The first step is to fill in a test application form and send it off to the following address:
RoADAR TV Group
C/o The Treasurer,
Coralie,
2-B Sandford Road,
Wareham,
Dorset BH20 4DH
If you have not paid for the test in advance, you will need to enclose the test fee (details are on the form).
The Examiners all have other jobs which restrict their availability, so please give at least 6 weeks notice of any dates that you suggest. The Examiner will contact you on receipt of the application form, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Preparation
You need to ensure you are brushed up and at the required standard. On the day, remember to bring your driving license, insurance, and MoT. Without these, the Examiner will not continue the test. A pre-start drill will be expected, and a moving brake test. The test usually lasts about 1 hour. The route will take in all road types and conditions. Speed limits must be kept throughout.
The Drive
The drive is expected to be smooth and avoiding major potholes
and drains where possible. Safety is paramount, and the Examiner will expect the driver to be aware of the dangers throughout and to do something about them.
As the test progresses, the candidate is expected to display sound knowledge of the system of car control and effective application will be expected. The degree of application will affect the grade. The Examiner will expect a progressive drive, taking the car up to the permitted speed limits where safety allows.
Commentary
Although optional, a commentary can do nothing but enhance the drive. However bleak the commentary may appear, it is always helpful. It allows the Examiner to see what you are seeing. Say what you see. I have had many candidates where a Silver drive improved to a Gold with the addition of a commentary, as the driver got more immersed with the task in hand: the nerves disappeared, and the drive improved significantly.
What's in the Test
There are 31 areas of driving that are examined, ranging from the preparation through steering, clutch work, braking and gear changes, to the systematic approach, deportment, and your attitude. There's also the option of a commentary.
At the end of the test you will be questioned on the care of the car (nothing you won't find in the car manual) and on the Highway Code. You will be asked between 4 and 7 questions on each.
After that, there will be a debrief of the drive, covering the areas examined and an overall view. This is followed by the grade you will be awarded.
Test Results
There are 4 grades: un-graded, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
The main reasons for failing are usually hazard perception and cornering, positioning, braking, or observation. This accounts for over 50% of failures. It is unlikely that one single area will give rise to failure, except disobeying statutory road signs or signals.
For a Gold, the candidate has to be a polished driver who displays a complete understanding and appropriate application of the principles of Roadcraft. They will be confident and able throughout the whole test and the performance must be consistent.
The Bronze grade is awarded to drivers whose performance is significantly above the standard to pass the standard driving test.They will show a basic knowledge of Roadcraft, but perhaps lack the ability to apply it consistently. The drive will be entirely safe and signs will be observed. Hazards will be responded to with a display of advanced driving techniques.
The Silver grade is awarded to drivers who fall between these categories. Probably over 50% of candidates are awarded a Silver grade.
After the Test
After the test, you will receive a certificate (if not un-graded) and a full written report, which should arrive in about 4 weeks.
Refresher Tests
The test result is valid for 3 years:
after that time it is necessary to take a refresher test. This is free, provided you keep up your subscriptions with the Group and also RoADA HQ in Birmingham.
If you are un-graded, you can take a free re-test within 3 months.
