Some people look forward to their driving test, and the day they will finally have freedom on the roads, while others find themselves full of nerves. Whichever group you find yourself in, being prepared is the key to success.
Preparing for the day
Practice makes perfect, so the best way to prepare for your driving test is to get as much practice in as possible, whether with a driving instructor or family member. Although you won’t know the exact route your driving examiner will ask you to take, your instructor will have an idea of the popular routes for tests around the area, so it would help to familiarise yourself with these roads.
Make sure you have a bag packed with everything you need to bring along. Check out our list of essential items to bring with you on the day of your test. You don’t want to go into your test feeling hungry or thirsty, so a small drink and a snack are good items to bring with you to the test centre while you are waiting, especially if you are having a driving lesson before your test.
Manoeuvres on the test
Since the changes to the driving test on 4 December 2017, you will be asked to do one of three manoeuvres as a part of your driving test. Each of these manoeuvres requires reversing – you may be asked to parallel park at the side of the road, parking in a bay (where the examiner will tell you whether they want you to reverse in or out of the space), or pulling up to the right hand side of the road, reversing for two car lengths and re-joining traffic. On top of this, you may also find yourself asked to perform an emergency stop in addition to one of the three reversing manoeuvres.
Our handy guide will help you master your manoeuvres, and remember, there is nothing wrong with asking your instructor for additional practice or feedback if there is a particular manoeuvre you are not so confident with. Practice makes perfect, so go over the manoeuvres again and again, until you are confident that you can successfully pull any of them off on the day of your test. It can be useful to write down and memorise your reference points.
Confidence on the day
Your driving instructor wouldn’t have put you forward for a driving test if they did not think you were ready for it, so you should approach the day with the confidence that you are ready to pass.
It is understandable if you are feeling a little nervous ahead of the day, nobody likes tests, so take a look at our top tips for dealing with driving test nerves. If you’re the sort of person who is easily affected by nerves, try and book a test as early in the day as possible, so you’ve got less time to worry about it.
While you can never guarantee the outcome, preparation is the key to success. The more prepared you are for your driving test, the better your chances of passing. If you’re looking to get some extra practice in with your parents or a friend, make sure you have adequate learner driver insurance and that they have the right experience to supervise you while your driving. If you’re feeling confident, why not also take a look at our new driver insurance policies so you’re ready for when you pass.
