Driving Basics: Legal, Safety & Cockpit Checks
Before you can drive, you need to be legal, prepared, and in control of your vehicle. Skills 1–4 are the foundation everything else is built on.
Many learners rush past these basics to get on the road — but examiners look for them throughout the entire test. Get them right from lesson one.
Track Your Basics ProgressLegal Responsibilities
Every driver must be legally entitled to drive before getting behind the wheel. This means understanding your licence requirements, insurance obligations, and what the law expects of you as a road user.
What learners must know
- ✓ Valid provisional licence and entitlement to drive the vehicle category
- ✓ L-plates displayed correctly front and rear
- ✓ Accompanied by a qualified driver over 21 (for private practice)
- ✓ Vehicle is insured for learner drivers
- ✓ Vehicle has a valid MOT and tax
- ✓ Eyesight meets the legal standard (read a number plate at 20 metres)
The 5 levels for Skill 1
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains legal requirements
- 2 Helped: Aware of requirements, needs reminders
- 3 Prompted: Usually compliant, occasional guidance needed
- 4 Independent: Always checks and complies without prompting
- 5 Reflection: Understands the safety and legal reasons behind each rule
Safety Checks
A roadworthy vehicle is a safe vehicle. Safety checks (the "show me, tell me" questions on the driving test) assess whether you can identify and respond to basic vehicle faults.
The POWDERY mnemonic
- P Petrol / fuel — sufficient level
- O Oil — engine oil between min and max
- W Water — coolant and screenwash levels
- D Damage — visible bodywork or tyre damage
- E Electrics — lights, indicators, hazards working
- R Rubber — tyre tread depth (min 1.6mm), pressure
- Y Yourself — fit to drive, not tired, not medicated
The 5 levels for Skill 2
- 1 Introduced: Instructor demonstrates each check
- 2 Helped: Can identify checks with prompting
- 3 Prompted: Performs most checks unaided
- 4 Independent: Routinely checks before every drive
- 5 Reflection: Knows what faults mean and when to seek help
Cockpit Checks
Before moving off, every driver should complete a cockpit check — a systematic routine to ensure the vehicle is set up correctly for them. This is one of the very first things your instructor will teach you.
The DSSSM routine
- DDoors — all closed securely
- SSeat — adjusted so you can reach all controls comfortably; fully depress clutch with slight knee bend
- SSteering — column adjusted (if adjustable); comfortable grip with elbows slightly bent
- SSeatbelt — fastened, not twisted; check passengers are belted too
- MMirrors — interior and both door mirrors correctly adjusted for your seating position
The 5 levels for Skill 3
- 1 Introduced: Instructor talks through each step
- 2 Helped: Attempts routine with reminders
- 3 Prompted: Completes most steps independently
- 4 Independent: Completes full routine every time without prompting
- 5 Reflection: Adjusts for different vehicles; understands why each step matters
Security
Vehicle and personal security awareness is part of responsible driving. This skill covers locking, safeguarding valuables, and being aware of your surroundings when leaving or returning to your vehicle.
What this covers
- ✓ Locking the vehicle when unattended
- ✓ Not leaving valuables visible in the car
- ✓ Awareness of surroundings when parking
- ✓ Keeping doors locked while driving in urban areas
- ✓ Parking in well-lit, visible areas where possible
The 5 levels for Skill 4
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains security considerations
- 2 Helped: Aware but needs reminders
- 3 Prompted: Usually security-conscious with occasional prompts
- 4 Independent: Consistently security-aware without reminders
- 5 Reflection: Proactively adapts behaviour based on environment and risk
Tracking Progress Across Skills 1–4
Introduced
Following instructor guidance
Helped
Improving with assistance
Prompted
Mostly independent, occasional prompts
Independent
Consistent, confident performance
Reflection
Understands the why — test ready
Your instructor records your level on each skill after every lesson. Aim for Level 5 on all 27 skills before booking your test.
Track Your Basics Progress Digitally
Our software records your level on every skill after each lesson. You and your instructor can see exactly where you stand — and what to focus on next.
Start Free Trial