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Top tips for passing your driving test

Follow these top tips to ensure you sail through your driving test!

Learning to drive

Learning to drive

You’ve been learning to drive for what feels like an eternity and all of your friends have passed long ago and are now on to owning their second and third cars. If this sounds like you, then take this advice on what to do to help maximize your chances of passing your test so that you can enjoy the freedom driving brings.

Post Theory Test

Perhaps you’ve just passed your theory test and it’s now the countdown to the practical exam. Follow these hints to get the most out of your lessons and ensure you pass your test quickly!

1) Identify your strengths and weaknesses

It’s easy to get caught up repeatedly practicing the aspects you’re comfortable with and confident about; but before you waste time completing twenty perfect turn-in-the roads, remember to think about what you are not so good at too. Do you struggle with bay parking? Or do busy roundabouts make you nervous? These are the areas to focus on, as practice will help turn them into strengths.

2) Tell your instructor what you want

A good instructor should remember what progress you are making and what areas you are struggling with. But if you’re good at faking confidence or don’t communicate particularly well with them, they’re not going to be able to help you. If you feel like you want to give a manoeuvre another go or practice a particular route; say to your instructor. At the end of the day, you’re the one paying so there’s no point in being shy!

3) Don’t beat yourself up

It’s easy to feel pressured in the run up to your test. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time and money to get to this point but try not to let a bad lesson bring you down. It’s easier said than done but focus on the positives. Maybe your parallel park was perfection but you stalled at some traffic lights. So what? When one aspect goes wrong we often let it overshadow the good and we really shouldn’t.

4) Write everything down

If you’re more of a book-worm than a practical person, it might help to write processes down. For example, you could write out all the steps involved in a reverse around a corner. This is useful as it means that when it comes to the practical, the steps will be fresh in your mind.

5) The ‘telling people’ dilemma

Whether you choose to tell others that you will soon be sitting your driving test is entirely up to you. Some people find that letting others know can calm their nerves, whereas others feel an increased level of pressure as a result. Whatever you choose to do, remember not to worry about what others think and concentrate your efforts on the matter at hand!

The Night Before

1) Have some fun

Some people may feel that they should hold off on any social plans the night before a test, however, it is important to feel calm and at ease. You may find that catching up with friends, going to the cinema or out for a meal could be just what you need to help you feel relaxed.

2) Relax

It will also benefit you to take some time to relax. Take a warm bath, go for a walk or watch your favourite box set. It may seem obvious but also make sure you get a decent amount of shut-eye too!

3) Be prepared

It’s really important to have everything ready for your test; for example provisional license and paper counterpart. You really don’t need the additional stress of hunting in your drawers before you’re due to leave! It might also be an idea to read over your notes a few times if you made any.

Test Day

1) Have a decent breakfast

As with any test, it is crucial to feel alert and awake so that you can perform at your optimum level. Make sure you eat something hearty so that you’re on the ball! Or, if you’re struggling, a banana and a coffee might be a good idea.

2) Understand your pre-test lesson means nothing

If you suffer from nerves then your pre-test lesson may not be perfect. But fear not – this actually gets any nerves out of the way early and means you are calm and test ready for the main event!

3) Concentrate on concentrating!

All of this may seem obvious but it’s very important. Stay focused, listen to the examiner and remain calm. Most importantly, if you make a mistake, try not to panic and move on from it.

Good luck!

About the Author

Natalie Little

Staff Writer at Arnold Clark

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