I was one of
those lucky ones, who managed to pass my driving test the first time. God alone
knows how, though, because I totally screwed one of my reversing around a
corner and the examiner had to remind to me indicate at a junction! They tell
me that driving tests are even harder to pass first time these days, so here
are ten tips for learner drivers on how to pass your practical driving test.
1. Don’t tell everyone you are taking your test
Don’t tell
all your friends when your driving test is because they will tell you all the horror
stories they have heard about mean examiners and their own test failures and,
of course, they will have all the advice in the world on how to pass your test.
Telling your friends will only add to
the pressure, though, and worst still, your friends might even decide to hang
out somewhere on the test route and try and put you off.
2. Get to know the test routes
Any driving instructor
worth what you are paying him will know the routes the test examiners take and they
will take you on practice runs around them. Get as much practice on the routes
as you can and familiarise yourself with them. It will be one less thing to be
thinking about when you actually take your driving test.
3. Practice your manoeuvres over and over
again
The more
often that you can practice your manoeuvres, the more comfortable you feel
doing them on the day of your test. Practice will also help you feel less
nervous and it’s nerves that are often the cause of driving teat failures.
4. Get as much practice as you can
It can be very
useful if you can get a friend, or a family member, who has a full licence, to
give you extra tuition and practice on their car. Remember, the only reason
that driving becomes second nature, is because people do so much driving. If
you can get someone to help you out, suggest that they take out learner driver insurance,
just in case. It only costs a few pounds extra per day.
5. Get to the test centre early
You are
unlikely to pass your driving test if you get there all flustered and sweaty,
so give yourself plenty of time to get to the test centre in the day of your
test. Try and arrive at least ten minutes early, so you get plenty of time to check
in and compose yourself.
6. Don’t rush adjusting the car to suit you
When you first
get in the car, take your time adjusting the mirrors and the seat and make sure
that you are perfectly comfortable before you set off. You certainly won’t pass your test, if you
try adjusting the seat whilst driving, or you keep fiddling with the mirrors!
As I said in
the introduction, I felt pretty sure that I hadn't passed my driving test because
of the two mistakes that I had made, but I was wrong. If you do make a mistake,
don’t panic and give up. The examiner will be assessing how calmly you deal with
that mistake and how well you correct it. After all, how you deal with the unexpected,
is as just as important as how well you do on any part of your driving test.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat
instructions
You will be
nervous and all your concentration will be focused on your driving, so, if you don’t
hear what the examiner has said, then ask them to repeat the instruction. You
will be unlikely to pass your test, if you keep turning right, when the examiner
says turn left!
9. Wear comfortable clothes on the day of
your test
You’re not dressing
to impress on the day of your driving test, so dress in something comfortable that
allows you plenty of freedom of movement. Jeans, tee-shirt and comfortable trainers
are probably the best bet.
You nerves
might mean that you don’t feel hungry, but do try to grab a bite to eat before
you take your driving test. If you are hungry, and, or, thirsty, then that will
only increase your nerves and stop you concentrating properly.
11. Concentrate on the road
Try not to
think too much about the examiner, concentrate on the road and concentrate on driving
smoothly. They've seen it all before and they will spot it, if you take a peek at their notes.
12. Think positively
Think positively
and you will have a better chance of passing your driving test. Being in the right, positive frame of mind can
make all the difference on the day of your test between a pass and a fail. So, come
on, say it! I am going to pass my driving test!
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