How to pass your driving test, when should I book my practical and theory and what are the weirdest reasons people have failed?
PASSING your driving test is seen as an important milestone for many but it is not always an easy thing to do.
It can be a nerve-wracking task to learn to drive but this can be even more intense when you start your driving test.
How long does a driving test last?
There are 5 parts to the driving test:
- an eyesight check
- ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
- general driving ability
- reversing your vehicle
- independent driving
Once you get in the car, you will drive for around 40 minutes.
You’ll drive for around 70 minutes if you’re taking an extended driving test because you’ve been banned from driving.
It's possible you'll get stuck in traffic if you're taking the test in a busy area but this should not be an issue and the instructor might take you a shorter route.
How far will I drive during my test?
The distance can vary between each test.
If you have faster roads around the area you're doing your test in you may drive further.
Most tests take place in residential areas so you will be going at most 30mph.
This means if you're driving for 40 minutes at this speed you will probably drive around 20 miles.
You may go slower at points or faster so this is just an estimation.
Test centres tend to have circular routes for you to drive and end up back at the centre so you will be unlikely to leave the town or city limits.
How do I pass my driving test?
Most people take around 40 hours of lessons, although you can do an intensive course to get you ready in a matter of days or weeks.
The best thing is to take the test when you feel confident in your ability to pass.
You can always retake the exam but there is no reason to rush to the test if you're not ready.
There are some simple steps for giving you the best chance of passing.
Location, location, location
Where you're taking the test can have a big impact with pass rates differing hugely across the country.
Test centres in the West Midlands are statistically hardest while rural Scotland is best – although it's a bit of a stretch to travel if you live in the south.
Take a mock exam
Keep your lessons on a regular pattern – ideally once a week – to keep you in the flow.
Chart your progression and target key areas of weakness.
A mock exam can also be a great way to see just how ready you are for your big day.
Get your head down
No, don't look at your feet while you're driving – that's a sure-fire fail.
Instead make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep before the test.
You need to be alert and attentive so you can react to the road.
Taking a lesson before the test can also help to get you in the right mindset for driving.
The examiner isn't your enemy – and he's not filling a quota
Although examiners might seem steely and hard – they take no joy in failing someone.
They'd rather give someone good news but have to be fair and safe.
Every single test is assessed on its own merits, meaning examiners can pass as many as they like on the day – the quota myth is entirely made up.
Don't think that taking the test later in the day, when lots of people have passed already, means you stand less of a chance.
If you're safe, you'll pass.
Play it cool to ease the nerves
The driving test, like any exam, can be nerve-wracking and that's perfectly normal.
But don't let your nerves overtake you – focus, concentrate, remember to breathe and listen to the examiner's instructions.
If you can control your nerves and you've put the hours in practising then the rest will take care of itself.
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