What to do/not do on the Practical Driving Test

I thought this might make it easier for people who are trying to learn/pass the Practical test if we just list the things that will either pass or fail you. I will add/change the list as you guys post. Also correct me if I'm wrong on anything. Here's some that I can think of right now:

DO:
Turn and LOOK at your rear window when reversing - take seatbelt off if necessary.
Move your head around like a bobblehead to display MSM, just moving your eyes ain't gonna cut it.
Use handbreak when on a hill (rolling back gets you a minor).
Use push/pull method when steering.

DO NOT:
Use Indicators (signals) when no car or pedetrian is around to see/benefit from it.
Cross your hands when steering.
Panic if you stall. Calmly put handbreak up then 1st gear, then restart.

I'm not sure I'd take your seatbelt off!

You're definitely right about the bobblehead though!

About the seatbelt thing while reversing. I read that somewhere, that it's allowed as long as you put it back on afterwards, like after you do the manoever and resuming the test. I personally would never do it lol.

DO NOT:
Use Indicators (signals) when no car or pedetrian is around to see/benefit from it.

I think a "do and do not" list for this is going to be quite difficult as it seems that many of us are told different things and have different experiences in the test themselves.

I used my signal regardless of if anyone was around (especially when pulling away from a kerb) and was never marked down or told not to do it.  I even asked my instructor if the examiners would mark me for "over use" of indicators and he said "as long as you are safe and not indicating in the wrong direction or at the wrong time, no they will not".

I used my signal regardless of if anyone was around (especially when pulling away from a kerb) and was never marked down or told not to do it.  I even asked my instructor if the examiners would mark me for "over use" of indicators and he said "as long as you are safe and not indicating in the wrong direction or at the wrong time, no they will not".

That's interesting -- because I've always heard you weren't to indicate until you had checked if there were other vehicles about and if there were none you would definitely not signal. If you indicated willy-nilly it would show you weren't paying proper attention to the road. 
I was always concerned about the pedestrian waiting to cross the street -- they might find it helpful if you indicated! It's a hard habit to break.

Thats what I'm saying - it seems that a lot of people are told a lot of different things and some examiners issue minors for things that others wouldnt.

My instructor told to me ALWAYS signal before pulling away from a kerb. In the test, my examiner asked me to pull up to the kerb and then away from the kerb about three different times and each time I had a good look around, saw no cars, then flipped on my signal and pulled into the road. 

I had three minors on my test and none of them had to do with indicator usage.

I think mirrajay is right in that it will depend on where you're taking your test. Some examiners seem to expect things that others don't. And your driving instructor will likely know that, so you'll be taught accordingly.

I got a minor on my driving test because a pedestrian walked out into the road and I stopped for him.  Apparently I wasn't supposed to as he wasn't in a zebra/pelican/toucan crossing.  I guess I was supposed to hit him.   

I think it all depends upon where you live as well. My instructor has said absolutely do NOT signal when moving away from the kerb if there is no one around. One time I had a good look around - saw no one - so pulled away without signalling and he pointed out some geezer waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay up the road and said I should have signalled. 

The thing I'm having a hard time with is having to put on the handbrake - I'm driving an automatic!!! - when stopped at a pelican crossing or a red light! But that's the way I'm being taught and I figure he must know what the local examiner is going to look for.   

I think it all depends upon where you live as well. My instructor has said absolutely do NOT signal when moving away from the kerb if there is no one around. One time I had a good look around - saw no one - so pulled away without signalling and he pointed out some geezer waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay up the road and said I should have signalled. 

The thing I'm having a hard time with is having to put on the handbrake - I'm driving an automatic!!! - when stopped at a pelican crossing or a red light! But that's the way I'm being taught and I figure he must know what the local examiner is going to look for.   

I wish they would have one set of rules and just stick to it. I mean what does it hurt if you signal when no one is around? Someone could come around the corner before you realize it - I think that was the logic used when I was taught in the US.

I think if you're the 1st in a queue of traffic (like at a light) then you have to regardless if you're driving an automatic. Also,anywhere where you're having to wait for a while.

Nope.  You do not need to use the handbrake in an auto where I took the test.  My instructor said I could use it at a light if I was first, but that I didn't have to.

I did not and passed.

I think it's common knowledge that it's easier to pass in some places than others. We knew a woman in Leeds who was having trouble and when she took the test in Harrogate she passed with flying colours!

Nope.  You do not need to use the handbrake in an auto where I took the test.  My instructor said I could use it at a light if I was first, but that I didn't have to.

I did not and passed.

This was my experience too.  My instructor said to use if if I was first at a zebra crossing, but otherwise not to bother. (I never used it and passed)

Another reason why when it comes to driving, you should really listen to your instructor rather than others on this forum.

Well, the smart thing to do is to hire an instructor even for just a couple of times (if only to figure out how to pass the test).