The DTC
My DTC

Ready to Pass

Our instructors teach the DVSA 27 driving skills and review your progress against the official syllabus. Each skill is tracked in My DTC from Level 1 (Introduced) to Level 5 (Reflection), helping you and your instructor judge when you are ready to drive safely and independently.

What is Ready to Pass?

Ready to Pass is the DVSA campaign built around 27 skills learners develop to become safe, independent drivers. The DTC maps each skill to your personal progress record in My DTC, from Skill 1 (legal responsibilities, eyesight and fitness to drive) through Skill 27 (independent driving following sat-nav or road signs). Every guide on this page is written or reviewed by a DVSA-approved ADI and covers what you need to know, common mistakes to avoid, and quick tips for your next lesson.

Explore My DTC to see how these skills connect to your lesson feedback and confidence plans.

  • 27 DVSA skills
  • Examiner focus
  • ADI reviewed

How to know you are ready for your test

Your progress tracker helps you see the skills to work on. It does not replace your instructor’s judgement. DVSA says you will usually be ready when you can say yes to all five checks below.

  1. I do not need prompts from my instructor.
  2. I do not make serious or dangerous mistakes.
  3. I can pass mock driving tests.
  4. I have practised managing my nerves.
  5. My instructor agrees I am ready.

DVSA recommended learning sequence

DVSA survey data shows learners who start professional lessons before their theory test are more likely to succeed. Follow this order, guided by your instructor, to build safe habits from the start.

Source: DVSA Despatch, Driving skills: what’s changed on the Ready to Pass? website and why

  1. Choose a DVSA-approved driving instructor
  2. Start studying The Highway Code
  3. Start taking driving lessons with your instructor
  4. Study and practise for your theory test
  5. Book and take your theory test when your instructor says you are ready
  6. Do private practice between lessons, when your instructor agrees
  7. Book your driving test only when your instructor agrees you can drive safely on your own

Official DVSA campaign: DVSA Ready to Pass

Basics (1-4)

Control & Positioning (5-7)

  • Skill 5

    Controls, Instruments & Dashboard

    Master the pedals, gearstick, dashboard gauges, horn, wipers, and all the controls you use every time you drive.

    6 min read

  • Skill 6

    Moving Off & Stopping Safely

    Every journey starts with moving off and ends with stopping. Get the MSM routine, blind spot checks, and hill starts right.

    7 min read

  • Skill 7

    Safe Positioning & Lane Discipline

    Make sure you drive in the correct position for the road you are on. Good lane discipline keeps you and others safe.

    6 min read

Observation, Signalling & Planning (8-13)

Junctions, Roundabouts & Crossings (14-16)

Manoeuvres (17-20)

  • Skill 17

    Bay Parking: Forward & Reverse

    Bay parking appears on most driving tests. Learn both forward and reverse bay parking with clear reference points.

    8 min read

  • Skill 18

    Turning the Car Around

    Master the three-point turn, turning using roundabouts, and reversing into side roads with safe positioning.

    7 min read

  • Skill 19

    Parallel Parking Step by Step

    Park parallel to the kerb behind a stationary vehicle: a classic manoeuvre broken down into clear steps.

    7 min read

  • Skill 20

    The Emergency Stop

    The emergency stop tests your reaction speed and vehicle control. Here is exactly what happens and how to execute it.

    5 min read

Road Types (21-23)

Driving Conditions (24-26)

  • Skill 24

    Night Driving & Using Headlights Correctly

    Master headlight use, glare recovery, and hazard spotting in low light. Essential for evening tests and post-test driving.

    7 min read

  • Skill 25

    Driving in Rain, Fog & Weather Conditions

    Learn how rain, fog, and other weather affects grip, visibility, and stopping distances. Handle aquaplaning confidently.

    7 min read

  • Skill 26

    Passengers & Loads

    Ensure seatbelts, child seats, and luggage are secure. Understand baby seat airbag rules and safe trailer loading.

    6 min read

Following Routes (27)

Additional Guides from The DTC

Track Your Progress with the DVSA

The official Ready to Pass progress tracker helps you and your instructor record your level for all 27 driving skills. Work through 5 levels (from Introduced to Reflection) then use your instructor’s judgement and the full DVSA readiness checklist before booking a test.

Track your progress

gov.uk

Want structured, in-person instruction?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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Reviewed by Chris Jackson, DVSA-approved ADILast reviewed: July 2026

Where Ready to Pass fits in your journey

From your first provisional licence to passing your DVSA practical test, here’s the path we walk with every learner.

  1. Apply for your provisional licence

    Get your first UK provisional driving licence from DVLA before anything else.

    Learner Help

  2. Start Edinburgh lessons and theory study

    Build practical skills with an Edinburgh instructor while studying the Highway Code and hazard perception.

    Driving Lessons

  3. Prepare for and pass your theory test

    Use focused revision guides, practise both parts, then book through GOV.UK.

    Resource Hub

  4. Build independent driving skills

    Track your progress and learn to drive safely without prompts.

    Ready to Pass

  5. Check your test readiness

    Use mock tests and your instructor's feedback before choosing a test date.

    Driving Lessons

  6. Book and take your practical test

    Book your own test through GOV.UK once you and your instructor agree you are ready.

    Learner Help

  7. Keep learning after you pass

    Keep developing the judgement and habits that make you a safer independent driver.

    Learner Help

Not sure where to start?

Start with your provisional licence. Once it arrives, practical lessons and theory study can progress together.

Start at step 1Edinburgh driving lessons

Talk to us about your next lesson

Tell us what you want to work on, where you need to be picked up and when you’re available. Our team will check which instructors can help.

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Ready to Pass - Driving Skills for Safe Driving | The DTC