Driving Test Tips to Help You Pass First Time

There’s a real sense of freedom being able to drive, but there’s a looming problem getting there – passing the dreaded theory and practical driving tests.

Once you get passed your theory test, when ready, the next step is booking your practical.

A practical driving test is an assessment of your ability to drive safely and competently on public roads under various conditions.

Passing this test can certainly be challenging, but you don’t have to face the challenge alone.

Even if you’re more than confident with your driving capabilities from your experience through lessons, a few tips can only steer you in the right direction for getting over the line.

1. Familiarise yourself with the test routes

First of all, being aware of where about your test will take place makes preparation that little bit easier.

Typically, people who are sitting their test will book at a local driving test centre, meaning the lessons that had been taken place prior should be in the vicinity of the practical test.

This means any lessons taken place before your test is not only learning on how to do drive, but is also to make yourself aware of your surroundings.

So just remember whilst you’re doing your lessons or even practicing driving with a provisional license with family or friends, these are the roads that you can be taking during your practical test.

2. Ensure proper mirror use

When practicing driving, your instructor should be drilling into you that observing your mirrors is crucial.

This includes during parking manoeuvres, overtaking, reversing, changing lanes, and more.

Proper or improper mirror use can be the difference between passing and failing your test, so ensure that the proper mirror use is a certainty.

3. Stay calm and focused

This next one might be a bit on the obvious side, but it’s very important to remain calm and keep a cool head when approaching your test.

We all understand that for most people, a practical driving test can be a very nerve wracking experience for anybody.

Make sure you’re taking deep breathes to calm yourself if any nerves are kicking in.

Also, try not home in on any mistakes you have made leading up to your test, or even any mistakes made during your practical test. Ensure all your devoted attention is to the roads you’re on and don’t overthink.

If your driving instructor says you’re ready, it probably means you’re ready to drive – once you get your mental state in check, the chances of passing your test go up drastically.

4. Practice manoeuvres

Just as you have been doing on the lead up to your test, the need for practicing manoeuvres is key in passing your practical.

During your lessons, you will have been learning and practicing manoeuvres. These manoeuvres consist of forward/reverse bay parking, parallel parking, pulling up on the right side of the road and emergency stopping.

Now you might have already mastered some of these crafts before your test, however, if there’s one or more manoeuvres you feel like you need practice on – just ask your instructor to get more reps in.

Try not bank on that one manoeuvre you’re not comfortable not being in your test – make sure you’re as well equipped with each manoeuvre as possible.

5. Keep your speed management under control

Upon taking your lessons or out practising with friends or family members in your free time, making sure you have the appropriate speed maintenance.

Many new drivers focus on keeping the speed low. Whilst the importance of keeping speeds low can’t be understated enough, ensure you are not going too slow, as you can get marked down for that as a minor, or even a major fault.

So make sure when driving, stick to the speed limits, without going too slow or too fast.

6. Take mock tests

Taking mock driving tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your practical driving test.

Mock tests simulate the real exam environment, helping you become familiar with the format and expectations.

They allow you to practice under test conditions, reducing anxiety on the actual day. Regular mock tests can highlight areas where you need improvement, giving you and your instructor a clear focus for your lessons.

By experiencing the pressure of a test situation multiple times, you’ll eventually build confidence and learn to manage nerves better like we discussed above.

Ultimately, mock tests are a rehearsal for the real thing, providing you with the opportunity to correct mistakes and fine-tune your driving skills, significantly increasing your chances of success on the big day.

Driving Test FAQs

What is the hardest thing to do in a driving test?

Whilst everyone has their personal preferences and challenges when it comes to driving tests, parallel parking is known to be the most difficult manoeuvre to master.

This manoeuvre requires precise control, spatial awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, making it a common point of difficulty for many learners during their driving test.

What do driving test examiners look for?

Examiners will look for a comforting and natural drive, but most importantly, no major faults throughout the test.

Minor faults are often acceptable as long as they don’t accumulate or lead to unsafe situations, but major faults compromise safety will result in a fail.

Therefore, maintaining control, making safe decisions, and adhering to the rules of the road are key to passing your test.

What is a major fault at a driving test?

If you receive a major fault during your driving test, it means you have not passed your practical and are not yet ready to receive your driver’s licence.

These major faults may include:

• Failing to observe properly
• Not responding to road signals or signs
• Hazardous dealing of junctions
• Driving extremely slow or fast
• Unsafe manoeuvring

Please note that three minor faults of the same hazard will lead to a major fault.

Do you break or clutch first for emergency stop?

For vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), press the clutch and brake pedals simultaneously when performing an emergency stop.

However if your vehicle does not have an ABS, you should look to brake firmly right before engaging the clutch.

How long does a practical driving test take?

Your driving test will take around 40 minutes to complete, during which you'll be assessed on various aspects of your driving ability.

This includes a mix of general driving, specific manoeuvres like parking or reversing, and a segment of independent driving where you'll follow either sat-nav directions or road signs.

The test duration also allows time for the 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions at the start.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your practical driving test involves not just mastering the technical skills but also building confidence and mental preparedness.

From taking mock tests to familiarize yourself with the test environment, to understanding the importance of proper mirror use and staying calm under pressure, each aspect plays a crucial role in your success.

Remember, the goal of the driving test is to demonstrate that you can drive safely and responsibly under various conditions.

By practicing consistently, understanding what examiners are looking for, and managing your nerves on the day, you'll be well-equipped to pass your driving test and take the next step toward becoming a confident, independent driver.

Good luck on your journey to getting your driver's license! And when (that’s right, when) you pass your driving test, you know to visit Blackcircles.com for tyres for your first car!