Driving Test No Excuses

Okay it is a new year, and one of your goals for the year 2006 is to pass your UK driving test.

As a driving instructor I have met many people who at the beginning of the year set the goal of passing their pratical car test, getting their full British licence and buying themselves a car, but at the end of the year are no where near achieving that goal, so here is some advice:

The only one standing in the way of your driving success is YOU!

I have heard many reasons why people have not passed their driving tests, and to be honest, every single reason is just an excuse, and an opportunity to blame someone or something else for our failure rather than accept responsibility.

The Driving Instructor: You employ the instructor to teach you the necessary skills required to pass the test, and if you think he/she is not doing that job properly then it is up to you to look for another ADI. Don't complain about an instructor taking you for a ride and you not doing anything about. While there are a few ADIs (approved driving instructors) out there who are just intrested in making a fast quid, most ADIs are hard working, love their job, and would like you to pass your test first time, so listen to the advise they give, and don't be in a hurry to take the UK DSA test if your instructor advises you to wait a bit longer so you are fully prepared. It is cheaper for you to take 6 extra lessons and pass your test first time, then to have to take the test 3 times with the additional lessons in between!
Your instructor is there to guide you, but at the end of the day he will not stop you from taking the test in his car unless he considers you to be dangerous.

The DSA Examiner: It is very easy for a pupil to say the examiner was harsh on them during the test, but if your driving is at the required standard, then they have no option but to pass you, on the other hand if you don't reach the required standard, the examiner can not pass you!
Many pupils go to test hoping that they can fluke a pass, and when they fail on an error where the examiner has made a marginal decision not to pass, they come up with that mythical excuse the examiner used them to fulfil their failure quota! There is not quota for failure or passing, so if all pupils an examiner on a day drive at the required standard, they will all pass.
It up to you the pupil to demonstrate that you have reached the required standard, don't give the examiner a reason to fail you, only put in for the UK driving test when you have reached the standard that will give you a chance of passing.

Money: It is going to cost you to learn how to drive and pass the UK driving test, so budget for the lessons, it is no use taking lessons on an ad-hoc basis, you need you to be consistent so you can learn and build on the necessary skills required for the UK driving test.
At the moment there is no requirement for you to use an ADI to prepare for the DSA practical car test, but even if someone is going to help you, you still need a car, insurance and petrol, so whatever avenue you take make sure you learn on a regular basis, and that you are covering the DSA syllabus.

Time: Don't think you will become experienced overnight, it will take time and effort for you to be ready for the UK driving test, so don't cut corners by applying for the test too early. The DSA recommends an average of 40 hours of professional tuition with additional private practise, some will require less others will require more, make the decision in conjunction with your ADI.

Help is available: I always recommend pupils preparing for the UK driving test visit the 2 Pass Website, where you will find valuable information as well as a very active forum visited by ADIs, DSA examiners and other learners all willing to advise and help you get that pass you desire.

Here is wishing you all the best for the year 2006, and hope you pass your UK driving test.

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