National Standard For Driving Cars and Light Vans PDF

National standard
for driving cars and light vans

(category B)
Safety Standards Service
Introducing the National standard for driving

cars and light vans (category B)
This national standard describes the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to be a safe
and responsible driver of a category B vehicle (car or light van). It contributes to the Driver and
Vehicle Standards Agencys (DVSAs) main objective of reducing the number of people who are
killed and seriously injured on our roads by describing good practice in the field of driving.
It could be used by:
individuals
trainers
driving schools
employers
standards setting bodies
education and training providers
producers of learning materials
Based on extensive research and consultation, the standard provides a firm foundation on
which to build improvements in the way that we test and assess peoples ability to drive. DVSA
recognises that this national standard will evolve and develop over time. We welcome
comments and inputs from all our stakeholders to make sure that it remains up to date and a
statement of good practice for drivers.
Scope
The content of this standard applies to driving:
all types of vehicle covered by category B

manual and automatic vehicles
on any class of road
at any time
in any weather conditions
with any number of passengers (subject to legal requirements and the manufacturers
specification)
with any load (subject to legal requirements and the manufacturers specification)
for private use and for commercial purposes (subject to legislation)
The standard includes the requirements of the category B licence acquisition process.
Note: This standard makes frequent reference to the use of a safe, systematic routine. In all
cases this should be taken to mean the use of routines such as Mirrors Signal Manoeuvre
Position Speed Look or Information Position Speed Gear Acceleration.
National standard for driving cars and

light vans (category B)
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www.gov.uk/dvsa/driving-standards
Role 1 Prepare vehicle and its occupants for a journey

Unit 1.1 Prepare occupants of vehicle for a journey
Element 1.1.1 Choose a suitable mode of transport
Performance Standards
Knowledge & Understanding Requirements
You must be able to
You must know and understand
1. assess your own physical, emotional

and other needs and those of any others
who intend to make the journey with you
2. assess the environmental and economic
implications of other modes of transport
3. decide whether it is suitable to use a
vehicle for the journey
a. the pros and cons and environmental

impact of different modes of transport
b. the environmental implications of using
a car for very short journeys
c. the environmental impact of vehicle
exhaust gases, such as carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and
lead
d. the environmental implications of
different
types of power unit
fuel types
tyres
e. the full-life costs of owning and running

different types of vehicle
f.

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the potential impact of vehicle noise on

the environment

Element 1.1.2 Make sure you are fit to drive
You must be able to
1. assess whether your ability to

drive safely and legally is affected
or likely to be affected by the use
of
over-the-counter medicines
prescription medicines
illegal or controlled
substances
alcohol
a. what the law says about driving while you

have illegal or controlled substances or
alcohol in your system
b. how illegal or controlled substances or alcohol
affect your ability to drive safely, and
2. assess whether your ability to

drive safely and legally is affected
by
your emotional state
a short or long-term physical

condition
tiredness
3. make other travel arrangements

when your ability to drive safely or
legally is affected
4. seek support to make any
changes necessary for you to
drive safely and responsibly if you
have a long-term physical
condition
that, regardless of any legal limits, the

desirable level of alcohol to have in your
system is zero
how the strength of alcohol varies in

different types of drink
what a unit of alcohol is equivalent to in

different types of drink
how the body processes drugs and alcohol

and the rate at which they are removed
from your system
that any alcohol may make you more likely

to fall asleep even if the levels in your
blood are below the legal limit
c. how over-the-counter or prescription

medicines can affect your ability to drive safely
d. the risks linked to any combination of
over-the-counter medicines
prescription medicines
illegal or controlled substances
alcohol
e. that any remedy or medicine with instructions

that state may cause drowsiness is highly
likely to cause drowsiness
f.

the range of possible solutions that exist to

help those with long-term physical conditions
drive safely and responsibly
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g. how being tired, before or during your journey,

affects your ability to drive safely, and
how a poor seating position and bad

posture can make you tired
that a poor diet, or eating food at the

wrong time, may make you more likely to
fall asleep
that there are times of the day when we

are all likely to feel more sleepy
h. how emotional states such as anger, grief,

sadness and joy can affect your ability to drive
safely
i.
that being careless, thoughtless and/or

reckless are frequent causes of crashes
j.
how a short-term injury, such as a sprained

ankle, can affect your ability to drive safely
k. that eyesight deteriorates and failure to

recognise and respond to that deterioration
may have an effect on your ability to drive
safely and legally
l.
the need to have an eyesight test every two

years as a minimum
m. that if you need to wear glasses or contact

lenses to meet the licence requirements you
must wear them all the time when driving
n. how different sorts of tinted and light-sensitive
lenses or visors react in different driving
conditions
o. the effect that changes to your physical and
mental abilities, particularly as you get older,
can have on your ability to drive safely, such
as slower reaction times and reduced muscle
strength
p. how to make other arrangements when your
ability to drive safely or legally is affected

