Car and light van driving syllabus
(category B)

Safety Standards Service
Car and light van driving syllabus
(category B)

Introduction to the ‘Car and light van driving syllabus (category B)
Aim of the syllabus
Who is this syllabus for?
How to use this syllabus
Supporting documentation
Unit 1: Preparing a vehicle and its occupants for a journey
Unit aim
Learning outcomes
Unit 2: Guide and control a vehicle
Unit aim
Learning outcomes
Unit content
Unit 3: Driving a vehicle in accordance with The Highway Code
Unit aim
Learning outcomes
Unit content
Unit 4: Drive safely and efficiently
Unit aim
Learning outcomes
Unit content
Car and light van driving syllabus
(category B)

Introduction to the ‘Car and light van driving syllabus
(category B)’
This syllabus sets out an approach to training drivers in the skills, knowledge and understanding
required to be a safe and responsible driver of a category B vehicle1
.
The syllabus is based on the ‘National standard for driving cars and light vans (category B)’; an
evidence-based statement of the competences needed for safe and responsible driving throughout
your driving career.
The syllabus is intended to describe good practice for driver training. In a world of client-centred
learning, however, there will be many different, valid ways to deliver the learning outcomes. We
hope our approach will provide a bridge between the thinking we are developing at the Driver and
Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the work being carried out by the wide range of
organisations involved in driver training and road safety in general.
In line with its philosophy of safe driving for life, DVSA recognises that the syllabus will evolve and
develop over time. We are open to engagement and dialogue with our key stakeholders to make
sure that all our standards and syllabuses remain up to date.
Aim of the syllabus
This syllabus aims to provide a structured approach to gaining the skills, knowledge and
understanding to be a safe and responsible road-user in this class of vehicle.
Drivers who fully engage with the programme of study and training that this syllabus supports will
be able to demonstrate
 their knowledge and understanding of the theory of safe driving
 their ability to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding while driving
 their ability to reflect on their own driving performance and to recognise the need to take
remedial action if needed

1 The word ‘vehicle’ is used in the text to cover all types of car and light vans included in licence
category B.
Car and light van driving syllabus
(category B)

Who is this syllabus for?
This syllabus is for
 the learner (provisional or full licence holders)
 the trainer
All references in this syllabus to ‘trainer’ include approved driving instructors (ADIs) and any
competent, qualified person supporting the learner. Anybody wishing to conduct training in any
element of this Syllabus must make sure that they meet all legal requirements.