If you’re looking for driving test tips, and you want to pass your driving test first time, then you’re in the right place.
So what do you need to know to get ready for the big day?
Driving Test Tips
1. Relax
Firstly… chill out! The test is not the big scary monster that your mates have been telling you about. And neither are the examiners! They are just ordinary people like you and me; and they’re not out to fail you. An examiner’s day is much more enjoyable if they get good drivers and can hand out passes. It means they have much less writing to do.
2. Make sure you’re ready!
Most people fail driving tests simply because they take them too early. So don’t be in a rush! You need to get plenty of practise under your belt, preferably with an instructor, in addition to plenty of private practise. Also, make sure that you drive on plenty of different roads, and at different times of the day. Experience goes a very long way to giving you the ability and confidence that you need to pass.
3. Choose a good driving instructor
It can be a minefield when you set out to choose a driving instructor. The quality of training that you get can vary dramatically from one to another. Avoid those who sell them cheaply, they do that for a reason! Ideally you need to get several recommendations from people who have already passed with the trainer that you choose. And those passes should be first or second time.
4. Know the area
Whichever test centre you choose, take plenty of time to get to know the area. Test routes can cover a radius of several miles in all directions. Ensure that you get to know any particularly busy junctions or unusual road layouts. If you’re familiar with which lane you need to be in to reach a certain destination, you won’t have to worry so much about looking for traffic signs and road markings.
5. Vehicle Checks
On the day, make sure that the car you are using is clean, tidy, and roadworthy. Don’t leave it to the last moment, driving test tips says check:
- that your tyres are in good condition
- your lights and indicators are working
- the horn works
- seatbelts are in working order
- and that there are no warning lights on your dashboard
In addition, make sure your windows are clean and mirrors are not cracked.
If you’re in a driving school car, it’s your instructor’s responsibility to take care of all this. If you’re in a private car however, make sure you have an extra adjustable rear-view mirror for the examiner to use. Also, be careful to ensure that your ‘L’ plates are clearly visible, but not stuck in the windows where they may block the view.
6. Show me tell me
Answering one of the ‘show me tell me’ questions is one of the first things you will have to do. Practise these regularly so that you’re confident in carrying out all the checks. You may have to lift the bonnet, so keep a cloth or some wipes hand to clean your hands if necessary.
7. Be prepared
Dress comfortably, and make sure that you have with you everything that you need. Your driving licence is essential. If you have an old, paper style licence you will also need a passport for ID. Things such as your theory test pass certificate, and vehicle insurance are not essential. You should take your appointment letter or email with you however. Make sure that you double check the details – it’s surprising how many people turn up at the wrong time, or even at the wrong test centre!
Get to the test centre in good time; but not so early that you’re sitting around waiting for too long.
Don’t do too much driving before you get there. It’s a good idea to have a drive to help settle yourself, but drive for too long and you will likely become tired and lose concentration.
8. During the test
Be pleasant and courteous to your examiner. Remember though that they have a job to do which requires them to make an impartial decision about your driving, so don’t try to be over friendly.
Once you get going, remember your training and just drive the way you were taught. Try not to worry if you make a mistake. Nobody drives perfectly and most mistakes will probably only result in a minor driving fault. The main thing is that you concentrate on what happens next.
If something does start to go wrong, driving test tips says think about what you’re doing and don’t react in panic. Sometimes it’s not about the mess you get into, but how you get out of it. If you stay calm and act safely and sensibly, you can often rescue a situation. And as long as your examiner is satisfied that you’re capable of being safe even when you’re making mistakes (as long as they’re not serious), then you may well still earn yourself that pass certificate.
9. The stories
There are many ‘driving test tips’ written by people who don’t really know the facts. So be careful not to listen to or be influenced by silly stories such as:
“Exaggerate your head movements so the examiner can see you using your mirrors.”
“Make sure that you signal for everything.”
“Never cross your hands on the wheel.”
“If you get the guy with the thick glasses you’ve already failed!”
These and many other rumours are simply not true. The test itself is fairly straightforward if you’re properly prepared for it. There’s nothing mysterious about it, and you will not have to do anything that you haven’t been practising with your driving instructor. And believe it or not, if there’s anything you’re not sure about you can just ask the examiner. Don’t worry, they are willing to help where they can!
10. Read The Driving Test & How to Pass
The Driving Test & How to Pass is an authoritative guide to the driving test. It’s written by someone who has worked for many years, both as driving instructor and driving examiner. It will take you through the whole process, from booking a test, to preparing for it, and how to pass it. Available in eBook, paperback and PDF.