There is absolutely no one and no absolute method that can guarantee that you will pass the test successfully on your first try. All you have to do is keep practicing, relax your mind, and take a deep breath. In addition to these, the following ten suggestions can help you pass the driving test with the greatest success. I hope everyone can pass it smoothly and safely.
1. Wait until you’re ready
It can be tempting to book your test as soon as possible, but lots of people fail their first test because they haven’t taken enough lessons or built up enough driving experience to pass. To avoid wasting your time and money, and damaging your confidence, make sure you really feel ready before you take your test – even if this means moving the date of your appointment.
On the day of your test, aim to arrive at the driving test centre at least 20 minutes beforehand to help you prepare and focus.
2.Use your instructor’s car
You’ll be far more familiar with it and at ease. Plus, for the ‘show me, tell me’ questions, it’ll be much easier if you know where all the controls are. If you’ve been learning in your own car, or a family member’s, the same applies.
3.Don’t assume you’ve failed
If you make a mistake, try not to focus on it. You’re allowed 15 minor faults before you fail your test. Dwelling on that mistake could knock your confidence and affect the rest of your driving test.
If you know you’ll struggle to let it go, try thinking of your test as just another driving lesson and focus on doing the best you know you can do.
4.Choose where to take your test and get to know the routes
You can choose where to take your test. You might think it’ll be easier to focus on the driving test centres with fewer roundabouts and rural roads, but sometimes choosing a closer centre means you can practise the driving test routes more.
5.Learn to drive in a variety of conditions
The weather is uncontrollable, no matter what month you book your test in. So make sure you practise with your instructor in a variety of weather conditions, as well as when it’s dark, so you can become a confident driver in different situations.
6.Exaggerate mirror checks
One of the most common faults during a driving test is not checking your mirrors often enough and a lack of observation – especially when changing position and setting off. Make sure your examiner is aware that you’re checking your mirrors. If that means an exaggerated full neck swivel, do it.
7.Practice your theory
You may think that your theory test is in the past, but it’s an integral part of driving. From knowing and understanding road signs and regulations, to answering questions from the examiner, you need to be confident about the Highway Code.
8.Don’t be distracted by what the examiner is writing
During your test, the examiner will have a results sheet which they’ll write on. You may be tempted to try and look at this, but not only will you not be able to understand the scoring, it’s also dangerous and distracting. Keep your focus on your driving.
9.Anticipate and plan
There’s no way you can predict every possible thing that could happen during your driving test. But there are things you can expect, and train yourself to look out for.
You need to be alert and know how to react, from a car making an emergency stop in front of you, to a child running out into the road. By anticipating hazards, such as changing speed limits, oncoming traffic and zebra crossings, you can be prepared – with safe reactions becoming second nature.
And when it comes to planning, make sure you check the list of what to take with you so you’ll have everything you need on the day. On average, more than 4,500 driving tests a year don’t go ahead because people either haven’t brought the correct documents or took an unsuitable car to use.
10.Relax
We know driving tests are nerve-wracking, but if there’s anything you can do to calm your nerves, give it a go. That could be breathing exercises before and during your test or just being extra prepared.
It’s important you relax as much as possible, so you can focus on the roads and make sure you show the examiner the best of your abilities.