The DSA's Syllabus
Structured Learning Approach
We at SteerUK believe in a structured learning approach when teaching pupils to drive. So we have adopted the Key Skills method of teaching, using levels. After all it is the DSA's examiners who will decide if your safe to go alone on the roads. The meaning of each level is as follows:
- Level 1 the skill is introduced
- Level 2 it can be carried out under full instruction
- Level 3 it can be carried out correctly when prompted
- Level 4 it seldom needs to be prompted
- Level 5 you can carry it out consistently without any prompting
When you have reached level 5 and you are showing consistancy in the majority of key skills, then your ready to take the practical test.
Key Skills
This is the knowledge, attitudes and experience to achieve the DSA's safe driving for life award of a full UK Driving Licence.
- Cockpit checks
- Safety checks
- Controls and Instruments
- Moving away and stopping
- Safe positioning
- Mirrors-Vision and use Signals
- Anticipation and planning
- Use of speed
- Other traffic
- Junctions
- Roundabouts
- Pedestrian crossings
- Dual carriageways
- Turning the vehicle around
- Reversing
- Controlled stop
- Darkness
- Weather conditions
- Environmental issues
- Passengers and carrying loads
- Security