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Element 1.1.3 Control the risks associated with carrying passengers, loads and animals
You must be able to
1. manage the effect passengers may have

on your ability to drive safely
a. current legal requirements for the fitting

and use of seatbelts
2. make sure passengers are seated

legally, correctly and securely
b. current legal requirements for the fitting

and use of baby seats, child seats,
booster seats and booster cushions
3. make sure loads are secure and

distributed according to the
manufacturers guidelines
c. the importance of using head-restraints,

where fitted, and of adjusting them
correctly
4. allow for the effect that extra loads may

have on the vehicles handling
characteristics
d. the correct use of air-bags, for example

when using a baby seat
5. make sure animals are secure and

correctly restrained within the vehicle
e. the law on the carriage of loads on the

outside of the vehicle
f.
how to use the vehicle handbook to

identify how best to safely load the
vehicle
g. what types of load-carrying and securing

equipment are available for use with the
vehicle and how to fit and use them
h. how to restrain animals safely
i.
how to make sure that you can still see

clearly if windows or mirrors are blocked
by passengers or by a load
j.
how to adjust the vehicle to allow for

extra weight and changed weight
distribution
k. how to adjust your driving behaviour to

allow for extra weight or changed weight
distribution
l.

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how to deal with social pressure and

distractions caused by passengers

Unit 1.2 Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy
Element 1.2.1 Make routine checks of vehicle roadworthiness
You must be able to
1. check all fluid levels, including

windscreen washer reservoir(s)
2. check that the horn is working
correctly
3. check that all lights and reflectors are
legal
clean
in good working order
4. check electrical equipment is in good

working order
a. that different vehicles may permit different

levels of access to check and maintain
fluid levels, check electric systems etc,
and some checks or maintenance on
some vehicles should only be carried out
by qualified mechanics
b. that the vehicle handbook identifies which
checks can be carried out by the owner or
user and explains how and when to carry
them out, either directly or using the
vehicles instrumentation
c. that overfilling with engine oil can
5. check there is no damage that would
damage your engine

increase the amount of environmental
pollution the vehicle creates
affect your ability to drive the

vehicle safely
make the vehicle illegal
have an adverse environmental

impact
and that using oil that is not to the

manufacturers specification
6. check all tyres, including any spare,

are
legally compliant
correctly inflated
7. check any equipment, such as the car

jack, is in good working order
9. check windscreen, mirrors and other

viewing devices are clear and
adjusted to give the best view
fitted
visible
legally compliant
can increase fuel consumption
may cause damage
could affect the vehicle warranty
e. how to check that tyres
8. check all controls are in good

working order
10. check registration plates are
d. what fluids to add to the vehicle coolant

system and the need to maintain the level
of coolant additive
f.
are correctly fitted and inflated
meet legal requirements for tread

depth
are free from defects that would make

them unsafe or illegal to use
the rules that apply to the fitting of different

types of tyres
g. that tyres specially adapted for different

weather conditions are available (such as
This covers all controls that may be used, including the wide range of vehicle adaptations that may be
made to enable a disabled driver to use the vehicle.
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11. check that any ancillary equipment

(such as after-market satellite
navigation systems2 or head-up
displays) is legal to use in the vehicle
and securely fitted in a position that
minimises distraction to the driver
12. make sure checks are carried out by
a competent person where you are
unable or unwilling to carry them out
yourself
winter tyres or all-season tyres)

h. that the operation of any equipment which
results in the driver taking their eyes off
the road
i.
how to spot signs of abnormal tyre wear

and the need to have the vehicle checked
if abnormal wear is found
j.
that the windscreen and other windows

should be clean and free from obstructions
and that there are legal limits to the
amount and location of damage to
windscreens, beyond which they must be
replaced
k. that lights, indicators, reflectors and

number plates must be clean at all times
l.
any rules that apply to the fitting and use

of ancillary equipment and how to make
sure it can be used safely and with the
minimum of distraction
m. what electrical equipment to check

n. what controls to check
o. the legal requirement to dispose of or
recycle oil, batteries and tyres correctly
The DVSA is aware that satellite navigation systems can take a variety of forms; integrated, freestanding/post-market or smartphone app. The technology is also evolving rapidly. The use of the phrase
satellite navigation system in this standard is taken to mean any electronic device, of whatever format,
that is used as an aid to navigation.
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Unit 1. 2 Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy
Element 1.2.2 Check the vehicle is fit for the journey
You must be able to
1. familiarise yourself with the vehicle if it is

the first time you have driven it
a. what pre-journey checks are needed

and what adjustments to make
2. conduct pre-journey checks and

configure the vehicle correctly
b. the effect of filling a vehicle with the

wrong sort of fuel
3. make changes to your driving position so

that you
c. how to check what sort of fuel your

vehicle uses
are safely and comfortably seated
have good all-round visibility
have control of the vehicle
minimise tiredness
d. the operation of low-fuel, mpg or range

indicators and how much fuel is left in
the tank when low-fuel indicators
operate
4. check there is enough fuel of the right

type

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Unit 1. 2 Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy
Element 1.2.3 Make sure vehicle documentation meets legal requirements
You must be able to
1. make sure your driving licence is

valid for the category of vehicle
being driven
a. that you must
2. make sure the vehicle is

registered and taxed
3. make sure you have valid
insurance for the use you intend
to make of the vehicle
6. make sure that the correct

