking other vehicles.

You should be able to deal with:

• meeting oncoming traffic when there are parked cars or obstructions on your side of the road

• meeting oncoming traffic on narrow roads with passing places

• crossing the path of other traffic when turning right

• overtaking legally and safely

You need to know:

• the MSM and PSL routines

• why and when to give way – you should not cause another road user to slow down or alter their course when they have priority

• the significance of passing places, warning signs, road markings and how to deal with obstructions

• the importance of planning and anticipation, and acting safely on what you see

• how to drive on all road types, including a one-way or two-way road, a three-lane two-way road, a dual carriageway and a motorway

13. Fuel-efficient driving

Everything from the type of car and the fuel it uses to the way in which you drive influences the environment. You should understand how to reduce any negative effects to keep the air we breathe cleaner.

You need to understand how driving affects the environment and be aware of:

• the effect that vehicle exhaust gases have on the climate and health

• how to reduce fuel consumption by changing their driving style

• new technologies offering clean alternatives to fossil fuels

To minimise your effect on the environment, you should know how to:

• reduce your fuel consumption by planning ahead and using the highest possible gear without making the engine struggle

• make sure your car is serviced as per manufacturer’s recommendations and is in a good condition

• check your car’s tyre pressures – tyre pressure can have a significant effect on fuel efficiency

• dispose of vehicle waste (like spent oil, old batteries and used tyres) correctly

14. Junctions

There are many different types of junction. You should be able to negotiate any junction on any type of road safely, without holding up other traffic.

You should be able to deal safely and confidently with all types of junction, on all types of roads. This includes:

• T-junctions and Y-junctions

• crossroads

• slip roads

• unmarked junctions

You should know:

• mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines

• rules for turning at, entering into and emerging from a junction

• ways other road users turn right at crossroads

• the significance of advance warning signs and road markings, and acting correctly on what they see

• rules of priority, especially when dealing with unmarked junctions

• the importance of good observation

15. Roundabouts

You’ll need a thorough understanding of the rules that apply when approaching and going around a roundabout.

You should be able to safely negotiate different types of roundabout, including:

• standard roundabouts

• mini-roundabouts

• multiple and satellite roundabouts

• traffic-light-controlled roundabouts

You must know:

• how and when to apply the MSM and PSL routines

• the importance of effective observation and awareness of other traffic

• how to position the car correctly and which lane to use

• who has priority

• the procedure for leaving a roundabout

16. Pedestrian crossings

Be aware of the basic rules that apply to all pedestrian crossings. You need to know the differences between each type of crossing.

You should to be able to safely negotiate different types of crossing, including:

• crossings controlled by lights

• zebra crossings

• school crossing patrols

• split crossings

You must know:

• the importance of effective scanning as they approach a crossing

• how to recognise the different types of crossing

• how to apply the MSM and PSL routines

• the correct speed at which to approach the crossings

• the rules on overtaking

• the rules on parking near crossings

• when to stop for pedestrians who are waiting to cross

• the times and places where there’s likely to be high risk

• the effect that different weather conditions have on the ability to see and stop safely

17. Reversing

You should be able to reverse smoothly and safely while under complete control. This includes reversing to the left and right around sweeping curves and sharp corners.

You should be confident reversing:

• around a left and a right corner – including square and gently curved corners as well as on the straight

• on a level road

• on a gradient

• on a narrow or wide road

• on a flat road or one with a camber

• on the left and right-hand sides of the road

• into driveways

• into and out of parking spaces

You should also know how to:

• reverse accurately and smoothly

• steer in the correct manner

• make use of effective all-round observation

• reverse without undue delay

• take account of the way the car moves when you’re reversing

18. Turning the car around

To turn your vehicle around, it’s often easiest and safest to use a roundabout or reverse into a side street. If these options are not available, you may need to turn your vehicle around in the road.

You should be able to turn the car around:

• on a flat road and one with a camber

• under full control

• accurately judging the width of the road

• while looking for and responding to other road users

• without running into or mounting either kerb

You should know how to:

• observe carefully all around throughout the manoeuvre, especially checking their blind spots

• respond safely to other road users

• coordinate the hand and foot controls so the car moves smoothly

• steer in the correct manner while turning as tightly as possible

19. Parking

Whether you’re parking at the side of the road or using a bay in a car park, you need to gain the skills to do this safely before you drive on your own.

You should to be able to:

• coordinate your hand and foot controls well, so that the car moves smoothly

• keep a reasonable distance from other vehicles

• observe all around while manoeuvring and not just rely on mirrors

• know where you’re allowed to park so that it’s legal, safe and convenient

• perform this manoeuvre accurately, signalling when they need to

• park without becoming a danger or obstruction to other road users

20. Emergency stop

Effective scanning and reading of the road ahead will cut down the risk of having to make an emergency stop.

But if it’s unavoidable, brake as quickly as possible while keeping the car under full control.

