The examiner is not looking for a perfect driver — they are looking for a safe one. Learn the formulas, know the immediate failures, and understand exactly what happens on test day.
Learn by heart
Essential driving formulas
Most observation and planning faults happen when these are not followed. Make them automatic.
MSPSL
Mirror · Signal · Position · Speed · Look
Before you change direction — turning left or right, stopping, and roundabouts.
1Mirror2Signal3Position4Speed5Look
MSM
Mirror · Signal · Manoeuvre
The "bible of driving". Automatically, every time you move off, change lane, pass an obstruction or leave a roundabout. Always check it is safe first.
1Mirror2Signal3Manoeuvre
LMSM
Look · Mirror · Signal · Manoeuvre
When you are leaving a roundabout.
1Look2Mirror3Signal4Manoeuvre
Cockpit drill
Every time you get in the car
Your very first routine before you move off.
1Doors2Handbrake & neutral3Driving position4Mirrors5Seat belt6Start engine7MSM & move off
No warnings · no second chances
Immediate failures
Any one of these ends the test straight away. Learn them so they never happen. Repeating the same minor fault 4 or more times is also a fail.
Documents
No valid ID card, Learner's Permit or Blue Paper (if applicable)
Moving off
Moving without the correct procedure — engine, correct gear, handbrake, then MSM
Road markings & lanes
Driving in a bus lane
Crossing a solid white line
Driving on zig-zag markings
Poor lane discipline or cutting corners
Wrong direction or entering a no-entry road
Speed & control
Excessive speed
Driving with the handbrake on
Driving in neutral
Riding the clutch instead of engine control
Junctions & signs
Failing to stop at a stop sign
Not stopping correctly at a T-junction
Failing to give way
Stopping inside a yellow box junction
Crossings & lights
Not giving priority at a pedestrian crossing
Stopping on a pedestrian crossing
Incorrect reaction to traffic lights
Visibility
No lights in a tunnel or poor visibility
No wipers in rain when required
Awareness & contact
Not reacting safely to a car parking or manoeuvring
Hitting a vehicle, mirror, kerb or fixed object
Hill starts & gears
Rolling backwards in 1st gear
Moving forward with reverse selected
Excessive rollback on an uphill start
Parking
Parking outside the bay
Using more than two spaces
Causing an obstruction
Vehicle safety questions
"Show me, tell me"
At the start of your test the examiner asks basic safety-check questions. Tell me = explain it. Show me = demonstrate it.
Tell me — explain
?How would you check the brakes are working before a journey?
They should not feel spongy or slack; test them as you set off; the car should not pull to one side.
?Where are the recommended tyre pressures, and how are they checked?
In the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable gauge, check and adjust when tyres are cold, don't forget the spare, and refit the valve caps.
?How do you check tyres have enough tread and are safe?
No cuts or bulges; at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and all the way round.
?How is your head restraint correctly adjusted?
The rigid part at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
?How would you check the headlights and tail lights work (without leaving the car)?
Operate the switch (ignition on if needed), then explain you would walk around the vehicle.
?How would you know there is a problem with the ABS?
A warning light on the dashboard stays on if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Show me — demonstrate
✓Check the direction indicators work
Operate the indicators or hazard switch and check they all flash (ignition on if needed).
✓Windscreen washer reservoir & level
Identify the reservoir and explain how you check the level.
✓Check the brake lights work
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to help.
✓Check the power-assisted steering works
Gentle pressure on the wheel as the engine starts should give a slight movement; or turn the wheel just after moving off.
✓Check the handbrake for excessive wear
Apply the footbrake firmly, then apply the handbrake so it secures itself and is not at the end of its travel.
✓Check the engine oil level
Identify the dipstick and check the level against the minimum and maximum markers.
✓Check the engine coolant level
Identify the high/low markings on the header tank (or radiator cap) and describe topping up.
✓Check the brake fluid level
Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.
✓Check the horn works
Operate the control (ignition on if needed) — off-road only.
✓Clean the windscreen
Operate the washer and wipers.
✓Clear the windows with the demister
Set the fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen to clear the front and rear windows.
✓Switch on the rear fog light & explain its use
Operate the switch (dipped headlights on), check the warning light, and use it only in poor visibility.
✓Switch from dipped to main beam
Operate the switch and confirm with the blue main-beam warning light.
Once your test is booked
Your test date & admin
Once you have your Batch Number, your application is with Transport Malta — dates, times and scheduling are handled by them, not the school.
Check your test date
The date usually appears online about 7–12 days before the test; the time is usually not shown. For the time, wait for the appointment letter (3–5 days after), or call Transport Malta Floriana on +356 21221593.
Email Transport Malta and CC the school. Attach your appointment letter, ID card (or ID number) and supporting documents (e.g. flight tickets). Always include your ID number.
Appeals go directly to Transport Malta by email. Attach your result paper, ID number (or a copy of your ID card) and a written report explaining clearly why you are appealing.
If your name, ID number, address or other details are wrong or have changed, complete Form DRV 010 and give it to your instructor or submit it to Transport Malta — so your permit, appointments and licence reach you.