documentation is in place even if
you do not own the vehicle
7. where your journey will take you
into an area where different rules
apply, make sure that you follow
those rules
have a valid driving licence for the vehicle

you drive
meet any restrictions on your licence
b. that learner drivers, holding a provisional

licence, must be supervised by somebody
who
4. make sure that the vehicle has a

current MOT certificate (where
applicable)
5. display red L plates (or if you
wish, red D plates in Wales) if you
are a provisional licence holder
is at least 21 years old, and
has held a licence to drive the category of

vehicle for at least three years
c. that any vehicle driven by a learner must

clearly display legally compliant, red L plates
(or in Wales either red L or red D plates, or
both)
d. that L (D) plates should be removed when a
vehicle is not being driven by a learner
e. that the vehicle must be registered with the
DVLA
f.
the law on the taxation of vehicles and the

requirement to make a statutory declaration
(SORN) if you take the vehicle off the road
and stop taxing it for any period of time
g. that you must notify the DVLA if you
change your name or address
have or develop a medical condition that

will affect your ability to drive
buy or sell a vehicle
make any substantive changes to your

vehicle
h. that you must have a minimum of third party

insurance covering you for the intended use of
the vehicle, and what insurance companies
require you to do to meet your obligations
under that insurance
i.
that you must hold a valid MOT test certificate

for the vehicle if it is more than three years old
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j.
that, if required by an authorised person, you

must be able to produce
your driving licence
a valid insurance certificate
a current MOT certificate
either immediately or within seven days to a

police station
k. that if you borrow or rent a vehicle you still
need to make sure that the correct
documentation is in place
l.
that if you lend somebody your vehicle you still

need to make sure that they have the correct
documentation
m. that if you drive outside Great Britain there

may be different documentation rules, such as
a need to have your documents with you at all
times

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Unit 1.3 Plan a journey
You must be able to
1. plan a suitable route taking into account
road conditions
weather conditions
traffic
driving experience
the vehicle you are using
a. the principles of mapping, the

technologies available for route
planning and for monitoring road traffic
conditions, and the limitations of these
technologies
b. the need to build in extra time to allow
for unforeseen delays
2. work out the time needed to complete

your journey safely and legally, including
rest breaks and refuelling stops
3. decide whether it is safe to make a
journey in adverse weather conditions
c. how congestion charges and road and

bridge tolls may affect your choice of
route
d. how the risks involved in travelling on
some routes can change at different
times, such as
4. consider other routes if your planned

route is blocked, or if weather conditions
make it unsafe to continue
5. program any satellite navigation systems
before you start your journey so that you
are not distracted while driving
6. be prepared for the possibility that your
journey may be delayed or affected by
adverse weather conditions, for example
by taking suitable clothing, equipment or
food and drink
heavier traffic at rush hour or in the

holiday season
lower stability on exposed routes in

windy conditions
e. the link between your level of skill and

experience and whether you should
choose a particular route
f.
how to get information on likely weather

conditions and how they might affect
your journey
g. when using satellite navigation

systems,
how to program them
the information they can provide
that they can sometimes fail, and

how to prepare for that happening
h. the importance of minimising

distractions while driving

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Role 2 Guide and control the vehicle

Unit 2.1 Start, move off, stop and leave the vehicle safely and responsibly
Element 2.1.1 Start the vehicle
You must be able to
1. carry out pre-start checks on
doors
parking brake
seat
steering
seatbelt
mirrors
a. how to read and respond correctly to

instrumentation such as
2. disengage anti-theft devices

3. make sure the gear lever is in neutral (or
P or N if driving an automatic vehicle)
4. consider the effect of starting the engine
on other road users, particularly
vulnerable road users such as passing
cyclists, pedestrians or horse riders
5. monitor vehicle instrumentation and
gauges during engine start up
gauges
indicators
warning lights
on-board diagnostic systems and

other aids fitted to the vehicle to
allow you to monitor its operation
and performance
b. that different vehicles may have

different starting mechanisms, types of
instrumentation, parking brakes and
other aids, and that it is vital to use the
vehicle handbook to find out how they
work
c. how to start the engine when it is cold
d. the benefits of using anti-theft devices,
and how to apply and disengage them
6. respond correctly to information given by

instrumentation and gauges during
engine start up
7. start the engine correctly

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Element 2.1.2 Move off safely and smoothly
You must be able to
1. carry out all-round visual checks,

including blind spots, to make sure that it
is safe to move-off
a. the importance of carrying out allround, effective observation of the road

and other road users before moving off
2. signal your intention to move off to other

road users, where needed
b. the importance and location of blind

spots and how to carry out blind spot
checks before moving away
3. move off straight-ahead, on the level and

on slopes, safely and smoothly, keeping
control of the vehicle at all times
4. move off at an angle from behind a
parked vehicle or obstruction, safely and
smoothly, keeping control of the vehicle
at all times
5. check that controls are operating
correctly
c. the importance of using a safe,

systematic routine to help you to move
off safely and smoothly
d. the importance of applying the
footbrake before selecting drive on an
automatic vehicle
e. where applicable, the relevance of the
biting point, that is the point at which
the clutch plate and the flywheel come
into firm contact and start to transmit
drive
6. restart quickly and safely if the vehicle

stalls
f.
the operation of the parking brake

release mechanism
g. the limitations of hill assist systems,

where fitted
h. the effects of dry steering, that is
turning the wheels when the vehicle is
not moving, on tyres etc.
i.

