The Cockpit Drill: You need to enter the car; be able to adjust the seat so that you are not only comfortable for your journey, but that you can reach and operate all of the controls correctly and with safety.

Controls & Instruments: You must be able to identify the controls and instruments, and know when and how to use them.

Moving Away & Stopping: Using the POM routine (Prepare Observe Move) You must be able to both move away safely and then stop the car showing that you’re in control, and having due regard for other road users.  When we stop we use an easy to remember method of SCALP—Is it a Safe, Convenient and Legal place.

Safe Position: After moving away from the kerb, we need to keep a safe driving position which is normally 1 metre or a car doors width away from the kerb.  You will learn how to assess your driving position.

Mirrors - Vision & Use: You need to be able to apply the MSM—PSL  routine when approaching junctions and dealing with hazards making sure you check the centre mirror first , followed by the appropriate door mirror. Our MSM routine helps us to plan forward, it's just as important to know what's going on behind and to the sides of the car, as it is in front of the vehicle.

Signals: Indicators, arm signals, sounding of our horn and flashing headlights etc. they’re all signals.  -  As part of our MSM—PSL routine you need to know when, or if,  you should give an appropriate signal to suit the road situation.

Anticipation & Planning: Without Anticipation and Planning we would not be able to drive safely.  As we are driving, we should actively be aware of what’s going on around us, and be able to anticipate the actions of other road users, therefore completing our journey as safely as possible.

Use of Speed: You should always drive at a speed which is suitable for the road and traffic conditions.

Other Traffic: You need to be able to meet, cross and overtake other traffic in a safe manner and with due regard for other road users.

Junctions: You need to be able to identify what type of junction on approach, (open or closed) and deal with it appropropriately, emerging safely applying  the MSM—PSL routine.

Roundabouts: You need to understand the rules of the roundabout,  how to enter, and then exit safely. Applying our MSM—PSL routines and with due regard for other road users.

Pedestrian Crossings: You need to be able to identify pedestrian crossings, and apply the MSM routine on approach, dealing with any pedestrians safely.   Our anticipation skills are put to the test, as we must try to anticipate the actions of pedestrians and other road users.

Dual Carriageways: You need to be able to keep lane discipline, positioning the car correctly keeps everyone safe.  You need to show that you can overtake when necessary and safe to do so, so that we may make progress.  Speed limits MUST always be obeyed.

Turing the Vehicle Around: to face the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears whilst keeping the car under full control and having due regard for other road users.

Reversing: into an entrance of a limited open under full control and with due regard for other road users.

Parking: You need to be able to reverse into a parking space in a car park  (bay parking) or at the side of the road (parallel parking) whilst keeping the car under full control and with due regard for other road users.

Emergency Stop: You need to be able to stop the car promptly and under control as if in an emergency and then move off under control when safe to do so.

Darkness & Weather Conditions: Learning to drive when it’s dark, and in a variety of weather conditions using the necessary controls, so as to see and be seen.

Environmental Issues: You need to be able to demonstrate an Eco Friendly driving style.  This uses less fuel, and as a result produces less polluting chemicals which is safer to the environment.

Carrying Passengers and Loads: can have an impact on the car and its handling, you need to have an understanding and be aware of this.

Vehicle Safety Checks: You should make regular checks of your vehicle, keeping  your car maintained is an essential part of road safety.  Having the correct tyre pressure not only is about safety, but it also helps to cut fuel costs.