Passing Your Driving Test

We've all heard the horror stories - the friend who took eleven times to pass their driving test, the relative who crashed during the exam and the colleague who was simply never granted the elusive license.

So, how does a learner motorist ensure that they do not become driving test folklore and pass their exam swiftly?

Firstly, it is important to know exactly what the test will entail so there are no surprises on the big day. Being caught out by the unexpected will only make a candidate's nerves worse.

The driving test will always begin with an eyesight check. This will normally involve the examiner asking the candidate to read the number plate of a car parked in the area. If a candidate fails this test, they will not be able to sit the rest of the examination - so those who suspect they might need glasses should get their eyes checked out prior to a driving test.

After this, the examiner will ask the driver to perform some basic safety checks on their vehicle, such as turning on the hazard lights and identifying where the oil gauge is.

The practical test will then begin. On average, this will last for about 40 minutes, during which the examiner will be assessing the candidate's overall standard of driving.

Candidates will be directed around the area by their examiner and those who are keen to pass would be advised to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the test route before the big day.

This will ensure that if there are any quirks in the road layout or confusing junctions etc the candidate will know to expect them and be confident in maneuvering the car through them.

Examiners will be assessing how well candidates change gears, their awareness of road hazards, perception of other cars and how they navigate the vehicle through junctions and roundabouts.

In addition to this, a candidate will be asked to perform a number of manoeuvres, which those hoping to pass their test should have practised and perfected before the big day.

The manoeuvres candidates should prepare include a reverse around a corner, a parallel park, a turn in the road and an emergency stop - although it is very unlikely they will be asked to perform all of these in one test.

Those taking their driving test should also think carefully about which vehicle they take the exam in. If a driving instructor cannot make the test date, choosing to undertake the test in a friend or relative's car, which the candidate is not as familiar with, could prove to be a fatal mistake.

Finally, try to be as calm as possible on the big day.

Source : www.uknetguide.co.uk