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how to check controls, such as steering

and brakes, are operating correctly

Element 2.1.3 Decelerate and bring the vehicle to a stop safely
You must be able to
1. use the accelerator and brakes correctly

to regulate speed and bring the vehicle
to a stop safely
a. how to apply a safe, systematic

approach when stopping
2. stop the vehicle safely and under control

in an emergency
b. the distance a vehicle requires to stop

from different speeds and in different
road and weather conditions
3. use the parking brake when stationary,

where needed
c. that a vehicles overall stopping

distance consists of two parts
thinking distance - which is the

distance travelled from the point
where you decide to brake to the
point where you start braking
braking distance - which is the

distance travelled from the point
where you start to brake to the point
where you stop
d. the importance of anticipation and

judgement to allow for progressive use
of the brakes
e. how aids such as ABS can help in safe
and effective braking

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Element 2.1.4 Park the vehicle safely and responsibly
You must be able to
1. select a safe, legal and convenient place

to stop and park and, once stationary,
secure the vehicle on slopes, facing both
up and down, as well as on the level
2. make sure the parking brake is applied
effectively
3. select a gear to hold the vehicle safely
when parked
a. what factors to take into consideration

when looking for a safe, legal and
convenient place to stop or park
b. the pros and cons of reversing or
pulling through into a parking space
rather than reversing out
c. that you must switch off the headlights,
fog lights if fitted and engine when
parked
4. switch the engine off
d. the rules in the Highway Code that

apply when leaving your vehicle on
different roads and in different lighting
and weather conditions
5. make sure that vehicles fitted with

automatic transmission are left with the
lever in the Park position
6. make sure lights are left on where
required
7. check for oncoming cyclists, pedestrians
and other traffic before opening your
door
e. how and when to set the position of the

steering wheels of the vehicle to
prevent it rolling away
f.
how to ensure that the parking brake is

applied effectively
g. that, when parking a vehicle with

manual transmission, selecting a gear
will help to hold the vehicle if the
parking brake should fail
h. the possible outcomes of opening a
door, particularly on the offside of the
vehicle, when not safe to do so

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Unit 2.2 Drive the vehicle safely and responsibly
Element 2.2.1 Monitor and respond to information from instrumentation, driving aids and
the environment
You must be able to
1. monitor and respond correctly to

gauges, warning lights and other aids
when driving
a. the purpose and meaning of dashboard

warning lights
b. the location of switches and controls
and how to use them without being
distracted or losing control of the
vehicle while on the move
2. monitor and respond appropriately to

instructions provided by satellite
navigation systems without being
distracted from the driving task
3. respond to the actual situation on the
road ahead
4. make effective use of mirrors and other
aids to vision to identify and monitor
other road users and hazards
5. judge speed and distance correctly and
effectively
6. signal your intentions correctly to other
road users within a safe, systematic
routine
c. that you must always act on the basis of

what is in front of you and not just rely
on the information provided by satellite
navigation systems or other aids
d. when and how to use dipped headlights
e. the rules that apply to the use of fog
lights
f.
how different types of mirror can make

other road users appear to be nearer or
further away than they actually are
g. how to identify and respond to changes

in road surfaces and weather conditions
7. use the vehicles lights, indicators and

horn correctly
8. use the windows, wipers, demisters and
climate and ventilation controls so that
you can see clearly

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Element 2.2.2 Control the acceleration of the vehicle effectively
You must be able to
1. use the accelerator smoothly to achieve

and maintain a suitable speed
a. that correct use of the accelerator will

have positive effects on
vehicle performance
safety
the environment
b. the disadvantages of over-revving when

moving away and while stationary
c. how to operate cruise control systems
safely, if fitted
d. the importance of using a driving position
that allows you to use the accelerator
smoothly

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Element 2.2.3 Use gears correctly
You must be able to
1. change gear smoothly and in good time

2. select the most suitable gear for the
speed of the vehicle, given road and
traffic conditions
3. coordinate the use of gears with braking
and acceleration
a. that different vehicles may have

different numbers of gears and those
gears may be configured differently
b. the effect that unsuitable gear selection
can have on
4. use an automatic or automated gear box

effectively, when fitted
the performance of the vehicle
the drivers ability to drive safely

and responsibly
the environment
c. the use of selective gear changing

(sometimes known as block changing)
d. the benefits of timely gear selection
when ascending and descending
slopes, particularly when loaded
e. the use of kick down and lock up
when using an automatic vehicle
f.
how to use gears to assist safe parking
g. the difference between automatic and

automated gearboxes

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Element 2.2.4 Steer the vehicle safely
You must be able to
1. steer the vehicle safely and responsibly

in all road and traffic conditions
a. how to keep safe control of the steering

wheel
2. hold and control the steering wheel to

steer the vehicle accurately and safely
b. the effect that the vehicles turning

circle has on steering the vehicle
3. continue to steer the vehicle safely and

responsibly while operating other
controls

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Element 2.2.5 Manoeuvre the vehicle
You must be able to
1. coordinate the operation of

