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It’s an intimidating challenge yet rewarding accomplishment that every (legal) driver must face: passing the driving exam. Without making the grade, that highly-desirable driver’s license won’t make it into your wallet.
Undoubtedly, everyone you know has stories of how and why they didn’t pass the driver’s test on their first try. But you don’t have to let that happen to you! Before the exam proctor sets foot in your car, give yourself the best chance of passing by following these tips for acing your driving exam.
Your parents have told you it. Your driver teacher told you it. That policeman told you it. The pizza delivery boy told you it. And they’re all correct: to pass the driver’s exam, you have to practice driving.
Do your research and find out the route–or at least the neighborhood–where your driver’s exam will take place. Go during off-hours and familiarize yourself with the area–the speed limits, the intersections, the traffic, etc. Minimize the chance of any surprises.
Passing both the street driving and maneuverability tests have a lot to do with selecting the best car. Select a vehicle that
Do a quick check on the vehicle to ensure it’s not gonna poop out on you during the exam. Check the fuel and fluid levels, window/windshield transparency, headlights, brakes, etc. If the vehicle’s not blowing smoke or making atrocious noises, give its interior a cleaning; that way, you won’t give the examiner a bad impression when he sits down.
You never know what might happen on the road. Leave from your house early and arrive at the office early to ensure you’re not frantically sprinting in. A calm, collected mind is an asset during your exam.
It should go without saying, but you need to minimize distractions during the exam–particularly those within the vehicle. You need to be focusing on the road–and showing the examiner that you are–so turn off the radio, trash the coffee cup, shut off the phone, and for goodness’ sake, don’t GoPro or Facebook Live your driver’s test.
To give yourself the best chance of passing:
1. Find the right instructor for you. Even before you start thinking about the test, find the most compatible instructor – one that you can work with and trust. Don’t be afraid to book a tester lesson too and if you are not comfortable then move on! You will be spending an average of 30 – 40 hours together so finding a good instructor will not only increase your chances of passing first time but may also reduce the amount of hours needed to reach test standard.
2. Always look for learning opportunities. As a passenger put yourself, figuratively at least, in the driving seat. At junctions or roundabouts run through your mirror, signal manoeuvre steps just as you would do during a driving test. The more you do this, the more it will become second nature to you. During the test itself, you ideally want this to be second nature.
3. ‘Show me, Tell me’ questions. Designed to test your practical knowledge, you may be asked anything from how to check if your break lights are working through to making sure your head restraint provides the best protection in the event of a crash. Read up on these scenarios and have an answer prepared for each.
4. Driving test routes. As the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) don’t publish driving test routes it always makes sense to have an understanding on what areas and roads you may be expected to navigate during your test. You can expect large and complicated roundabouts, junctions or crossroads to always be included and these can be identified by Google Maps.
5. Practice, practice and practice some more. Practicing your manoeuvres as often as you can will help you feel more comfortable when performing them in the test – especially if you are able to do these in the car which you will take your test in.
6. Revisit your theory. Knowing your signs and your highway code when on your test will greatly settle your nerves and boost your confidence – allowing you to drive in a relaxed and safe way. And, your examiner will notice.
7. Mock test. There are a number of online resources available enabling you to get plenty of practice in before the official test day. Practice tests posted by the DVSA have 50 questions whereas the live test will see you faced with 100.
8. Stay calm and don’t panic. It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed – particularly if you make a mistake, if you are not sure how to proceed, or if your mind goes blank at a crucial juncture.
9. Eat before your test. You need fuel as much as your car. By ensuring you are hydrated and nourished will, in turn, help to energise you, ensuring optimal levels of concentration and performance.
10. You are not the Examiner! Whatever you may think about your performance on the day, you must remember that the examiner owns the final opinion. This works both ways; you could feel you have failed following a mishap or lapse in concentration. Remember though, if you have addressed the issue correctly and done all you can to maintain the safety of yourself and other road users, the examiner may think that you have done everything properly, and therefore won’t fail you. Stay calm and be confident. This does not mean you can’t drive well. What you do next however will be a testament to your driving skill. Remain calm, assess the situation and take the appropriate action to remedy it. This is noted by your examiner and correctly & calmly addressing any issues is a bonus.
