Abbreviations and Terms
Abbreviations and Terms Used
The following explanations describe the meaning of the abbreviations and instructions commonly used during driving manoeuvres and driving tests.
Observe 360 Degrees
Before carrying out any manoeuvre, carefully check for hazards in all directions to ensure there is a safe space around your vehicle.
A proper 360-degree observation includes:
Looking ahead and behind the vehicle.
Checking both side mirrors.
Using the interior rear-view mirror.
Looking over your shoulder(s) to check blind spots.
Identifying pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, or any other potential hazards.
This observation helps ensure that the manoeuvre can be completed safely without affecting other road users.
Check the Mirrors
Check all rear-view mirrors, including:
The interior rear-view mirror.
The left and right exterior mirrors.
Look for approaching vehicles, cyclists, or other road users that could be affected by your intended manoeuvre. Mirror checks should be performed regularly before changing speed, direction, or position on the road.
Check Blind Spot(s)
Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors.
To check a blind spot:
Turn your head and look over the appropriate shoulder.
Check for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, or other hazards that may be hidden from view.
Depending on the manoeuvre, you may be required to:
Check the left blind spot.
Check the right blind spot.
Check both blind spots.
The instructions for the manoeuvre will specify which blind spot(s) must be checked. When checking a blind spot, keep the steering wheel straight to maintain vehicle control.
Signal
Once you have determined that it is safe to proceed, use the indicators to communicate your intentions to other road users.
Signals should be used:
Before moving off.
Before changing lanes.
Before turning.
Before pulling over or leaving a parking bay.
When slowing down, your brake lights will also warn drivers behind you. If you need to slow down rapidly, lightly tapping the brake pedal a few times can help alert following drivers before applying firmer braking.
Cancel Signal
Always ensure that the indicator has cancelled after completing a turn or lane change.
If the signal remains on:
Cancel it manually.
Confirm that no incorrect signal is being displayed.
Failing to cancel a signal can mislead other road users, potentially causing confusion, collisions, or dangerous situations.
Select Gear
Choose the appropriate gear for the speed, road conditions, and manoeuvre being performed.
Examples include:
1st Gear – Moving off, hill starts, and slow-speed manoeuvres.
Reverse Gear – Reversing manoeuvres.
Higher Gears – Normal driving at increasing speeds.
Where a specific gear is required, the manoeuvre instructions will clearly state which gear to select.
N / P
Select: N (Neutral) for manual transmission vehicles.
P (Park) for automatic transmission vehicles.
This position should normally be selected when the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the parking brake has been applied.
Obtain Clutch Control
(Manual Transmission Vehicles Only)
Clutch control refers to finding and maintaining the clutch's biting point, allowing the vehicle to move slowly and smoothly without stalling.
Good clutch control is essential during:
Parking manoeuvres.
Reversing.
Hill starts.
Slow-speed driving.
Maintain steady control of the clutch and avoid sudden movements to ensure smooth vehicle operation.
Apply Parking Brake
The parking brake (handbrake) secures the vehicle and prevents it from rolling when stationary.
Always apply the parking brake:
When instructed during a manoeuvre.
When parking the vehicle.
Before selecting Neutral or Park after stopping.
Ensure the vehicle is fully secured before releasing the foot brake where applicable.
Move Off
Moving off means setting the vehicle in motion safely from a stationary position.
Before moving off:
Check mirrors.
Check blind spots.
Signal if necessary.
Select the correct gear.
Obtain clutch control (manual vehicles).
Release the parking brake.
Move away smoothly and safely when it is clear to do so.
Always ensure that your actions do not cause other road users to change speed or direction unnecessarily.
The following explanations describe the meaning of the abbreviations and instructions commonly used during driving manoeuvres and driving tests.
Observe 360 Degrees
Before carrying out any manoeuvre, carefully check for hazards in all directions to ensure there is a safe space around your vehicle.
A proper 360-degree observation includes:
Looking ahead and behind the vehicle.
Checking both side mirrors.
Using the interior rear-view mirror.
Looking over your shoulder(s) to check blind spots.
Identifying pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, or any other potential hazards.
This observation helps ensure that the manoeuvre can be completed safely without affecting other road users.
Check the Mirrors
Check all rear-view mirrors, including:
The interior rear-view mirror.
The left and right exterior mirrors.
Look for approaching vehicles, cyclists, or other road users that could be affected by your intended manoeuvre. Mirror checks should be performed regularly before changing speed, direction, or position on the road.
Check Blind Spot(s)
Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors.
To check a blind spot:
Turn your head and look over the appropriate shoulder.
Check for vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, or other hazards that may be hidden from view.
Depending on the manoeuvre, you may be required to:
Check the left blind spot.
Check the right blind spot.
Check both blind spots.
The instructions for the manoeuvre will specify which blind spot(s) must be checked. When checking a blind spot, keep the steering wheel straight to maintain vehicle control.
Signal
Once you have determined that it is safe to proceed, use the indicators to communicate your intentions to other road users.
Signals should be used:
Before moving off.
Before changing lanes.
Before turning.
Before pulling over or leaving a parking bay.
When slowing down, your brake lights will also warn drivers behind you. If you need to slow down rapidly, lightly tapping the brake pedal a few times can help alert following drivers before applying firmer braking.
Cancel Signal
Always ensure that the indicator has cancelled after completing a turn or lane change.
If the signal remains on:
Cancel it manually.
Confirm that no incorrect signal is being displayed.
Failing to cancel a signal can mislead other road users, potentially causing confusion, collisions, or dangerous situations.
Select Gear
Choose the appropriate gear for the speed, road conditions, and manoeuvre being performed.
Examples include:
1st Gear – Moving off, hill starts, and slow-speed manoeuvres.
Reverse Gear – Reversing manoeuvres.
Higher Gears – Normal driving at increasing speeds.
Where a specific gear is required, the manoeuvre instructions will clearly state which gear to select.
N / P
Select: N (Neutral) for manual transmission vehicles.
P (Park) for automatic transmission vehicles.
This position should normally be selected when the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the parking brake has been applied.
Obtain Clutch Control
(Manual Transmission Vehicles Only)
Clutch control refers to finding and maintaining the clutch's biting point, allowing the vehicle to move slowly and smoothly without stalling.
Good clutch control is essential during:
Parking manoeuvres.
Reversing.
Hill starts.
Slow-speed driving.
Maintain steady control of the clutch and avoid sudden movements to ensure smooth vehicle operation.
Apply Parking Brake
The parking brake (handbrake) secures the vehicle and prevents it from rolling when stationary.
Always apply the parking brake:
When instructed during a manoeuvre.
When parking the vehicle.
Before selecting Neutral or Park after stopping.
Ensure the vehicle is fully secured before releasing the foot brake where applicable.
Move Off
Moving off means setting the vehicle in motion safely from a stationary position.
Before moving off:
Check mirrors.
Check blind spots.
Signal if necessary.
Select the correct gear.
Obtain clutch control (manual vehicles).
Release the parking brake.
Move away smoothly and safely when it is clear to do so.
Always ensure that your actions do not cause other road users to change speed or direction unnecessarily.