PureCar
DVA report 4.0–4.7

Control on the Northern Ireland driving test

Control covers smooth, accurate use of the main vehicle controls throughout the drive.

What the examiner is assessing

Accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes, handbrake and steering should be used at the right time and in a way that keeps the vehicle stable and predictable.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

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Harsh or late braking that could have been avoided with earlier planning.

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Coasting, selecting an unsuitable gear, steering too early or too late, or repeatedly looking at the gear lever.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Separate control practice from route practice and work on one weakness at a time.
  2. Ask your instructor to identify whether mistakes come from control itself or from late planning.

Turn the report into practice

Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