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DVA report 18.0–18.2

Positioning on the Northern Ireland driving test

Stable road position helps other road users predict you and preserves safe clearance from hazards.

What the examiner is assessing

Normally keep well to the left, use lanes correctly and position early for the direction you intend to travel without unnecessary lane changes.

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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Straddling lane markings or drifting between lanes.

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Positioning too close to the centre line or failing to take an appropriate position for a turn.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Use lane markings and parked vehicles as reference points without fixating on them.
  2. Ask your instructor to call out drifting early so you learn the visual cues that precede it.

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

1.0 Eyesight Test 1.2 Vehicle Safety Questions 2.0 Ancillary Controls 3.0 Precautions 4.0–4.7 Control 5.0–5.2 Move Away 6.0–6.2 Emergency Stop 7.0–7.2 Reverse to the Left or Right 8.0–8.2 Turn in the Road 9.0–9.2 Reverse Parking
Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