Tips For Practical Driving Tests

Over the years the English School of Motoring has built up an excellent reputation and we’re proud to have helped so many people through their driving tests including the practical side. So in this short blog we’re going to share with you our top 8 tips to hopefully help you pass your practical test without hesitation.

1. Preparation is Key.

Like any other test there’s no point taking it if you’re not prepared, so our number one tip is make sure you’re prepared. You can do this by taking out as many lessons as possible and always remember to take out your learner driver insurance. You may also want to consider doing some private practice. You want to be as confident as possible when you’re on the road. Be aware and most importantly know the rules of the road.

2. Back to Basics

You learn some of the most important things in your first few lessons, and are some of the most important so if you have to go back to basics. Look/Mirror – Keep your eyes peeled, be sure to check your mirrors and any blind spots always be aware of your surroundings. It can be hard to remember things under pressure and simple things such as this can contribute to failing.

Tell/Signal – Remember to communicate appropriately to those around you using signals. Keeping safe on the road is super important, signalling is an essential part of driving and you’re going to need to use it throughout your test and beyond.

Do/Maneuver – We know this can be a tricky one but just do what you have been taught plenty of practice makes perfect.

3. Experience is Essential

On average it takes around 100 hours of lessons before someone is ready for their test. In some cases longer the most important thing is that you feel ready. Before you jump in make sure you have as much experience under your belt as possible, you want to experience as much as possible to know you have the knowledge to deal with difficult situations before you just jump in.

4.Know the Rules

If you head to the gov website and search DT1 (driving test one) this is exactly what the examiner will be marking you on so there’s no need to fear the unknown as everything is made pretty simple for you. Study it, read it thoroughly this allows you to know what the examiner will be looking for, how they will mark you. Knowing what they’re looking for makes life so much easier.

5. Don’t Fixate on the Test

You know when you’re ready so try not to put too much pressure on yourself. We suggest you think of your test as your last driving lesson, go out and smash it. If you make mistakes don’t let them throw you off guard.

6.Its Not A Test

Don’t think of your test as a test pretending you’re just being assessed on what you already know; this helps relieve tension, stress and pressure.

7.Mistakes Are Ok

Taking a wrong turn or making a simple mistake doesn’t mean you’re going to fail, as long as you’re safe. If you do take a wrong turn or end up in the wrong lane don’t panic.

8.Don’t Listen to Others

It’s important not to pick up other people’s bad habits by taking advice from them. If your test is booked then you should be fully confident otherwise you shouldn’t be taking your test.