What to expect from the driving assessment?

Patrick Clifton · Post by **Patrick Clifton** » 06 Jul 2012, 16:24

Its basically just to make sure you can handle a vehicle of that size. Make sure you use mirrors. Signal. Maybe a blitz along a dual carriageway. Observe the speed limits. They may ask you a few questions about the checks you have to make to RM vehicles - checking the oil/lights etc etc, basic stuff really.

I cannot remember if I had to do any maneuvers or not

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 06 Jul 2012, 16:25

Not done it myself but everyone who has at my DO has said afterwards "Don't know why I was worrying it was easy" From what they say its a competency test with some reverse manoeuvring.

dubdaz · Post by **dubdaz** » 06 Jul 2012, 16:28

Had mine a couple of weeks back,was no where near as nerveracking as a proper driving test.The assesser is a lot more chatty,you should fly through having only just passed,you wont have picked up any bad habits(crossing hands when steering,coasting when changing gear etc.). He'll get you to check the van over before you start and may ask a couple of really obvious questions.Nearly all at my office passed and those that did'nt retook it soon after, and passed.

JP1 · Post by **JP1** » 06 Jul 2012, 17:27

In mine, it was just a 45 minute drive talking about football. We didn't do any maneuveres, and nor did we do any vehicle checks. He just said "before you go, you need your lights working and your water full".

The report said, however, that we did 2 maneuveres. The only bad thing that it said was that I didn't do block gear changes.

krussel · Post by **krussel** » 06 Jul 2012, 18:12

Should be fine as its not as differcult as a real test. Take the time to have a look under the bonnet of a couple of vans and learn where the dip stick is in case they go into weekly checks.

Mostly driving a van is no different from a large car with the rear window blocked out so check your mirrors are set up correct. Finally when turning at a tight junction watch the rear wheels dont clip the curb as its easy to do.

Good luck, you will be fine.

AJ1987 · Post by **AJ1987** » 06 Jul 2012, 18:21

Did mine about 2 weeks ago. Its really laid back, its not like a test really. If your over 25 it'll be an hour. If your under 25 I think its 4hours. The guy just told me to drive around for the hour, I picked the route. All we did at the end then was a reverse around a corner

glenfiddich · Post by **glenfiddich** » 06 Jul 2012, 19:01

we told a lad at ours a few years ago that the aim of it was to get from A to B as fast as possible needless to say he had to take it again

jontickle · Post by **jontickle** » 06 Jul 2012, 19:10

Little Tip. When you get to a junction make sure you keep your van straight, else you may not be able to see whats coming towards you, also make sure the mirrors are set as they are your only means of seeing behind you. Sounds basic but when you've never driven a van with no windows other than those in the front its amazing how easily these can throw you.

ROYALMAILCHAT

What to expect from the driving assessment?

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