all controls to manoeuvre the
vehicle safely and
responsibly in
all road and weather

conditions
a. how the use of safe, systematic routines will

contribute to safe and responsible manoeuvring
b. the blind spots for the vehicle and how to check them
c. the correct procedure
forward and reverse gear
2. continue to make effective

observations, including
checks of blind spots, while
manoeuvring
3. position the vehicle correctly
to carry out manoeuvres
safely
4. use a safe, systematic
approach throughout, such
as mirrors, signal,
manoeuvre, position, speed,
look, to maintain the safety
of yourself and other road
users
5. use reversing camera
systems or proximity sensors
effectively, where fitted
for reversing into a side road on the left
for reversing into a side road on the right
to carry out a turn-in-the-road or U-turn

manoeuvre
for carrying out any reverse parking exercise on

and off road
d. the rules about when and where you cannot make Uturns
e. the effects of sudden or harsh use of the accelerator,
brakes or steering whilst manoeuvring
f.
that different vehicles will react differently in a possible

skid situation depending on their configuration (such
as front-wheel or rear-wheel drive) and on the
technologies fitted (such as ABS or ESP)
g. why a skid may occur, how to avoid skids and how to

correct them if they do occur
h. how to allow for vulnerable road users when carrying
out a manoeuvre
i.
the benefits of engine braking and when it should be

used
j.
the risks linked to reversing a vehicle further than

necessary
k. the risks linked to coasting (allowing the vehicle to

move without having a gear selected, either with the
clutch depressed or when in neutral)
l.
how to identify a suitable place for manoeuvring
m. that use of reversing aids, such as camera systems

and proximity sensors, does not replace the need to
practise good, all-round, effective observation

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Unit 2.3 Drive the vehicle while towing a trailer or caravan
You must be able to
1. make sure you have the correct

licence to drive the combination of
vehicle and trailer or caravan
2. make sure that the trailer or caravan is
suitable and legal for use on the road
3. make sure that you are insured to
drive the combination of vehicle and
trailer or caravan
4. make sure that your vehicle is capable
of towing the trailer or caravan
5. make sure that the trailer or caravan is
safely and correctly coupled to the
vehicle
a. the driving licence regulations on towing

trailers or caravans
b. that not all insurance policies cover towing a
trailer or caravan
c. that most manufacturers make
recommendation for the maximum size of
trailer or caravan that can be safely towed by
each type of vehicle, and for how they should
be attached, and that these
recommendations must be followed
d. how to find the trailer or caravans nose
weight and how to check that this does not
exceed the limits of the vehicles tow bar
6. carry out correct safety checks
e. how to couple and uncouple a trailer or

caravan safely
7. make sure that any load is evenly

distributed and secure
f.
8. allow more time and brake earlier

when slowing down or stopping
9. allow more distance and time to
overtake safely
10. make allowances for the extra length
of the vehicle with the trailer or
caravan, particularly when turning or
emerging at junctions
11. safely and correctly uncouple the
trailer or caravan from the vehicle
when it is no longer needed
12. reverse the vehicle with the trailer or
caravan attached
that towing a trailer or caravan may increase

the number of blind spots
g. how and when to use aids to observation,

such as extra mirrors
h. what safety checks should be made on a
trailer or caravan
i.
the speed limits when towing a trailer or

caravan
j.
that vehicles towing trailers on motorways are

not allowed in the outside lane where there
are three or more lanes
k. that towing a trailer or caravan will change

the way a vehicle handles, and how to deal
with those changes
l.
that it may be necessary to take up a

different position on the road when dealing
with junctions or roundabouts
m. what snaking is and how to correct it

n. that strong winds pose a particular hazard for
caravans or high-sided trailers
o. how to steer correctly when reversing a
vehicle with a trailer or caravan attached
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p. the effect that towing a trailer or caravan may

have on braking, the concept of brake fade
and what to do when descending slopes to
make sure you keep in control
q. that you may have to check height or width
restrictions on your route when you tow a
trailer or caravan
r.
that rescue services may not include

recovery of a trailer or caravan
s. the benefits of carrying a spare wheel and

any other equipment for the trailer or caravan

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Role 3 Use the road in accordance with the Highway Code

Unit 3.1 Negotiate the road correctly
Element 3.1.1 Maintain a suitable position on the road
You must be able to
1. select and maintain a suitable position

on the road
a. how to select a suitable position on the

road
2. change lanes safely and responsibly
b. where you may not drive, for example on

the pavement, hard shoulder or in cycle
lanes
3. overtake other road users legally,

safely and responsibly
.
c. what lane discipline is and why it is

important
d. that your position on the road may be
affected by a range of factors including
weather, road and traffic conditions
e. the importance of
f.
scanning the road ahead for reasons

to change your position, such as
roadworks
taking timely action to reposition

yourself
how to use a safe, systematic routine in

time to change position safely and
responsibly
g. how the performance and handling of

your vehicle will affect your ability to
overtake safely and responsibly
h. where you may and may not overtake

