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DVA report 8.0–8.2

Turn in the Road on the Northern Ireland driving test

The turn in the road remains relevant to the current Northern Ireland car test and combines control with all-round observation.

What the examiner is assessing

You should turn under control, observe effectively throughout and avoid mounting the pavement or creating risk for other road users.

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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Continuing while another road user is approaching rather than pausing.

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Repeatedly touching or mounting the kerb because speed or steering is poorly controlled.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Practise the manoeuvre slowly on roads of different widths.
  2. Treat observation as continuous rather than something done only before each movement.

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 9.0–9.2 Reverse Parking
Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