Driving Test - No Rushing

Driving Test Tip 1

I see this all the time with driving test candidates, I'm not sure if it is test nerves or learner drivers just want to get the whole affair over and done with, but a lot of pupils just seem to be in a rush in the days running up to the driving test, and on the day.

If you've got a driving test, it is important that you train yourself to be calm so that you are able to focus on the skills you need to demonstrate to the DSA examiner during your driving assessment. It only takes a split second to fail the driving test, how many times have you heard 'if only I had waiting a second longer or I thought I had a safe gap', if in doubt, you should ask yourself is it safe?

Driving Test Manoeuvres

This is where quite a few driving test candidates fail, and it is not because they can't do the manoeuvre, but they don't take effective observations and miss a potential danger. It is not just enough to go through the motions of turning the head and looking in the direction that you are expected to, you need to make sure your eyes are observing and allowing your head to register what you have seen. Many on a driving test have looked but failed to see a car, pedestian or other obstacle that is a hazard while doing the manoeuvre.

I know many of you might be saying it is easy for you as a driving instructor to say these things, but the truth is if you train yourself and practice what you've been taught, then you would develop the right habits required to pass the driving test. Always take effective observations during manoeuvres, if you have to stop for any reason, check all round before you move off again, if there is any possibility of the car rolling in the opposite direction of which you are travelling, use the handbrake to secure the car, find the biting point and then do your observations before moving off again.

Junctions on the driving test

Approach them at the right speed, selecting the right gear to match, if in doubt that it is safe to proceed, wait but always be attentive looking for the gap and be ready to go (this is where lots of practice comes in and gives you experience). If approaching a closed junction, then stop at the give way, check before proceeding, don't just copy the car in front that just went without looking, remember you are the one on the driving test, not them!

Practice your roundabouts over and over again, knowing how to spot gaps, which lanes to use, when to indicate coming off, and the appropriate speed required. The DSA driving test is not a walk in the park, but if you put in the right amount of work combined with the correct training, then you stand a very good chance of passing. The examiners are not expecting a perfect drive, just a high standard and safe one.

Take your time without hesistating, view your driving test as an opportunity to demonstrate to the examiner that you are ready to drive on the roads without supervision.