How is the Test assessed?
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The marking sheet for the advanced driving test can be divided into a number of headings, detailed below:
Car Control
Acceleration - is it smooth and progressive, used at the right time and place?
Braking - is it smooth and progressive or late and fierce - is it tailored to suit all conditions experienced?
Clutch Control - are engine and road speeds co-ordinated when changing gear? Does the candidate coast with clutch disengaged or be seen to slip or ride the clutch?
Gear Changing - is it smooth and well timed if it is a manual box? If automatic, does the driver make full use of hold-gears if necessary?
Use of Gears - are the right gears used for each situation encountered? Is the right gear selected before the hazard is reached?
Steering - Does the driver cross hands or let the wheel slip through hands? Is the correct position maintained on the wheel throughout the drive?
Deportment at the Wheel - is the candidate alert or slumped? Does the seating position allow comfortable use of all controls? Does driver allow their arm or hand to rest off of the wheel?
Traffic Driving
Concentration - does the driver display a high level of concentration? Are they easily distracted?
Observation - does the driver read the road in an intelligent manner and by doing so anticipate all hazards in good time? Has the driver the ability to judge speed and distance?
Anticipation - does the driver anticipate what might happen when they observe situations developing on the road. Do they anticipate based upon what they can see, what they cannot see, and what might reasonably be expected to develop ?
Maintaining Progress - having regard to road, traffic and weather conditions, does the driver keep up a reasonable pace?
Positioning - is it such that it affords best possible view on approach to all hazards and does it conform legally?
Observance of Speed Limits - are they noted and adhered to? The examiner cannot condone breaches of the law.
Observance of Road Surfaces - does the driver adjust speed to deal with varying road surfaces, having due regard to weather conditions?
Signals, Signs & Pedestrian Crossings
Observance & Obedience - are all signals and signs obeyed if mandatory and noted if they are of the warning type? Are pedestrian crossings noted and speed adjusted if necessary?
Behaviour on Road
Distance Observation - does the driver plan ahead and in doing so anticipate likely occurrences?
Correct use of Speed - is it used aggressively or sensibly with due regard to all prevailing conditions?
Consideration of Other Road Users - does the driver demonstrate throughout the drive, courtesy, consideration and tolerance to other road users?
Overtaking - is the overtake carried out safely and decisively when executed and has it been well planned beforehand?
Hazard Procedure and Cornering - does the driver display a systematic approach to all hazards - as defined in Roadcraft. When cornering, does the driver, by use of the system, arrive and go round at the right speed and in the correct gear.
Use of Driving Mirrors - is the driver seen to be using the mirrors frequently and especially in conjunction with signals and before any change of course or speed.
Correct Use of Horn - is the driver using the horn correctly when needed i.e. in the right place, right instance, correct note used?
Hand or Mechanical Signals - are the signals given correctly and in good time when needed?
Restraint - does the driver exercise "hold back" technique when needed and does the driver display restraint rather than impulsiveness?
Car Sympathy - is the driver treating the car correctly, having due regard to all mechanical parts of the vehicle?
Commentary - although not a mandatory part of the test, it can often be helpful in developing ones ability to "read" the road and develop increased sense of awareness. If used during the test now and again, it would no doubt display to the Examiner an advanced ability. Your Observer can help you in this respect by showing you the correct terms and phraseology on a demonstration drive.
Manoeuvres - can the driver reverse, whether it be to park or go round a corner and can the driver turn the car around, competently and smoothly with correct observation.