Ready to Pass
Passing your driving test requires more than just confidence behind the wheel — it’s about mastering a full range of skills that keep you safe for life. At Raven Driving School, we follow the DVSA’s “Ready to Pass?” campaign to make sure every learner builds the right habits from day one.
Our goal is simple: to teach the intelligent way to drive, helping you move from beginner to confident driver by building your knowledge, skills, and awareness step by step.
The 27 Essential Skills
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To pass your test — and stay safe on the road — you’ll need to develop 27 essential driving skills. Each skill builds on the others, creating a strong foundation for safe, responsible driving. At Raven Driving School, we guide you through every stage, helping you progress smoothly until you’re fully ready.
Here’s what you’ll cover:
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Cockpit Drill – Learning how to set up the car before every journey, from adjusting your seat and mirrors to checking the handbrake and gears. This makes sure you’re safe and comfortable before moving off.
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Vehicle Safety Checks – Understanding how to check tyres, lights, brakes, and fluids, so you know your vehicle is safe to drive and road legal.
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Controls & Instruments – Getting to grips with the steering wheel, pedals, indicators, wipers, lights, and dashboard symbols so you can operate the car with confidence.
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Moving Off & Stopping – Practising smooth starts and controlled stops, including hill starts and using different techniques to stay safe in traffic.
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Control & Positioning – Mastering clutch control, accelerator use, gears, and steering while keeping your car in the correct position on the road. You’ll also learn about “dry steering” and how to maintain safe lane discipline.
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Mirrors – Vision & Use – Learning when and how to check mirrors effectively, developing good habits to stay fully aware of what’s happening around you.
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Signals – Using indicators and hand signals correctly, while also learning how to interpret and respond to the signals of other road users.
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Anticipation & Planning – Developing the ability to read the road ahead, spot hazards early, and plan your actions so you stay in control.
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Use of Speed – Understanding speed limits, adjusting your speed to match traffic and weather conditions, and learning safe stopping distances.
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Other Traffic – Interacting safely with other drivers, cyclists, motorbikes, and larger vehicles. This includes overtaking, priority rules, and sharing the road responsibly.
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Fuel-Efficient Driving – Learning eco-friendly driving habits such as smooth acceleration, correct gear use, and anticipation to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
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Junctions – Approaching and exiting junctions safely, from simple T-junctions to more complex crossroads.
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Roundabouts – Understanding how to approach, signal, and position correctly at mini, single-lane, and multi-lane roundabouts.
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Pedestrian Crossings – Recognising different types of crossings and stopping safely to protect pedestrians.
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Reversing – Practising reversing around corners, into bays, and into tight spaces with accuracy and control.
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Turning in the Road – Learning how to safely turn the car around in the road, using controlled manoeuvres.
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Parking – Perfecting parallel, bay, and angled parking so you can park safely and legally in all situations.
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Emergency Stop – Developing the ability to stop quickly and under control in case of danger.
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Country Roads – Handling narrow lanes, sharp bends, blind summits, and rural hazards such as animals or farm vehicles.
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Dual Carriageways – Learning how to join, leave, and drive safely at higher speeds while using the correct lane discipline.
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Motorways – Understanding safe motorway driving, including joining and leaving, overtaking, and using smart motorways (taught after your test).
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Driving Conditions – Adapting your driving to different environments and conditions:
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Weather – Driving safely in rain, ice, fog, or snow.
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Night Driving – Using lights correctly and managing reduced visibility.
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Urban & Rural Roads – Handling busy towns and quieter country routes with confidence.
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Independent Driving & Sat Nav – Proving you can follow directions using road signs or a sat nav, showing confidence and independence without step-by-step instructor input.
Why It Matters
Mastering these skills isn’t just about passing your test — it’s about becoming a safe, capable, and responsible driver for life. At Raven Driving School, our instructors make sure you not only know what to do, but also why it matters.
We combine structured lesson plans, local road knowledge, and supportive teaching so you’ll be test-ready and confident in real-world driving.
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Book Your Lessons
Take the intelligent route to driving success.
Book your lessons or an intensive course today with Raven Driving School, and let us help you reach Level 5 — fully ready to pass with confidence.