TLDR;
This video documents a mock driving test of Alvin, who has limited professional instruction, relying mostly on practice with his dad and online resources. The test reveals both strengths and weaknesses in Alvin's driving. He demonstrates good car control and adherence to road signs but struggles with observations at junctions, speed management, and positioning on rural roads. The test includes urban and rural driving scenarios, a reverse parking manoeuvre, and a hill start. Ultimately, Alvin does not pass the mock test due to a combination of serious and minor faults, highlighting the importance of experience on diverse road types and consistent application of safe driving principles.
- Alvin's strengths include car control and following road signs.
- Key areas for improvement are observations at junctions, speed management, and positioning on rural roads.
- The test includes a range of driving scenarios, revealing both strengths and weaknesses.
The learner [0:00]
Alvin is about to undertake a mock driving test, despite having limited formal instruction. He has had only two lessons with a driving instructor, supplementing this with practice alongside his dad over the summer. Alvin has also used online resources, including YouTube videos, to aid his learning. The examiner, Jason, has been briefed and will mark the test using harsh examples, but without allowing damage to the car.
Test start [1:43]
Jason introduces himself and outlines the format of the test, which will last between 38 and 40 minutes and assess Alvin's driving under various road and traffic conditions. The test will include an emergency stop and a manoeuvre. Alvin will need to follow signs and road markings unless otherwise directed. Jason asks Alvin how he would check the brakes before starting a journey, to which Alvin gives a satisfactory answer, demonstrating he has been practicing.
Reverse parking (potential serious) [2:55]
Alvin is asked to pull out of the parking space and reverse into another. It's noted that this is the first time he has driven this particular car. He is cautious and slow, which is sensible given his unfamiliarity with the vehicle. While his parking skill is excellent, he fails to consistently check his left blind spot while reversing. This oversight could result in a serious mark and a fail, as it's crucial to be aware of surroundings, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Urban driving [5:34]
After exiting the car park, Alvin stalls the car, which would result in a minor mark for clutch control. He checks his mirrors before signalling and passing obstructions. Alvin approaches a junction with good mirrors and signal use, making a safe decision. Although his gear changes are sometimes rushed and jerky, it's not enough to warrant a mark. He slows down safely to deal with an oncoming van. Approaching a roundabout, the instructor notes that Alvin is lucky he doesn't need to brake hard, which could have resulted in a serious mark if a car had been approaching. Alvin is in too high a gear at a mini roundabout, likely resulting in a minor mark for gear control. His speed when making decisions at roundabouts is often too high, meaning he would need to brake hard if he needed to give way.
Hill start [14:48]
Alvin is asked to pull over on a hill after a red car. The instructor briefly comes out of character to ensure Alvin doesn't hit the kerb. Alvin leaves his left signal on as he moves away, which would likely be a minor mark. He uses too much gas during the hill start, but avoids rolling back, which is good enough.
Serious - Junctions - Observations [15:56]
At a junction with a parked car blocking his view, Alvin would almost certainly receive a serious mark for poor observations. He continues out in second gear without slowing down and "peeping and creeping" to ensure no one is approaching from the left. At another junction with excellent visibility, Alvin deals with pedestrians safely. Approaching a roundabout with a lane closure, Alvin cautiously navigates the hatched area, dealing with the junction safely. He then safely deals with a right turn at traffic lights.
Rural roads [20:14]
Alvin maintains a safe position on a rural road but drives a bit slowly, missing opportunities to get closer to the speed limit. On a road with markings, he overcompensates and drives too close to the edge. Due to glare and shadows, Alvin struggles to see the road and nearly hits an embankment. He should have slowed down to a safe speed given his limited visibility.
Dangerous & Serious - Ambulance [22:46]
When an ambulance approaches, Alvin initially does well by continuing to drive safely as there is no safe place to pull over. However, he gives up looking for a suitable place just as one comes into view. The instructor has to intervene to prevent Alvin from driving off-road onto a loose surface at speed. This would likely result in a serious fault for failing to pull over for the ambulance and a dangerous fault for position due to the potential danger of driving on the loose surface.
Potential Serious - Position - Normal Driving [26:41]
Alvin allows the line in the middle of the road to push him too far left. On narrow roads, it's necessary to drive over the line when safe to avoid hazards. The instructor has to steer to avoid a bush. Alvin continues to drive too close to the edge of the road. The instructor lets Alvin hit a bush to highlight his poor positioning. Given his consistent positioning issues, Alvin may have accumulated enough driving faults for it to become a serious fault.
End of the test [28:08]
Alvin is informed that he has not passed the mock test. The instructor explains that Alvin needs more experience on country roads and needs to prepare the car before making decisions. He also rushes the controls and makes the car struggle. Overall, Alvin is close to being test-ready but needs to tweak certain aspects of his driving.