The following is an extract from the updated DT1 - the DSA's "Standard Operating Procedure" document (it dismisses the myth about stopping during the ID section to do a manoeuvre and then expect pupil to remember where they are going):

• Control of test
• Set exercises
• Reversing manoeuvres
• Controlled stop / angle Start
• Emergency stop
• Normal stop / hill start

Control of test

Driving tests must be conducted according to regulation and procedure and in accordance with instruction laid down by the Chief Driving Examiner. Going off route, or needing reminders of where to go, are not in themselves faults.

Tests should not be terminated because a candidate is struggling to understand independent driving

instructions. Examiners should employ their experience, knowledge and judgement where necessary to curtail the independent section and issue normal directions. This action should be necessary only in exceptional circumstances.

The control of the test throughout, including the independent driving section is extremely important. The EU Directive demands we conduct two set exercises (one in reverse gear) on each test but these must not be conducted during any part of the independent driving section.

Set exercises

The two set exercises are controlled stop and one of the following, which may be selected at random:

Turning in the Road (using reverse gear)
Reversing into a junction (either to the right or left)
Reverse Parking (either into a bay, or on the road)

Examiners should ensure the random use of the reversing manoeuvres is evenly spread. Identifiable patterns (times, routes etc) should be avoided so that the random aspect of manoeuvre selection is retained.

Controlled stop/ angle start

A controlled stop must be carried out on every test.

To commence the angle start the candidate first completes a controlled stop by pulling up on the left behind a parked car, reasonably close but not so close as to make it difficult to move away. The angle start exercise therefore combines two mandatory elements (controlled stop and moving away at an angle) as required.

The DL25 should be annotated that a ‘controlled stop’ has been conducted on every test by marking survey Box H.

NB: If a candidate self-elects to place their car close behind a parked car this may be considered as a completed angle start exercise. A controlled stop has taken place and the DL25 should be annotated.

Emergency stop

An emergency stop exercise should be conducted in 1 out of every 3 driving tests. This is to ensure that as a road safety critical exercise it continues to be taught. Identifiable patterns (times, routes etc) should be avoided so that a random aspect of emergency stop selection is retained.

The emergency stop exercise must not be conducted during the independent driving section.

Normal stop/hill start.

It is possible to include a normal stop or hill start at the pre-brief stage of the independent driving section i.e. when pulling in to the left before commencement of the independent drive itself, and/or between separate sections of the independent drive i.e. when pulling candidate up to give a further series of directions.

The candidate should be kept on route wherever possible; if a candidate is clearly reacting and planning for a junction but it appears they are taking the incorrect direction examiners should give safe guidance as appropriate.