Assessment Techniques for Advanced Driver Training

The ability to accurately assess risks and situations while driving is crucial for both passing your driving test and maintaining your competency after you renew your driving license. As highlighted in Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook, assessment involves both technical observation skills and the mental processing of information to make sound judgements.

Self-Assessment

Before considering a change in driving test category or when preparing to renew your driving licence, honest self-assessment is essential. Perform a driving license check to ensure your entitlements are current and appropriate for your needs. Research shows that most drivers believe they are better than average—a statistical impossibility. According to Roadcraft, approximately two-thirds of all collisions involve driver error, which emphasises why accurate self-assessment is vital.

Environmental Assessment

Just as tyres on the vehicle need regular inspection for safety, environmental assessment requires systematic scanning of your surroundings. This involves three key elements:

Vehicle Assessment

Regular vehicle checks are crucial, particularly of tyres on the drive before starting any journey. The DVLA recommends checking:

• Tyre pressure and tread depth
• All lights and indicators
• Fluid level

These checks are especially important before a driving test or after renewing your driving license following a long break from driving.

Space Assessment

When preparing for a change of driving test category or after you renew your driving license, accurate assessment of space and distance becomes even more critical. The Highway Code recommends using the “two-second rule” on dry roads. Regular checks of tyres on the drive help ensure you maintain optimal grip for safe stopping distances.

Developing Assessment Skills

Whether you’re preparing to change driving test categories or returning to driving after renewing your license, assessment abilities improve with structured practice and feedback. Regular driving license checks ensure you maintain the correct entitlements for your needs, while systematic vehicle inspections, including tyres on the drive, form part of comprehensive assessment routines.

Remember that assessment skills can deteriorate over time or be impaired by factors like fatigue, stress, or distraction. Regular reevaluation, including driving license checks and training in fatigue management for drivers, can help maintain and enhance these crucial capabilities that form the foundation of safe driving.