Expected outcome / competence

Ability to judge the correct speed of approach so that the vehicle can enter a junction safely or stop if necessary.

The vehicle should be positioned correctly, using the correct lane. When turning right, the vehicle should be positioned to the centre of the road as is safe. The vehicle should not cut the corner when turning right.

When turning left, the vehicle should be over to the left to avoid swinging out.

Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing.

Effective observation must be given before moving into a junction and making sure it is safe before proceeding.

car turning into cyclist

Assessment criteria (example = observation)

Driving fault:

  • A misjudgement of the speed and distance of an approaching vehicle. Safety of other road users was not compromised

Serious fault:

  • Not taking effective observation before emerging at junctions, and emerging into the path of other vehicles.

Dangerous fault:

  • Any situation brought about by the severe lack of effective observation that resulted in actual danger to the examiner, candidate, the general public or property

Other faults:

Approach speed:
  • approaching too fast
  • approaching too slow
Observation:
  • not taking effective observation before emerging
  • looking both ways but still emerging to affect other road users
Turning right:
  • positioning too far to the left
  • positioning too far to the right
  • on major to minor stopping short of the turning point
  • incorrect position before turning right
Turning left:
  • positioning too far to the right or too close to the kerb
  • swinging out prior to reaching the corner
  • positioning in an unmarked inappropriate lane to turn left
Cutting Right Corners:
  • cutting corners, from major to minor roads

 

The above is taken from The Driving Examiners Manual.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-driving-examiners-carrying-out-driving-tests-dt1

Where appropriate it has been reformatted and edited so it only refers to the driving of ordinary cars (class b).