How to pass your driving test first time?

When you take your driving test the first time it is only natural that you will be a little nervous. However, if you are fully prepared for the test then your nerves should be minimal and you should be feeling full of confidence in yourself.

Arrive at the driving test centre on time.

This is a very important factor as if you are more than a few minutes late it is likely that your driving test will not go ahead. You may have noticed that they have some odd times for the test slots such as 9:37 and 3:02. This is because the tests are set 57 minutes apart which means that there is not much spare time between the test slots.

Arriving early also takes the stress out of parking up at the test centre and means that you can choose a convenient parking spot in the car park.

What can you expect from your driving examiner?

Every examiner has their own unique style, but they all share a common goal: to help you feel relaxed. Gone are the days of the bright hi-vis jackets; now, they’ll greet you by your first name. As you navigate the roads, they’ll engage you in light conversation, all while keeping a keen eye on your driving skills. Remember, for them, it’s just another day at work. Their primary aim is to ensure you drive safely and confidently, proving you’re ready to hit the road on your own.

Stay Alert and Prepared

It is essential to ensure you have a restful night’s sleep before your important day arrives. A well-rested mind is key to performing at your best. Additionally, consider scheduling a lesson with your driving instructor prior to your test. This final hour of driving can be incredibly beneficial, helping you to relax and regain your confidence behind the wheel. It’s often just what you need to feel fully prepared and ready to ace your driving test.

Hey, don’t forget your provisional licence!

Your driving instructor might give you a nudge, but it’s really on you to make sure you’ve got all your docs sorted. The only thing you absolutely need? Your provisional driving licence! Forgetting it means your driving test won’t be happening, so keep it handy!

What car do I use for my driving test?

To feel at ease during your driving test, it’s a good idea to choose the car you’ve been using for your lessons since you’re most comfortable with it. If you prefer, you can also take the test in your own car, as long as you have the right insurance. Just make sure you know where all the key controls are, like the coolant, brake fluid, and oil dipstick, because they might ask you about those during the vehicle safety check.

Driving Test Routes

Driving test routes are a bit of a mystery. You won’t have a clue where you’re headed, as the examiner will just guide you along the way. At some point, you might even need to follow a sat nav with a pre-set route. Even though the route is a surprise, it’s a smart idea to practice in the test area and get to know any tricky spots. Plus, having a bit of local knowledge can really give you an edge in certain parts of the driving test.

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Use our driving test route videos to get an idea of a driving test route.

Don’t worry if you make a mistake.

It is so easy to worry about the slightest little mistake on your driving test, if you do make a mistake don’t let it ruin the rest of your driving. Very often someone makes a mistake on the test, but it turns out not to be any where near as bad as they thought.

If you get something wrong, try to just carry on. You can still pass even with 15 minor faults; you must make certain that you do not get any serious or dangerous faults as just one of these would result in a failed test.

What if I go the wrong way on my driving test?

If you happen to take a wrong turn or end up going the wrong way at a roundabout during your driving test, don’t sweat it! As long as you’re doing it safely, you’ll be just fine. Remember, navigation skills aren’t actually part of the test. That said, it’s probably best to avoid going the wrong way, as it could mean a longer test since the examiner will need to guide you back onto the right route.

Use your mirrors.

One of the main reasons people trip up on their driving test is forgetting to check their mirrors. Make sure you stick to the mirror signal manoeuvre routine throughout your test. And don’t forget to check your blind spot every time you pull away from the kerb. When you’re doing your driving test manoeuvre, keep your eyes peeled all around you. Even if you’re in a quiet car park, it’s super important to keep looking out for any potential hazards.

Weather conditions on driving test.

Your driving test might get pushed back if the roads are icy or it’s snowing, but aside from that, you’re good to go. Make sure you’re comfortable driving in all sorts of weather—whether it’s pouring rain, blazing sunshine, a bit of wind, or even hail.

Which test centre Should I do my driving test in.

It’s a good idea to take your driving test at the centre that’s closest to your home. You’ll be way more comfortable with the roads around there. Sure, you can choose any test centre, but honestly, sticking with your local one is the best bet.

Ipad driving test marking sheet

How is the Driving Test Marked?

Say goodbye to the old-school clipboard! Your driving examiner is now going digital with a tablet for your driving test. The way they mark faults is still the same, but now they’ll be tapping away on their iPad, which has different boxes for each type of fault. If you happen to make a mistake, they’ll just tap the right box to note it down as a minor, serious, or dangerous fault. And don’t worry if you see them busy on the iPad during your test – it doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. They’re just keeping track of other important stuff like the weather and your route. So, resist the urge to peek at their screen!

What happens at the end of my driving test?

Once you finish the test, you’ll find out how you did—fingers crossed you passed! You’ll get a quick rundown of your performance, and we’ll go over any hiccups that popped up during the test. Plus, you’ll receive a copy of your driving test report straight to your email. If you pass, you’ll get a shiny driving test pass certificate, and your new driver’s licence will be sent to you in the post. It’s a smart move to have your driving instructor stick around for the debrief after the test. If things didn’t go as planned, they can help you figure out what to work on so you can ace it next time!

You will receive an email with your driving test result.

After the test

So, the test is done and dusted, and you’re about to find out how you did. Fingers crossed you’ve passed and are buzzing to head out tomorrow to snag your first car! Your instructor will give you a lift home, so just sit back and relax. If things didn’t go your way this time, no worries—your instructor will chat with you on the way home about what happened and help you plan for the next go. Having taken over 500 learners through the driving test, I can tell you that while some folks are super nervous beforehand, I’ve never met anyone who came back saying it was a bad experience. Sure, if someone doesn’t pass, they might be a bit annoyed with themselves for a slip-up, but they’re always keen to jump back in and try again. Once you’ve nailed it, you can level up your driving skills with a pass plus course, covering everything from motorway driving to city streets and even night-time driving. Got any questions about the driving test? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!