Essential Driving Abbreviations in the UK
When taking your UK driving practical test, the examiner assesses your ability to drive safely and make decisions using key driving techniques. The following abbreviations are widely used to help learners develop good habits.
- MSPSL Routine – Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look
- LADA – Look, Assess, Decide, Act
- POM – Prepare, Observe, Move
- SCALP – Safe, Convenient, and Legal Position
- COAST – Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space, Time
- TUG – Take Up the Slack
- DSSSM(Cockpit Drill) – Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors
- PSL – Position, Speed, Look
- OSM – Observation, Signal, Manoeuvre
- OSM PSL – Observation, Signal, Manoeuvre – Position, Speed, Look
- MSM – Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre
- DOV – Direction, Observation, Vehicle
- IPSGA – Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration
- ACPO – Association of Chief Police Officers (Speed Tolerance Guidelines)
- HANDS – Hazard, Anticipate, Necessity, Decide, Safety
1. MSPSL Routine – Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look
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When to Use: Every time you approach a junction, roundabout, or need to change lanes.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- The examiner checks if you use mirrors before signaling.
- Ensures you position the car correctly for the turn.
- Helps maintain appropriate speed for the situation.
- Encourages looking ahead for hazards.
2. LADA – Look, Assess, Decide, Act
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When to Use: At junctions, pedestrian crossings, and when anticipating hazards.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- The examiner looks for your ability to assess potential dangers before taking action.
- Helps avoid hesitation or rash decisions.
3. POM – Prepare, Observe, Move
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When to Use: Before moving off from a stationary position.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- You must prepare the car (find biting point if using a manual).
- Observe your surroundings, including blind spots.
- Move off safely without stalling or causing obstruction.
4. SCALP – Safe, Convenient, and Legal Position
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When to Use: When stopping or parking.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- The examiner checks if you stop in a safe place (e.g., not on a bend).
- Parking should be convenient (not blocking driveways).
- Ensuring it's legal (not on double yellow lines or near a bus stop).
5. COAST – Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space, Time
- When to Use: General driving, especially on busy roads.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Ensures constant awareness of surroundings.
- Helps anticipate the actions of other road users.
- Maintains safe following distance.
- Gives you time to react to hazards.
6. TUG – Take Up the Slack
- When to Use: On hill starts and clutch control situations.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Prevents rolling back on a hill.
- Ensures smooth acceleration without excessive revving.
7. DSSSM – Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors
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When to Use: Before starting your test (vehicle preparation).
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Driving Test Relevance:
- Ensures you check doors are properly shut.
- Adjust seat and steering wheel for comfort.
- Fasten seatbelt before starting.
- Adjust mirrors for maximum visibility.
8. PSL – Position, Speed, Look
- When to Use: When approaching hazards (e.g., roundabouts, crossings).
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Helps ensure correct lane positioning.
- Keeps appropriate speed for conditions.
- Encourages scanning for hazards before proceeding.
9. OSM – Observation, Signal, Manoeuvre
- When to Use: For lane changes, turning, or overtaking.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Ensures proper observation before making a move.
- Checks if you signal clearly before acting.
- Confirms your ability to manoeuvre safely.
10. OSM PSL – Observation, Signal, Manoeuvre – Position, Speed, Look
- When to Use: More detailed approach to junctions, roundabouts, and lane changes.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- The examiner expects you to observe early.
- Ensures you take the correct position and maintain proper speed.
- Encourages a final look before proceeding.
11. MSM – Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre
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When to Use: Basic version of MSPSL, useful for simple turns.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- Ensures you check mirrors before signaling.
- Avoids last-minute signaling or lane changes.
12. DOV – Direction, Observation, Vehicle
- When to Use: At roundabouts and lane selection.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Helps choose the correct lane for your direction.
- Encourages proper observation before entering a roundabout.
13. IPSGA – Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration
- When to Use: Advanced driving techniques (IAM & police driving).
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Useful for defensive driving and smooth control.
- Helps with approaching bends, roundabouts, and overtaking.
14. ACPO – Association of Chief Police Officers (Speed Tolerance Guidelines)
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When to Use: Understanding speed limits and enforcement.
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Driving Test Relevance:
- Avoids unintentional speeding.
- Ensures you stay within acceptable speed margins.
15. HANDS – Hazard, Anticipate, Necessity, Decide, Safety
- When to Use: For hazard perception and response.
- Driving Test Relevance:
- Helps assess potential dangers before reacting.
- Encourages calm, well-thought-out driving actions.
16. POF (Pay on Foot)
POF (Pay on Foot) refers to a parking payment system where drivers pay for their parking at a machine before returning to their vehicle.
How Pay on Foot Works:
- Entry: The driver takes a ticket from a machine when entering a parking facility.
- Payment: Before leaving, the driver pays at a kiosk (cash, card, or contactless payment).
- Exit: After payment, the ticket is validated or a QR code is provided, allowing the driver to exit.