Many people ask us for tips about passing your driving tests so we have put together a list of the following:-
- Listen to your instructor’s advice. Driving Instructors are professional, experienced people who know the standard required to pass. They will let you know when you are ready. It is not advisable to take the test if you are not ready
- Get some private practice. Extra experience on the road will help you gain the confidence and skills you need. If you can, get some private practice with friends or family but make sure you continue with what you have been taught so you don’t let yourself get into bad habits. Also make sure you are insured and licensed for the vehicle you are driving.
- Use good all round observations throughout your test. This could be your mirrors and blindspots moving off, it could be mirror checks along the road, observations at junctions or all-round observations on maneouvres. Observations are the thing that are going to stop you having an accident. If you know where everyone else is around you then you will avoid pulling out in front of or getting too close to someone.
- Plan well ahead at all times. Planning ahead will ensure you are always in the right position for the right reason, and at the right speed for the situation. This will avoid you having to make sudden changes in directions or sudden braking which could lead to a fail in your test.
- Try not to panic. Its natural to be nervous on your lessons and your test. However, panicking very rarely helps. Try to stay calm and drive naturally as you would when you pass or have done on your lessons. Try not to overthink everything or judge your own driving. Just concentrate on driving to the best of your ability.
- Don’t worry about every mistake. Try not to judge your drive yourself and worry about every mistake. Something you think is the end of the world may only be considered to be a minor fault. Remember you will have been taught to a very high standard for your test but there is allowance for minor driving faults. Worrying about mistakes can cause you to give up, make more mistakes later on or get more nervous on your test.
- Know the Highway Code. The Highway Code is the document that contains the rules and guidance on the road. People used to read it thoroughly but more recently people have started to learn by rote, ie.memorise theory questions. The examiners will follow the rules in the Highway Code when judging your driving so it makes sense to know it too.
- Make sure you have your documents. For both the theory test and the practical test you must take BOTH parts of your provisional driving licence. In addition, you need to take the theory test pass certificate along to your practical test. You will get a letter/email telling you this. Its amazing how many people forget their documents on the big day. Also, check in advance you haven’t lost them since starting your lessons.
- Have your eyesight checked. It is a legal requirement that you must be able to read a number plate from 20.5m away in good daylight. This will be checked at the start of your test. If you can’t do this you will fail your test before even being allowed to step in the car. Please get this checked.
- Watch out for all road signs and markings. Make sure you look/plan ahead to ensure you are responding to road signs, markings, traffic lights as many of these are a legal requirement.
- Also look ahead for changes in the traffic situation and reduce your speed below the speed limit if necessary. You should make good progress throughout your test, within the speed limit, but only when it is safe to do so.
- If you want more advice on passing your test, driving or wish to book then please contact us.
