Taking a driving test is certainly not a walk in the park. After countless lessons and exhaustive practice, the prospect of steering down the roads independently post-test can fill people with nervous excitement.
However, sailing through the examination is frequently more challenging for a number of drivers than anticipated. The test can be demanding, with examiners possibly asking candidates to execute tricky manoeuvres.
The little things, like neglecting essential mirror checks, can also trip up learners. But fear not, as an experienced driving instructor has come forward to share his wisdom.
With three decades behind him, this sage of the road has handed down vital tips that novices might miss during the pre-test jitters.
Presented via TikTok by the motoring expert’s daughter, the insights have piqued the interest of learner drivers everywhere. She divulged: “My dad has been a driving instructor for 32 years. Here’s five tips nobody tells you before your driving test.”
Five tips for acing the driving test:
1. Take the wheel before the test – According to the expert, a staggering 81% of learners who slot in a lesson just prior to their test pass with flying colours.
This last-minute drive primes your abilities, allows for burning questions to be extinguished, and helps settle any jittery nerves.
2. Familiarise yourself with the marking sheet – The expert advised: “The examiners mark sheet is public, revise it!” Y
ou can access the driving marking sheet via Gov.UK to understand what your examiner will be looking out for.
Knowing these key points will help you remember them during your test, putting you in a stronger position to pass.
3. Learn from common mistakes – The dad and driving instructor also recommended: “Memorise the 10 common reasons people fail on the DVSA website to avoid the same mistakes”.
4. Get ready for the big day – Taking care of yourself on the day of your test is crucial.
The driving instructor suggests that eating a nutritious meal beforehand can help improve your focus and calm your nerves.
5. Take the pressure off – Consider rebooking your test to ease your nerves, as this could actually improve your chances of passing.
If you do fail, don’t panic or be too hard on yourself. Using a rebooking service, which finds another test via cancellations, can be a great way to get back behind the wheel quickly.
If you don’t at first succeed, try and try again!
In the comments section, people shared their own driving test experiences. One commenter said: “I passed on my third exam. eat before you take the exam! You’ll be more focused!”.
Another commenter wrote: “Honestly I thought I was gonna fail my test but I did an hour lesson [before]. I ended up passing with 3 grade 2s so I would recommend the lesson before.”
Others, however, raised reasons why too much preparation directly before an exam may not be helpful. One user expressed concerns: “Too much practice before your test will make you overthink, same as revising for a test with me I can’t do too much last minute, I seem to do worse on the actual test.”
Another person concurred: “If your an overthinker like me don’t have a lesson before. Just drive to test centre. your instructor believes in you so just go get it done.”
Meanwhile, a third contributor recommended: “The main one is relax and just drive and not overthink anything.”
The DVLA advises that you’re ready for the driving test when: you no longer require prompts from your instructor; you make no serious or dangerous errors while driving; you’re able to pass mock driving tests; and crucially, if you’ve developed methods for managing nerves and have the green light from your driving instructor.