23 of 36

Element 3.1.2 Negotiate bends
You must be able to
1. assess bends correctly on approach

2. select a safe position and speed to
enter a bend
3. maintain safe speed and control
throughout a bend
4. exit bends safely
a. how to use various methods such as limit

point analysis to judge the severity of a
bend
b. that when deciding on the line to take and
the speed at which it is possible to
negotiate a bend safely you should take
into account factors such as
adverse camber
banking
uneven or slippery surfaces
weather conditions
visibility
road junctions
other road users
that different vehicles will perform and

handle differently through bends
c. the importance of coordinating the use of

gears, accelerator, brakes and steering to
negotiate a bend safely and responsibly
d. how the use of a safe, systematic routine
will support the safe negotiation of bends
e. the effect that loads and passengers may
have on the handling of the vehicle
through bends

24 of 36

Element 3.1.3 Negotiate all types of junctions, including roundabouts, and all types of
crossings
You must be able to
1. apply a safe, systematic routine to

negotiate all types of junctions,
roundabouts and crossings safely and
responsibly
a. the rules that apply to particular

junctions and roundabouts, such as
priority rules
b. how to turn left and right safely and
responsibly
2. actively scan for more vulnerable road

users at junctions, roundabouts and
crossings for example cyclists and
motorcyclists
c. the issues that apply to turning right at

crossroads
d. the rules that apply to
3. turn left and right and go ahead safely

and responsibly
merging into a stream of traffic
4. emerge safely and responsibly into

streams of traffic
crossing the path of an approaching

stream of traffic
5. cross the path of traffic safely when

turning right
all types of pedestrian crossing
train and tram crossings
e. the meaning of warning lights used at

pedestrian and train and tram crossings
and how to respond correctly
f.
how the use of a safe, systematic

routine, including effective
observations, will support the safe
negotiation of junctions, roundabouts
and crossings
g. the rules that apply to other road users,

particularly drivers of large vehicles or
vulnerable road users such as cyclists
and motorcyclists, and the position that
they may select on the road as a result

25 of 36

Element 3.1.4 Drive on motorways and dual carriageways
You must be able to
1. join a motorway or dual

carriageway safely and
responsibly from the left or
the right
2. leave a motorway or dual
carriageway safely and
responsibly to the left or the
right
3. drive in the most suitable
lane
4. allow for other road users
joining or leaving the
motorway or dual
carriageway
5. change lanes safely and
responsibly
.
a. how to join a motorway or dual carriageway, safely

and responsibly, from traffic light controlled or
uncontrolled slip roads
b. how to leave a motorway or dual carriageway safely
and responsibly, including the need to position
yourself well in advance to allow other road users
enough time to react
c. how the use of a safe, systematic routine will help
you to join or leave a motorway or dual carriageway
safely
d. that you may not stop on a motorway except in an
emergency
e. when and for what purposes you are allowed to use
the hard-shoulder
f.
that you must not pick up or set down anybody, or

walk on a motorway, except in an emergency
g. that you must not cross the central reservation, or

drive against the traffic flow on a motorway or dual
carriageway, unless directed to do so by an
authorised person or traffic signs
h. the rules that apply when using a motorway or dual
carriageway
i.
that some stretches of motorway may have local,

active traffic management (or managed motorways)
control systems installed, which will change speed
limits or the direction of flow in particular lanes, and
that it is vital to obey the instructions given by such
systems
j.
the need to scan well ahead on the approach to

junctions to make sure you are aware of
other road users joining or leaving
queuing traffic
k. the correct use of hazard warning lights

l.

the risks posed by drivers of left-hand-drive vehicles,

in particular large goods vehicles
26 of 36

Unit 3.2 Comply with signals, signs and road markings
You must be able to
1. respond correctly to all permanent and

temporary traffic signals, signs and road
markings
2. respond correctly to signals given by
authorised persons
a. the meaning of, and how to respond to
mandatory traffic signs
warning signs
road markings
b. how to work out the speed limit when

you cannot see speed limit signs
3. respond safely and responsibly to

signals given by other road users.
c. the meaning of, and how to respond

correctly to, signals given by
police officers
crossing patrols
others authorised to control traffic
d. who is authorised to control traffic

e. signals that other road users are likely
to use and how to respond safely and
responsibly to them

27 of 36
Role 4 Drive safely and responsibly in the traffic system

Unit 4.1 Interact correctly with other road users
Element 4.1.1 Communicate intentions to other road users
You must be able to
1. use indicators and arm signals to signal

intentions correctly
2. support the use of any signals given by
positioning the vehicle correctly and
safely
a. the arm signals shown in the Highway

Code and when they may need to be
given
b. when and how to use indicators
3. use horn and lights to communicate with

other road users where necessary
c. why you should make sure signals are

given in good time and cancelled as
soon as possible
d. how to employ a safe, systematic
routine to make the best use of signals
e. when signals must be given and when
it is acceptable not to use them
f.
the law on the use of the horn
g. when the flashing of headlights may be

used as a warning of approach or
instead of the horn
h. the risks linked to incorrect use of
headlights or the horn as a signal

