Driving Routines

Learning to drive, especially in the initial phases can be confusing and challenging. Part of a good driving instructors job is to make this process as easy as possible.

Driving abbreviations, known as routines help to make the process of learning to drive and safety easier for learners to remember. This section details the most frequently used routines and their explanation of when to apply them. Although many driving instructors use these, it is not essential as an instructor may adopt their own methods and routines if desired.

The driving test routes are designed for each and every driving test centre to incorporate many left and right turns and junctions of all types. Using these driving routines is important not only for safety reasons, but crucial to passing the driving test.

As a great many driving instructors use these particular driving routines, learning them all will save time (and money) on driving lessons by providing more time for what is most important – driving.


DSSSM driving routine
DSSSM driving routine

DSSSM driving routine

DSSSM routine – Doors, Seat, Steering, Seat belt and mirrors routine is what every learner driver needs to learn on their very first driving lesson. The DSSSM routine helps learner drivers to remember the correct cockpit drill procedure and in the correct order.



Mirror Signal Manoeuvre
Mirror Signal Manoeuvre

Mirror Signal Manoeuvre

The Mirror Signal Manoeuvre routine often known as MSM is the most well-known driving routine to all drivers. Taught to all learner drivers, the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre routine if followed correctly, can not only make safer drivers, but can often lead to a successful driving test pass.


SCALP driving routine
SCALP driving routine

SCALP driving routine

The SCALP driving routine – Safe, Convenient, And Legal Position routine is an integral part of the driving test. Parking up during a driving test is much harder than it appears as there are many situations and circumstances that must be avoided. This tutorial explains the correct SCALP procedure.



MSPSL driving routine
MSPSL driving routine

MSPSL driving routine

The MSPSL driving routine – Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and look routine is one of the most frequently used routines during driving lessons and the driving test. MSPSL applies to many aspect of driving safely and should be practiced until it is conducted in all applicable circumstances.


LADA driving routine
LADA driving routine

LADA driving routine

The LADA driving routine is an extension of the MSPSL routine and helps learner drivers to assess traffic and potential hazards just before traffic systems and deciding when it’s safe to go or to stay. The routine takes time to master but becomes easier with practice.



POM driving routine
POM driving routine

POM driving routine

The POM driving routine – Prepare, observe and move routine is essential for every learner driver to use. Many driving test are failed simply for moving the car off from either a stationary parked position or in traffic. This tutorial explains what POM is and when to apply this routine in a driving test.


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