Driving Lesson
Guide

Every lesson starts with the cockpit drill — a pre-drive routine that ensures your vehicle is safe and set up correctly before you move. DSSSM stands for:

• D — Doors: ensure all doors are properly closed
• S — Seat: adjust to a safe and comfortable driving position
• S — Steering: adjust the steering column if needed
• S — Seatbelt: fasten your own and check all passengers are belted
• M — Mirrors: set your interior mirror, and both wing mirrors correctly

Your instructor will also cover the MSM routine — Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre — which you'll use every time you change speed, direction or road position.

Before you can drive on public roads, you need to know your car is in good working order. Your instructor will teach you the 'Show me, tell me' checks that form part of your practical test:

• Engine oil level — checked using the dipstick
• Coolant level — visible in the expansion tank
• Brake fluid — checked in the reservoir under the bonnet
• Windscreen washer fluid level
• Tyre condition and pressure including tread depth
• All external lights — headlights, brake lights, indicators

Your practical test will include at least one manoeuvre. RED instructors teach all the core manoeuvres so you're ready for whichever the examiner asks for:

• Parallel parking alongside a parked vehicle
• Forward or reverse bay parking in a car park
• Pulling up on the right side of the road and reversing back
• Three-point turn / turn in the road
• Emergency stop (may or may not be included in your test)
• Independent driving — following signs or satnav for 20 minutes

You must pass your theory test before you can book your practical. The theory test has two parts — multiple choice questions and a hazard perception video test. You need to pass both at the same sitting.

All RED learners get free access to the Learn to Drive with RED app, which includes the full DVSA question bank, hazard perception clips and progress tracking. Download it and practise between your lessons.

Your practical driving test lasts approximately 38–40 minutes and is conducted by a DVSA examiner. It includes:

• Two 'show me, tell me' safety questions
• Around 20 minutes of independent driving
• A range of road types including town, country and possibly dual carriageway
• At least one manoeuvre
• Possibly an emergency stop

You're allowed up to 15 minor faults. A single serious or dangerous fault means an automatic fail. Your RED instructor will only recommend taking your test when they're confident you're ready.