Methodology
How the Steer Score
is actually built.
What is the Steer Score methodology?
The Steer Score is a weighted 0–100 rating built from 6 real-world driving dimensions, each scored during a standardised 30-minute in-vehicle assessment by a certified instructor.
Vehicle Control and Hazard Perception carry the most weight (20% each) because they underpin every other dimension; City Navigation and Highway Driving follow at 18% each; All Conditions and Defensive Driving complete the score at 12% each.
Example: a driver strong in city traffic but who has never merged onto a highway at speed will score well on City Navigation but low on Highway Driving — the total score reflects that specific, real gap rather than a single vague rating.
Key takeaway: the score is a diagnostic breakdown, not a single pass/fail number — it tells you exactly which of the 6 dimensions to work on.
Vehicle Control
20%Clutch, brakes, steering input, spatial awareness — the physical foundation of driving.
Hazard Perception
20%Reading the road 3–5 seconds ahead and anticipating rather than reacting to hazards.
City Navigation
18%Intersections, roundabouts, lane discipline, parking, and peak-hour traffic flow.
Highway Driving
18%Merging at speed, sustained lane discipline, and safe overtaking.
All Conditions
12%Response to rain, night, and low-visibility driving.
Defensive Driving
12%Buffer space, speed management, and reaction to unpredictable traffic.
How each assessment is scored
- 01
The instructor follows a standardised route and scenario set for every assessment, so scores are comparable across instructors and cities.
- 02
Each of the 6 dimensions is scored independently during the 30-minute drive, using a fixed rubric rather than a subjective overall impression.
- 03
The 6 dimension scores are combined using the fixed weighting above into a single 0–100 total.
- 04
The total is contextualised against the wider pool of assessments, and a specific program is recommended based on the lowest-scoring dimensions.
Methodology Questions
What is a good Steer Score?
71–100 (Capable to Steer Certified) reflects genuinely skilled, confident driving. 51–70 (Competent) is solid with a clear next step. Below 50 simply means there's a specific, addressable gap.
How is the Steer Score calculated?
Your instructor scores 6 weighted dimensions — Vehicle Control 20%, Hazard Perception 20%, City Navigation 18%, Highway Driving 18%, All Conditions 12%, Defensive Driving 12% — during the in-vehicle assessment, combined into a 0–100 total.
What are the 6 dimensions the Steer Score measures?
Vehicle Control, Hazard Perception, City Navigation, Highway Driving, All Conditions, and Defensive Driving.
How often should I retake the Steer Score assessment?
After completing a program, or roughly annually to track progress — Steer Member and above tiers include an annual re-assessment.
Does the Steer Score expire?
It reflects your capability at the time of assessment; retaking it after a program shows your actual improvement rather than an assumed one.
Can I see my score history?
Yes — logged-in members can view their score history and progress on the dashboard.
What's the difference between the Steer Score and a driving test score?
The RTO test is pass/fail on rule compliance in a short, low-speed route. The Steer Score is a 0–100 scale across 6 real-world dimensions in real traffic conditions.
Is the Steer Score assessment the same every time?
Yes — the protocol is standardised (specific road types, scenarios, and conditions) so scores are comparable across assessments and instructors.
Can I fail the Steer Score assessment?
No — there's no pass/fail. Every score becomes a starting point and a recommended next step, not a verdict.
Do I get a written report after my assessment?
Yes — a full PDF report covering your total score, the 6-dimension breakdown, and your recommended program.