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Safety Essentials

The #1 reason students fail: Not performing the 5-point check

4 min readFormer Examiner
The #1 reason students fail: Not performing the 5-point check

As a former examiner, I've failed hundreds of students for this single mistake. It's preventable, it's simple, and yet it's the most common cause of test failure.

The 5-point check (in order)

1. **Left check:** Look left to make sure no one is near your car or leaning against it

2. **Front check:** Look ahead to ensure you have enough gap to move out safely

3. **Indicate:** Signal your intention to move (this is when you indicate)

4. **Right wing mirror:** Check what's coming from behind on the right

5. **Right blind spot:** Look over your right shoulder before moving

Why this matters

You must perform ALL five checks in sequence every single time you move off. Missing even one can result in an immediate fail. This isn't just about passing - it's about developing safe habits that will protect you for life.

Ready to put this into practice?

Book a lesson with a former examiner who'll teach you these techniques properly