Impressing DSA examiners on Driving test

A common question I get asked by provisional licence holders taking driving lessons with me as well as many test candidates that use this blog for additional advice and tips is 'How can I impress the DSA driving Examiner?'

The answer is very simple, drive safely and confidently. With the recent introduction of independent driving on the test, and you only having to perform one reversing maneuver, test candidates are now driving longer and all the examiner is looking for is you demonstrating that you have acquired the necessary skills to the DSA standard.

One common mistake made especially by those who have been taught by parents, friends or foreign driving licence holders is they sometimes try to imitate experienced drivers either by attempting to complete a maneuver quickly, drive too fast (usually accompanied by late breaking). None of this behaviour impresses the DSA examiner, and you are more likely to fail or get easily avoided driver errors marked against you.



A competent test candidate will make progress when it is safe to do so, exercise caution where necessary (e.g: meeting situation with a fast approaching car, even if you have the right of way), take effective observations during test maneuvers, will not rush when emerging at a junction especially turning right even if there are cars queued up behind you. The priority is to do everything safely, so you can't take a risk just because you have spent a minute at the junction and the vehicle behind you seems to be getting impatient.

Impressing a DSA examiner would be recognising the national speed limit sign on a dual carriageway, picking up speed, and safely overtaking a slow moving vehicle on the left hand lane, at the same time exercising good lane displine, correct use of MSM and good awareness of what is happening around you, displaying good planning and anticipation skills.


Another way of showing the examiner that you deserve a full licence is stopping at a closed junction, taking your time to make effective safety observations, especially if the car in front has just gone through quickly. This is even more important if you are going up a hill or slight incline.



Now you might be thinking all this is too hard, but if you have taken the time to prepare, have a good driving instructor like me who will not rip you off, then you should have no problems in achieving your goal, even if you make a few mistakes on the driving test.

DSA Examiner Driving Test Routes

As an instructor over the years I have seen some very good drivers get tripped up at some tricky places on some of the routes by examiners in the NW London area, so I have made these tutorial videos to cover these situations.

Each video covers what I have found out to the toughest route, and has additional tips on other places or things that you should be aware as a driving test candidate. These are offered as complimentary preparation materials to your lessons or private practice sessions.

Hendon Driving Test Routes Video 2012

£4.99 Buy Now

Independent Driving On the Test.
Theory Test Changes
Driving Test Changes.

Mill Hill Driving Test Route Video

£4.99 Buy Now

Borehamwood Test Centre WD6 Route Videos

£4.99 Buy Now

If you require high quality driving lessons in London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032



Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email service is provided and powered by feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can removed yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click.