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DVA report 3.0

Precautions on the Northern Ireland driving test

Basic preparation before moving protects you, passengers and other road users.

What the examiner is assessing

Doors, seat, head restraint, mirrors and seat belt should be correctly set, and the vehicle should remain controlled when starting or restarting the engine.

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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Beginning with a poorly adjusted mirror or seat position.

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Losing vehicle control while restarting after a stall.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Use the same short cockpit setup every time you get into the car.
  2. Practise calm recovery from a stall without rushing or skipping observations.

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 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 ↗