DVA report 15.0–15.2

Maintain Progress on the Northern Ireland driving test

Safe driving is not the same as excessively slow driving. You should make reasonable progress when conditions allow.

What the examiner is assessing

Choose an appropriate speed, approach hazards safely and move away from junctions when there is a safe opportunity rather than delaying traffic without reason.

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.

Waiting through several clearly safe gaps at a junction.

Remaining far below an appropriate speed after a hazard has passed.

How to improve before the next test

Ask your instructor to distinguish genuine caution from unnecessary hesitation.
Practise judging safe gaps on familiar junction types before adding unfamiliar routes.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

Open practice guide →

Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

Create plan →

Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

Start mock →

Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 22 September 2026.

Official source ↗

Northern Ireland learner guide

Maintain Progress — what to improve

Safe driving is not the same as excessively slow driving. You should make reasonable progress when conditions allow.

Choose an appropriate speed, approach hazards safely and move away from junctions when there is a safe opportunity rather than delaying traffic without reason.

Useful points to focus on

Ask your instructor to distinguish genuine caution from unnecessary hesitation.
Practise judging safe gaps on familiar junction types before adding unfamiliar routes.