Keeping moving safely (progress)

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2 Safe gaps, sensible speed, traffic lights

Why it matters

Progress faults are the second most common on failed or abandoned car tests, and their share has grown. Being too slow or hesitant counts as a fault, not only being too fast.

16% of these faults in 2024: the second most common area.
Source: RSA: Annual Report 2024, chart 'Most common faults at the test (car tests only)', printed p. 39 · Published: 2025 (report for 2024)
In 2018 it was 13%, so its share has grown.
Source: RSA: Annual Report 2018 ('Review of Activity 2018') · Published: 2019 (report for 2018)

What the examiner looks for

Go when there is a safe gap. Waiting for no reason at a junction, roundabout or light is a fault.
Keep a sensible speed for the road and the conditions: not too slow on a clear road, slower in fog or rain.
At traffic lights, know what a green arrow or a flashing amber allows. Missing a whole green light can fail the test.

Source: RSA marking guide for testers, page 13

Keeping moving safely (progress)

Why it matters

What the examiner looks for

Drills