28 of 36
i.
how and when to use hazard warning

lights
j.
how and when to use road positioning

to confirm your intentions

Unit 4.1 Interact correctly with other road users
Element 4.1.2 Cooperate with other road users
You must be able to
1. be aware of and predict the likely actions

of other road users
a. how to scan the road ahead to gather

useful information
2. give other road users enough time and

space to perform manoeuvres
b. the rules that apply to other road users,

particularly drivers of large vehicles or
vulnerable road users such as cyclists
and motorcyclists, and the position that
they may select on the road as a result
3. monitor and manage your own reaction

to other road users
4. respond to emergency vehicles correctly
5. make progress in the traffic stream and
overtake with consideration for other
road users
c. the importance of predicting the likely

actions of other road users, especially
vulnerable road users such as cyclists,
motorcyclists, children and the elderly
d. the importance of always keeping a
safe stopping distance between the
vehicle and other road users
e. how traffic and weather conditions may
affect other road users, such as by
reducing visibility, and how to allow for
this
f.
how to act safely and responsibly when

emergency vehicles are responding to
incidents
g. how to make safe progress in the traffic

stream
h. the rules that apply to overtaking on the
left
i.

29 of 36
that driving without due care and

attention and reasonable consideration
for other road users is an offence

Unit 4.2 Minimise risk when driving
Element 4.2.1 Identify and respond to hazards
You must be able to
1. continually scan the driving

space close to the vehicle and
into the distance
2. use visual clues to predict
possible hazards and prepare
for situations that may arise
3. judge the significance of
possible hazards and prioritise
your responses
4. respond to hazards safely
5. keep focused when faced with
distractions
a. methods you can use to scan your driving space

effectively, both close to and into the distance
b. what can affect your field of vision, such as
parked vehicles, and how to allow for this
c. how the construction of your vehicle may affect
your field of vision, and how to overcome this
d. what aquaplaning is and when it might happen
e. factors that might cause you to skid, such as oil or
gravel on the road
f.
how to read the road ahead and prepare for the

unexpected
g. which kinds of hazard to particularly look for in

different environments, such as tractors on rural
roads, deer on forest roads or flooding in heavy
rain
h. that many tunnels are equipped with radio
transmitters so that drivers can tune in to be
warned of any incidents, congestion or roadworks
i.
that if you come across congestion in a tunnel that

causes you to stop you should leave at least a
five metre gap between you and the vehicle in
front
j.
when other road users are vulnerable and how to

allow for them
k. factors that can distract the driver (such as talking

to passengers or using a satellite navigation
system) and how to manage them so that you are
aware of the driving space and possible hazards
l.

the law on the use of mobile phones whilst driving
30 of 36

Element 4.2.2 Drive Defensively
You must be able to
1. create and maintain a safe driving space

2. scan and check your surroundings,
especially blind spots
3. position your vehicle to maximise
visibility to other road users
4. use dipped headlights when necessary
during daylight hours
a. the importance of using a safe,

systematic routine to make sure you
are always in control of your vehicle
and travelling at the right speed, in the
right gear and in the correct position on
the road for the conditions
b. the importance of keeping a safe
separation distance in all weather and
traffic conditions
5. manage your own physical and

emotional state to make sure you can
manage risks to your safety
c. how to assess your own ability to drive

safely and responsibly against best
practice
6. drive at such a speed that you can

always stop safely in the distance you
can see to be clear
7. assess your own driving behaviour and
identify areas needing work

31 of 36

Element 4.2.3 Drive in an ecologically responsible (Eco-safe) way
You must be able to
1. accelerate and decelerate smoothly and

progressively
a. what affects a vehicles fuel

consumption
2. foresee the need to stop, and use timely

and smooth deceleration to reduce fuel
consumption and general vehicle wear
and tear
b. how effective scanning and planning

can help you to use smooth
acceleration or deceleration to keep
momentum
3. drive in the highest responsive gear to

keep full control and avoid labouring the
engine
c. how fuel consumption is increased by
4. remove extra load from the vehicle when

not needed
5. turn off the engine when you are likely to
be stationary for some time
extra load
incorrectly inflated tyres
wind resistance, for example from

carrying luggage on roof racks
d. that selecting the most suitable gear

will avoid engine labour and maximise
the effects of engine braking
e. the use of technologies to reduce
exhaust pollution
f.
under which circumstances it is

appropriate to turn off the engine when
stationary, rather than leave it idling
g. that you should never reduce safety to

improve economy

32 of 36

Unit 4.3 Manage incidents effectively
Element 4.3.1 Take suitable action if your vehicle breaks down
You must be able to
1. stop, in a safe place if possible, and

switch off the engine
a. where possible, how to keep control of

the vehicle if it breaks down
2. make sure passengers, animals and

loads are managed safely
b. the law on using the hard-shoulder on

motorways and the guidance on waiting
for breakdown services
3. where suitable, give warning to other

road users
c. how to identify your precise location on

motorways, to allow breakdown
services to reach you quickly
4. seek appropriate help
d. that it is better to use an emergency

roadside telephone than a mobile
phone because it allows the operator to
find your exact position
e. how and when to use a warning triangle
f.

