Observation, signalling and planning (skills 8 to 13)
Contents
- Introduction
- Mirrors – vision and use
- Signals
- Anticipation and planning
- Use of speed
- Other traffic
- Fuel-efficient driving
Introduction
These 6 skills are at the heart of safe driving. Learning to read the road, communicate clearly with other road users, and plan ahead will make every journey safer – not just during your test, but throughout your driving life.
Why these skills matter
Failing to look properly is recorded as a factor in around half of all collisions, making observation one of the most important safety skills.
Learning to look well ahead, signal clearly, and plan early helps you avoid mistakes that could affect your safety, your confidence, and your ability to keep driving without restrictions.
8. Mirrors – vision and use
Knowing what is happening around your car at all times is essential for safe driving. Your mirrors are your main tool for building that picture, but knowing when and how to act on what you see is just as important as looking.
You should be able to:
- use the mirror – signals – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines consistently
- check mirrors at the right moments, including before changing speed or direction
- understand the difference between your interior mirror and 2 exterior mirrors, including what each one covers
- recognise blind spots and know how to account for them
- interpret what you see in flat, concave and convex mirrors correctly
Things to think about
Do I always check my mirrors before I change speed or direction?
Would I still check my mirrors if I needed to make a quick decision?
Would I ever skip checking my mirrors because I believed I already knew what was around me?
What would happen if I changed direction without checking my mirrors first?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Are there situations where I could use my mirrors earlier or more often?
9. Signals
Signals are how you communicate your intentions to everyone else on the road. A clear, well-timed signal gives other road users the time they need to respond safely.
You should:
- know why signals matter and when to use them
- be able to give signals clearly and at the right time, including indicator and arm signals
- recognise when a signal is not needed
- understand the signals given by other road users, including brake lights, reversing lights and hazard warning lights
- respond correctly to signals from traffic controllers such as school crossing patrols
Things to think about
Do I always signal clearly and in good time to help other road users know what I am doing?
Would I still signal correctly if there were no vehicles around but people were walking nearby?
Would I ever decide not to signal because I thought no one needed to know what I was doing?
What would happen if I signalled too late or forgot to signal at all?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Are my signals always clear and well timed, or are there times I could improve?
10. Anticipation and planning
Anticipation and planning are the skills that bring everything else together. The earlier you spot a potential hazard, the more time you have to respond safely and smoothly.
You should be able to:
- use the MSM and PSL routines to respond to hazards in good time
- identify hazards from early clues, not just when they are directly in front of you
- use scanning techniques to look well ahead and prioritise how to respond
- recognise higher-risk times, places and weather conditions
- anticipate the actions of people walking, cycling, riding motorcycles, driving large vehicles or emergency vehicles, and animals near the road
Things to think about
Do I always look ahead and think about what might happen next?
Would I stay alert and keep planning ahead on a road I know well?
Would I ever rely on quick reactions instead of planning ahead because I trusted my driving skill?
What could happen if I missed a hazard because I was not looking ahead?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Which types of hazard do I need to spot earlier, and how can I practise this?
11. Use of speed
Choosing the right speed for the conditions is one of the most important judgements you make every time you drive. Speed limits set the maximum – the right speed is often lower.
You should:
- know the national speed limits for different road types and vehicle types
- adjust your speed for road, weather and traffic conditions
- choose an appropriate speed near pedestrians and in traffic-calmed areas
- understand stopping distances in different conditions and how to keep a safe following distance
Things to think about
Do I always choose a speed that would let me stop safely if something changed suddenly?
Would I slow down enough in rain, fog or on a road I did not know?
Would I keep to a safe speed even if I felt confident because it was late at night and the road looked clear?
What could happen if I chose a speed I could not stop safely from?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Are there situations where I need to adjust my speed earlier or more smoothly?
12. Other traffic
Most drives involve sharing the road with other vehicles. Dealing safely with oncoming traffic, overtaking, and giving way correctly keeps everyone moving and reduces risk.
You should:
- handle meeting oncoming traffic safely, including when there are parked cars or obstructions
- use passing places correctly on narrow roads
- cross the path of other traffic safely when turning right
- overtake legally and safely, using the MSM and PSL routines
- understand when to give way and know not to cause another road user to slow down or change course when they have priority
Things to think about
Do I always leave enough space between me and the car in front so I have time to react?
Would I keep a safe gap even if a driver behind me was very close and I felt rushed?
Would I ever follow closer than usual because I believed I could react quickly enough?
What could happen if I followed too closely and the car in front stopped suddenly?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Do I manage following distance well, or are there times I get too close?
13. Fuel-efficient driving
How you drive affects the environment and the people who breathe the air around busy roads. Smooth, well-planned driving reduces your fuel use and your impact on others.
You should:
- understand how vehicle exhaust affects climate and health
- reduce fuel consumption by planning ahead, using the highest appropriate gear and avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking
- keep your car in good condition, including checking tyre pressures regularly
- dispose of vehicle waste such as oil, batteries and tyres correctly
- be aware of cleaner vehicle technologies as alternatives to fossil fuels
- understand how features such as cruise control and adaptive cruise control can support smoother, more economical driving
Things to think about
Do I always drive smoothly, with gentle braking and gentle acceleration?
Would I stay smooth in slow, stop-start traffic or when I was running late?
Would I ever drive more aggressively because I believed it would save time?
What could happen if harsh driving caused me to lose control of the car?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Where in my driving could I be smoother, and how would that improve control and fuel efficiency?
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.