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Mock theory testsTips on how to pass the driving test and impress the examiner video.
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Here are a few tips to help you impress the driving examiner and pass your driving test.
Tip 1
The examiner will ask you to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres if it's a new style number plate. So it's well worth making sure that you can do this before taking your first driving lesson and before booking your driving test. Your driving test will end if you can't do this.
If you can read a number plate then the examiner probably won't be super impressed as it's a standard requirement but at least you haven't wasted your time and there's.
If you can read a number plate then the examiner probably won't be super impressed as it's a standard requirement but at least you haven't wasted your time and there's.
Tip 2
To be a good, safe driver takes time and you'll improve with experience. Driving in different areas, at different times of the day and in different weather conditions will all help. But it's also useful to get a little familiar with the driving test area. Especially any tricky sections that your instructor will know about.
Practicing on these tougher road layouts will also help you be a better driver.
Practicing on these tougher road layouts will also help you be a better driver.
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Tip 3
Make sure your mobile phone is switched off before taking your test. Having someone calling you to wish you luck while you're on your test is going to be distracting and annoying.
Tip 4
If you're taking your own car for the test then make sure it's road legal, you have 'L' plates on the car and an extra interior mirror for the examiner. The examiner might have some spare 'L' plates and a mirror you can borrow but it would give a good impression if you came prepared.
Your test won't go ahead if your car doesn't meet the rules.
Here is a list of the full requirements for taking your own car https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car.
Your test won't go ahead if your car doesn't meet the rules.
Here is a list of the full requirements for taking your own car https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/using-your-own-car.
Tip 5
Once you've arrived at the test centre and you're waiting for the examiner, have your licence actually out of your purse or wallet and in your hand ready to show them.
You'll also have to sign your name. Make sure it's the same signature as on your licence.
These things will make the examiners day go a bit more smoothly and possibly less frustrating.
You'll also have to sign your name. Make sure it's the same signature as on your licence.
These things will make the examiners day go a bit more smoothly and possibly less frustrating.
Tip 6
It might sound obvious but when the examiner calls your name, walk over to them, be friendly and greet them.
Don't forget this is going to be a positive experience where hopefully you're going to pass. They're not your enemy and they want you to pass too. The examiner is just normal person doing a job. They won't try and trick you, they just want to make sure you're a safe, competent and considerate driver and not a danger to yourself or others.
Don't forget this is going to be a positive experience where hopefully you're going to pass. They're not your enemy and they want you to pass too. The examiner is just normal person doing a job. They won't try and trick you, they just want to make sure you're a safe, competent and considerate driver and not a danger to yourself or others.
Tip 7
Get the 'show me, tell me' questions correct.
You'll be asked a 'tell me' question at the start before you even go driving. Getting this right gives the examiner a good impression that you've prepared for the test and ready to pass.
All the 'show me, tell me' questions can be found here.
You'll be asked a 'tell me' question at the start before you even go driving. Getting this right gives the examiner a good impression that you've prepared for the test and ready to pass.
All the 'show me, tell me' questions can be found here.
Tip 8
Now this might sound obvious but when the examiner sits in the car with you they have no idea if you can drive or not. You might think that braking late and going fast through tight gaps shows the examiner that you're a super confident driver. But you're probably making them feel nervous and they're likely to use the dual-controls and brake if they feel that there's potential danger. Resulting in a test fail.
Be confident but in a safe way.
For example, not being confident and missing opportunities to go at roundabouts will result in faults and maybe eventually failing your test for hesitation. It's about getting the right balance. Confident but not taking dangerous risks.
Be confident but in a safe way.
For example, not being confident and missing opportunities to go at roundabouts will result in faults and maybe eventually failing your test for hesitation. It's about getting the right balance. Confident but not taking dangerous risks.
Tip 9
Drive like you have been on your recent lessons. Don't change anything. Your instructor has seen your driving and also thinks you're going to pass. Don't change how you drive just because someone different is sitting next to you.
Don't take any unnecessary risks or drive through any uncomfortable tight gaps that you wouldn't normally
If it helps then you could imagine that you're a chauffeur for the examiner. Drive smoothly, make them feel comfortable with your driving and just take the examiner where they want to go.
Don't take any unnecessary risks or drive through any uncomfortable tight gaps that you wouldn't normally
If it helps then you could imagine that you're a chauffeur for the examiner. Drive smoothly, make them feel comfortable with your driving and just take the examiner where they want to go.
Tip 10
The examiner might talk to you during the test which might help with any test nerves. Of course be polite but don't talk so much that you lose focus on your driving.
If commentating on what you're doing or seeing helps then don't be afraid to speak. It might also help the examiner understand your thought process and what you're doing and seeing.
If commentating on what you're doing or seeing helps then don't be afraid to speak. It might also help the examiner understand your thought process and what you're doing and seeing.
Tip 11
You'll do one reversing manoeuvre. Of course it would be great if you get it right in one go. But if you don't get it right then try and correct it. Pull forward and reverse back in if you think it might help. Don't forget to observe around for others. There's a good chance that you'll get a driving fault or a minor as they're commonly called for correcting it but at least you won't fail your whole test unless you've gone over 15 driving faults.
If it's really bad then it's worth asking the examiner for another try. If there's enough time then they may let you try again.
If it's really bad then it's worth asking the examiner for another try. If there's enough time then they may let you try again.
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