You should know:

• how to coordinate the brake and clutch pedals so that the car comes to a stop under full control

• the limitations of anti-lock braking systems (ABS)

• how different road and weather conditions can affect stopping safely

• how to control a skid if one occurs

• how to move away safely again after you’ve made an emergency stop

21. Country roads

Country roads vary from trunk roads, carrying heavy traffic, to narrow lanes, where there’s only room for single-file traffic.

Unless signs show otherwise, the national speed limit will apply. This limit is the top speed you may drive, it doesn’t always mean that it’s safe to drive at that speed. Always adjust your speed for hazards, other traffic and the road and weather conditions.

You should be able to deal with:

• poor visibility due to bends, hedgerows and steep roadsides

• gradients and camber

• junctions and entrances

• vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders

• slow-moving agricultural machinery

• darkness and various weather conditions

You need to know:

• the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines

• what the different road signs mean

• the importance of forward planning

• how to scan ahead to anticipate hazards that could be just out of sight

• how to use passing places

22. Dual carriageways

Some dual carriageways share the same speed limit as motorways. You also join some dual carriageways from a slip road, the same way you would join a motorway.

Unlike a motorway, though, dual carriageways can have junctions and roundabouts. Traffic can join, leave, cross and turn right from the carriageway.

You should to be able to:

• drive safely on urban and rural dual carriageways and clearways

• join a dual carriageway

• choose the correct lane

• turn right off a dual carriageway

You must know:

• the MSM and PSL routines

• the various speed limits that may be used on dual carriageways

• how to respond to advance warning and information signs

• what you should do if the car breaks down, including the use of hazard warning lights and warning triangles

• how the weather can affect driving on dual carriageways

23. Motorways

Although motorway driving isn’t part of the practical driving test, learners can have driving lessons on motorways. These must be with an approved driving instructor (ADI) in a car fitted with dual controls that’s clearly displaying L plates.

The Highway Code has specific rules about motorway driving, though many of the other rules apply to motorway driving too. Your driving instructor will be able to tell you when you’re ready to take lessons on the motorway. It’s recommended that this only takes place near the end of your training, when you’re ready to take your driving test.

You should know how to:

• join and leave motorways, using acceleration and deceleration lanes

• use your mirrors effectively

• look and plan further ahead than you would on single carriageways

• respond to other road users

• use the correct lane

• keep a safe separation distance

• respond to signals, road signs and markings

• avoid fatigue, and use service areas

• overtake

• deal with side winds and turbulence

• recognise and use smart motorways

• deal with contraflows and roadworks

• deal with accidents and breakdowns

• use the hard shoulder

24. Driving in the dark

There are many factors that make driving in the dark more hazardous. Judging speed at night can be difficult, so be particularly careful at junctions.

You should be confident driving on:

• urban roads

• rural roads

• single and dual carriageways

You should know:

• how darkness limits your visibility and when to adjust your speed, especially in bad weather

• when you should use your lights, which lights to use and the importance of keeping them clean

• when you can use the horn at night

• how to park safely and legally when it’s dark

25. Weather conditions

Aim to get experience in different weather conditions. It’s important to understand the effect conditions like fog and low sun can have on visibility. Other conditions, such as ice, snow and rain, can affect the way that your vehicle handles.

You should be confident in all weather conditions, including:

• fog

• ice and snow

• bright sunshine

• wind

• rain

You should know:

• the way that different weather conditions affect your visibility, speed and stopping distance, and how to respond to these conditions safely

• the car’s capabilities and how to use its features

• the warning signs and signals that may be used

• the causes of skidding and aquaplaning, and how to control them if they do occur

• when to use yuour lights and which lights to use in poor daytime visibility

26. Passengers and loads

As a driver, you need to understand your responsibilities to passengers, whether they’re adults or children. You should also know how to secure any items that you’re transporting.

When carrying passengers and loads, you should be aware of:

• your responsibility to other adults, children, babies and animals in your car

• the safest way to carry loads in and on the car

• how to load trailers safely

You should know:

• the rules concerning the use of seat belts

• the importance of not putting a rear-facing baby seat into a seat that’s protected by an airbag

• the importance of checking that all doors are shut properly, and that animals are safely restrained

• how to stow luggage or load it securely and the importance of distributing weight evenly

27. Independent driving and using a sat nav

Independent driving is an exercise you’ll have to carry out during your driving test.

You’ll have to follow directions from a sat nav or follow a series of traffic signs. This gives you the chance to experience what it will be like to drive after you’ve passed your test.

To drive independently and keep full control, you should be able to:

• plan ahead, so you do not have to make any late decisions

• be able to follow sat nav directions and traffic signs

• use the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines

• position the car correctly and in good time

• understand the correct use of lanes, both with and without directional information

• respond correctly to other road users

• know and respond to traffic signs and road markings

Courtesy: Official DVSA Ready to Pass Publication