Observation, commentary and steering

This article covers three areas where Geoff Newman believes learners receive a lot of poor advice.^[1]

Observation

Some advice says candidates should exaggerate head movements, tie back long hair, wear big earrings or even a peaked cap so the examiner can see them looking. Newman says none of that is needed: examiners position their seat so they can see the candidate's eyes, and are trained to judge where someone is looking. What they want is effective, natural observation, "not theatrically".^[1]

Observation remains the single biggest cause of failure. The Sevenoaks test centre manager lists a missed or ineffective look before acting as the top reason candidates fail.^[2] After passing, Newman warns, letting observation slip is one of the main reasons new drivers crash. See After passing.

Commentary

A running commentary is usually unnecessary; the examiner can see what the candidate sees and does. Newman suggests brief commentary only in a few situations:^[1]

• Spotting a hazard, such as saying "pedestrian" or "car door".
• Accepting another driver's signal to go, such as "they've said they'll wait", since the examiner may not have seen the flash or wave. The candidate must still judge it safe.
• After a small mistake, quietly, to reset focus.
• In the last ten minutes, to stay sharp when tired.

Commentary earns no extra marks and does not excuse a mistake. Learners should not flash other road users themselves.^[1]

Steering

Newman recommends balanced hands at roughly "ten to two" or "quarter to three". Crossing hands on sharper turns is fine; rigid push-pull is not required. At very low speeds, such as parking, one hand or palming the wheel is acceptable. Drivers should not steer one-handed for long, and should return a hand to the wheel after changing gear.^[1]

References

1. Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapter 20 and Appendix E.
2. "Sevenoaks driving test routes". Sevenoaks Driving Lessons.