Learning to Drive
Everything you need to know to pass your driving test
What is the driving syllabus?
Driving involves more than just the basics – there’s much more you’ll need to pick up on your own after passing your test. This syllabus is your starting point to help you get ready.
It outlines a structured approach to learning the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to become a safe and responsible driver of a car or light van.
Who is the learning to drive syllabus for?
- Learner drivers
- Full licence holders
- Driver trainers
The 5 stages of learning a driving skill
- 1. Skill introduced
- 2. Skill carried out with direction
- 3. Skill carried out when prompted
- 4. Skill rarely needs to be prompted
- 5. Skill carried out without any prompting
Once you’re at number 5 consistently in every skill, you’re ready to take your test.
Skills you need to pass your driving test
Includes legal responsibilities, safety checks, cockpit checks and security.
Includes controls and instruments, moving away and stopping, and safe positioning.
Includes mirrors, signals, anticipation and planning, use of speed, other traffic and fuel-efficient driving.
Includes junctions, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.
Includes reversing, turning the car around, parking and emergency stops.
Includes country roads, dual carriageways and motorways.
Includes driving in the dark, driving in different weather conditions, and driving with passengers and loads.
Includes independent driving following directions from a sat nav and a series of traffic signs.