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Basics (skills 1 to 4)

Contents

Introduction

Every driver starts here. These 4 skills form the foundation of safe driving – and understanding them properly makes everything else easier to learn.

Why these skills matter

Around 1 in 7 road deaths involve a driver over the legal alcohol limit. Being tired, distracted, or unprepared increases the chance of serious mistakes.

Getting into safe habits before you even start the engine helps you begin every journey focused and alert – and helps protect your independence, your future opportunities, and the trust people place in you.

Knowing the law is not just about passing your test. It’s about protecting yourself and everyone else on the road.

You should understand how the following affects your driving:

  • your health, including any medical conditions you must declare
  • drugs and alcohol – even small amounts affect your reactions, judgement, and ability to read the road
  • mobile phones – using a handheld phone while driving can result in 6 penalty points and a £200 fine
  • your eyesight – you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres

You should also understand the rules for your vehicle, including insurance, tax, and MOT requirements.

Things to think about

Do I always make sure I am safe and legal to drive before I get in the car?

Would I still choose not to drive if I had been drinking, using drugs, or taking medicine that affects me?

Would I ever believe I could drive safely after drinking or taking drugs because I felt fine at the time?

What would it mean for my life if I were caught drink or drug driving?

About these questions
These questions are not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. They are here to help you think more deeply about your driving – not just what you do, but how you feel and what influences your decisions behind the wheel. You might want to read them quietly to yourself, or use them as the starting point for a conversation with your driving instructor.

Ask your instructor

What are the most common legal mistakes new drivers make, and how can I avoid them?

2. Safety checks

Checking your vehicle before you drive is a habit that could save your life.

You should be able to carry out basic safety checks, including:

  • tyres – correct pressure and no damage
  • lights – all working correctly
  • oil, coolant, and screen wash levels
  • brakes – no unusual sounds or pulling to one side
  • windscreen – clean and free from damage that affects your view

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

Things to think about

Do I always check my car before I drive, such as the tyres, lights and fuel?

Would I still do my checks if I was in a hurry or the weather was bad?

Would I ever skip checking the car because I thought it would probably be fine?

What could happen if I did not spot a fault before driving?

About these questions
These questions are not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. They are here to help you think more deeply about your driving – not just what you do, but how you feel and what influences your decisions behind the wheel. You might want to read them quietly to yourself, or use them as the starting point for a conversation with your driving instructor.

Ask your instructor

Can you show me a full safety check routine so I can practise doing it on my own?

3. Cockpit checks

Before you move off, take a moment to make sure you’re comfortable and in control.

You should be able to adjust:

  • your seat position – so you can reach all controls comfortably
  • your mirrors – door mirrors and interior mirror correctly set
  • your headrest – positioned to reduce injury risk
  • your seatbelt – worn correctly and securely fastened

Getting your cockpit checks right means you can focus entirely on the road ahead.

Things to think about

Do I always adjust my seat, mirrors and seat belt before I move off?

Would I still take time to set everything up properly if someone was waiting for me?

Would I ever rush getting set up because I believed it would not really affect my driving?

What could happen if I drove without being set up safely in the car?

About these questions
These questions are not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. They are here to help you think more deeply about your driving – not just what you do, but how you feel and what influences your decisions behind the wheel. You might want to read them quietly to yourself, or use them as the starting point for a conversation with your driving instructor.

Ask your instructor

Can you watch me do my cockpit checks and tell me if I am missing anything or rushing?

4. Security

Protecting your vehicle is part of being a responsible driver.

You should know how to:

  • lock your vehicle correctly
  • use any immobiliser or alarm fitted to the car
  • keep valuables out of sight
  • park safely and securely

Things to think about

Would I always lock the car and keep my belongings safe when I leave it?

Would I still lock up if I was only leaving the car for a minute?

Would I ever leave the car unlocked because I thought nothing would happen?

What could happen if I did not keep the car secure?

About these questions
These questions are not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. They are here to help you think more deeply about your driving – not just what you do, but how you feel and what influences your decisions behind the wheel. You might want to read them quietly to yourself, or use them as the starting point for a conversation with your driving instructor.

Ask your instructor

What simple habits should I build to keep my car safe and secure?

Not feeling completely prepared?

Only take your driving test if you’re feeling completely prepared.

You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.

It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 10 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.

Change your driving test appointment

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