33 of 36
how and when to use hazard warning

lights

Unit 4.3 Manage incidents effectively
Element 4.3.2 Take suitable action when involved in, or witness to, a collision
You must be able to
1. where suitable, stop and park your

vehicle in a safe place
a. the importance of making sure further

injury and damage is not caused, by
2. make sure passengers, animals and

loads are managed safely
managing uninjured passengers,

animals and passers-by
3. make sure warning is given to other road

users
giving warning to other road users as

quickly as possible
4. assess the incident scene and your

safety
b. how to contact the emergency services

and the vital importance of giving them
accurate information
5. note the condition of any casualties
c. the importance of being able to give

information about the condition of
casualties to the ambulance service
6. give clear and accurate information to

emergency services
7. give suitable help to others at the scene
8. where possible, record information about
what you saw or the scene as you found
it, including taking photographs and
drawing sketch plans
d. the benefits of gathering and recording

information as soon as possible after the
event
e. the law that applies to
9. comply with legal requirements

accurately and in good time, if required
stopping
providing your details
giving statements
producing documents
if you are involved in an incident that

causes damage or injury to any other
person, vehicle, animal or property
f.

34 of 36
the principles of first aid and the limits of

your own first aid skills
Role 5 Review and adjust driving behaviour over lifetime

Unit 5.1 Learn from experience
You must be able to
1. demonstrate that you have continued to

develop and update your driving skills
since you took your driving test
2. recognise when your ability to drive
safely and responsibly is affected by
factors such as
a. that you can learn from experience and

continue to improve your ability to drive
safely and responsibly all through your
driving career
b. how to assess your own ability to drive
safely and responsibly against best
practice
changes in your personal

circumstances, such as changes in
working patterns
c. how to assess and learn from others

driving behaviour
changes in your state of health and

your physical abilities, through illness
or age related deterioration
d. how to use feedback from others to

help you be clear about your own ability
to drive safely and responsibly
a break from driving
e. when to seek professional help
changing to an unfamiliar vehicle
f.
3. assess the seriousness of the factors

identified and
change your driving behaviour to

reduce the risks
make plans for recovering or

improving your driving ability
the advantages of having regular driver

development sessions with a
competent instructor to keep up to date
and remove bad habits
g. the advantages of having an initial input

from a competent instructor if you
return to driving after a break or you
change to an unfamiliar vehicle
4. seek professional help where needed

5. advise DVLA Swansea if you have a
physical or mental impairment

35 of 36
Role 5 Review and adjust driving behaviour over lifetime

Unit 5.2 Keep up to date with changes
You must be able to
1. demonstrate that your understanding of

the meaning of road signs and markings
is current
2. demonstrate that your understanding of
the law on the use of a vehicle on public
roads is current
3. keep up to date with changes to vehicle
technology especially if you change the
vehicle you are using
4. respond correctly to any changes in the
documentation that is required to use a
vehicle on the road
5. take all steps needed to maintain your
entitlement to a licence for the type of
vehicle you are driving

36 of 36
a. where to find information about

changes to signs, markings and
legislation, for example Highway Code
updates, Government websites,
Government publications and motoring
organisation websites
b. where to find information about
changes to vehicle technologies, for
example manufacturers websites and
trade magazines and websites
c. where to find information about
changes to registration, MOT, or
taxation regulations, for example
Government websites, Government
publications and motoring organisation
websites

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National standard

for driving cars and light vans

Safety Standards Service

Introducing the National standard for driving

all types of vehicle covered by category B

National standard for driving cars and

Role 1 Prepare vehicle and its occupants for a journey

Knowledge & Understanding Requirements

You must be able to

You must know and understand

1. assess your own physical, emotional

a. the pros and cons and environmental

types of power unit

e. the full-life costs of owning and running

National standard for driving cars and

the potential impact of vehicle noise on

Role 1 Prepare vehicle and its occupants for a journey

Knowledge & Understanding Requirements

You must be able to

You must know and understand

1. assess whether your ability to

a. what the law says about driving while you

2. assess whether your ability to

your emotional state

a short or long-term physical

3. make other travel arrangements

that, regardless of any legal limits, the

how the strength of alcohol varies in

what a unit of alcohol is equivalent to in

how the body processes drugs and alcohol

that any alcohol may make you more likely

c. how over-the-counter or prescription

illegal or controlled substances

e. that any remedy or medicine with instructions

National standard for driving cars and

the range of possible solutions that exist to

g. how being tired, before or during your journey,

how a poor seating position and bad

that a poor diet, or eating food at the

that there are times of the day when we

h. how emotional states such as anger, grief,

that being careless, thoughtless and/or

how a short-term injury, such as a sprained

k. that eyesight deteriorates and failure to

the need to have an eyesight test every two

m. that if you need to wear glasses or contact

National standard for driving cars and

Role 1 Prepare vehicle and its occupants for a journey

Knowledge & Understanding Requirements

You must be able to

You must know and understand

1. manage the effect passengers may have

a. current legal requirements for the fitting

2. make sure passengers are seated

b. current legal requirements for the fitting

3. make sure loads are secure and

c. the importance of using head-restraints,

4. allow for the effect that extra loads may

d. the correct use of air-bags, for example