Ready to Pass
Our instructors teach the DVSA 27 driving skills and review your progress against the official syllabus. Each skill is tracked in your learner dashboard 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 learner dashboard, 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.
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.
- 1Choose a DVSA-approved driving instructor
- 2Start studying The Highway Code
- 3Start taking driving lessons with your instructor
- 4Study and practise for your theory test
- 5Book and take your theory test when your instructor says you are ready
- 6Do private practice between lessons, when your instructor agrees
- 7Book your driving test only when your instructor agrees you can drive safely on your own
Source: DVSA Despatch — Driving skills: what’s changed on the Ready to Pass? website and why
T-Junctions, Crossroads & Box Junctions
Junctions are the leading cause of serious driving faults. Learn to emerge safely and handle yellow box junctions with confidence.
How to Handle Roundabouts
Roundabouts are one of the top sources of driving test faults. Master lane choice, signalling, and priority rules.
Pedestrian Crossings & Vulnerable Road Users
Learn the rules for zebra, pelican, puffin, and toucan crossings. Plus sharing the road with cyclists and horse riders.
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.
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.
Your route to independent driving
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.
- 1Apply for your provisional licence
Get your first UK provisional driving licence from DVLA before anything else.
Learner HelpOpen - 2Start Edinburgh lessons and theory study
Build practical skills with an Edinburgh instructor while studying the Highway Code and hazard perception.
Driving LessonsOpen - 3Prepare for and pass your theory test
Use focused revision guides, practise both parts, then book through GOV.UK.
Resource HubOpen - 4Build independent driving skills
Track your progress and learn to drive safely without prompts.
Ready to PassOpen - 5Check your test readiness
Use mock tests and your instructor's feedback before choosing a test date.
Driving LessonsOpen - 6Book and take your practical test
Book your own test through GOV.UK once you and your instructor agree you are ready.
Learner HelpOpen - 7Keep learning after you pass
Keep developing the judgement and habits that make you a safer independent driver.
Learner HelpOpen
Not sure where to start?
Start with your provisional licence. Once it arrives, practical lessons and theory study can progress together.
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.