So, you’ve booked your driving test. You’ve perfected your parallel park, you know your Highway Code inside out, and you’re counting down the days. But there’s one thing that remains a mystery: the examiner’s clipboard (or, more often now, their tablet).
You see the examiner tapping away, but what are they actually writing down? Are they keeping a secret pass/fail scorecard?
At Veygo, we know that understanding the assessment process is the ultimate ‘secret weapon’ for test day. The examiner uses a specific form, traditionally called the DL25, to record your performance. By knowing what they look for, you can tailor your preparation and drive with confidence.
Here is your essential guide to unlocking the secrets of the DL25 form.
1. Demystifying the marking system
The most crucial thing to understand is that the examiner is looking for safe, controlled, and confident driving. They are not looking for perfection, but consistency against national standards.
The DL25/digital form categorises all your errors into three simple types:
| Fault type | What it means | Pass/Fail consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Minor fault (M) | A small, non-dangerous error. (eg: Hesitating slightly, poor clutch control when changing gear). | You can make up to 15 minors and still pass the test. |
| Serious fault (S) | An error that is potentially dangerous. (eg: Approaching a junction too fast, making poor observation). | One or more serious faults results in a failure. |
| Dangerous fault (D) | An action (or lack of action) that created an actual danger to anyone, and the examiner had to step in (eg: taking the wheel or pressing the dual-control pedal). | One or more dangerous faults results in a failure. |
The real secret: There is no magic code for passing. The ‘secret’ is knowing you can afford to make little mistakes (minors), but you absolutely must demonstrate safety and control to avoid a Serious or Dangerous fault.
2. What categories do examiners focus on?
The DL25 breaks the drive down into specific, non-negotiable areas. Understanding these helps you practice where it matters most.
The most common fault areas:
| DL25 category | What the examiner is checking for | How to nail it |
|---|---|---|
| Observation | Proper use of mirrors, looking over your shoulder (blind spot), and checking surroundings before moving off. | Never forget the basics! Execute the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine religiously, especially when changing lanes or negotiating roundabouts. |
| Junctions | Speed of approach, correct positioning, and clear judgement of when it’s safe to proceed. | Slow is safe. Always approach intersections slowly enough to stop if necessary, and use your observations well before committing. |
| Moving off | Safely moving away from a stationary position (level ground, hill start, or angle start). | Ensure there’s no rollback, check all your mirrors/blind spots, and use good clutch control to move away smoothly. |
| Use of speed | Driving at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions, not simply the legal speed limit. | If conditions are wet or visibility is poor, your speed should drop well below the limit. Show you are thinking about the environment. |
| Awareness & planning | Anticipating what other road users (including vulnerable users like cyclists and pedestrians) might do and leaving enough space. | Scan the road ahead, not just the car in front. Look out for pedestrians stepping onto the road or cars pulling out of driveways. |
3. The test day experience: Tablet tapping and debrief
The digital age has brought a new ‘mystery’ – the examiner’s tablet. Here are a few final secrets about the test experience:
The tablet tapping mystery
- Don’t panic: Examiners are constantly tapping their tablets. They aren’t always marking a fault! They also tap to confirm that you’ve completed a manoeuvre, to record that they’ve given you directions, or to note general progress.
- You can’t peek: The tablet screen usually has a special low-light coating, making it nearly impossible for you to see what’s being marked. Don’t waste energy trying to sneak a look – stay focused on the road.
The final debrief
Whether you pass or fail, the process is the same.
- The examiner will complete the assessment and end the test.
- They will present the completed digital (or occasionally paper) form to you.
- They will talk you through any faults recorded and give you a clear explanation in the debrief. You can choose to have your instructor or accompanying driver witness this.
The DL25 is not a secret weapon wielded against you; it’s simply a structured list of national driving standards. By focusing on consistent safety, mastering the MSM routine, and practicing the key fault areas, you’ll demonstrate the competence needed to earn that pass certificate.
Good luck – we’re rooting for you!