Cardington Special Test
The Cardington Special Test is a driving test only available to be taken by
fully qualified Approved Driving Instructors.
The test gives instructors the ability to measure their own driving skills
against a very high required competence. It can also be used when assessing [CPD]
Continued Professional Development requirements and can be counted towards it.
Candidates passing at Grade A will receive a certificate which they can display
or show to their customers.
What is involved during the test?
The test will be conducted within the locality of the Driving Standards Agency [DSA]
Training and Development Centre near Cardington in Bedfordshire. It will be
conducted by a DSA Senior Staff Training Officer using the candidates own car.
This can be a manual or automatic car.
Adapted vehicles are also suitable where a candidate has declared a physical
disability. As with all driving tests, an interior mirror and head restraints
must be fitted for both the driver and assessor. Candidates must be able to read
a registration plate from a distance of 27.5 metres [67 feet] whilst wearing
glasses or contact lenses if normally worn when driving.
The test will last for around 90 minutes on a route covering approximately 25
miles. It requires a very high standard of driving to be consistently displayed
whilst driving on all types of road, including a motorway and a variety of road
situations.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate a positive, courteous attitude and the
ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle, safely, systematically
and smoothly. A high consistent driving competence based on concentration,
effective observation, anticipation and planning is expected. In particular you
must demonstrate.
Expert handling of controls
Use of correct road procedure
Anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking
appropriate action
Sound judgement of distance, speed and timing
Consideration for the convenience and safety of other road
users
Manoeuvres to be covered during the test.
You will also be asked to demonstrate your ability to perform any or all of the
following manoeuvres.
Move away smoothly from a parked position, to include
wherever possible, the ability to move off on an
up hill and a downhill gradient.
Move away at an angle, having pulled up behind a stationary
vehicle
Overtaking, meeting and crossing the path of other vehicles
and taking an appropriate course
Turning both right and left hand corners
Stopping the vehicle as if in an emergency
Driving the vehicle backwards and whilst so doing, enter
limited openings to both the left and right
Reverse park the car [road and car park]
Turning the vehicle around in the road to face the opposite
direction using forward and reverse gears
You are not expected to give any Commentary driving and there is no element of
theory testing. At the end of the test, the assessor will advise you of the
result and give a brief explanation of any faults recorded. Written confirmation
of the result along with a report of the test will be sent to the candidate.
All successful candidates who achieve a Grade A [3 faults or less] pass mark
will be sent a certificate.
Test Grades
All tests carried out by the DSA are marked on a four grade, A to D which are;
A - Able to demonstrate a high standard of driving competence, to
have a knowledge of the principles of good driving and possess the ability to
apply them
B - A safe and skilful driver who is able to demonstrate the
ability to be safe at all times, but lacking the high standard of driving
competence required of a Grade A driver
C - Able to drive at a level somewhat above that of a learner
driver, but lacking in some of the car handling skills of Grade B and not able
to demonstrate the high standard of driving competence required of Grade A
D - Not able to demonstrate a good safe drive, and involving some
degree of potential or actual danger at times