Tips for passing your driving test
So, you are excited and cannot wait just to appear in the driving test. After all, you have done hours and hours of driving practice racked up with your dad, sitting next and yelling at you every time made even the minor of mistakes. Okay! Okay! You have been through all that and the time has come for you to show the world you have got what it takes to drive. Right?
Nervous? But you were ready, weren’t you? Do not worry this is what the pressure of driving test can do to you. Let us practice one more time and go through all the areas that may get you through in your test if taken care off. But this time we will do it in theory. This blog is designed to take you through a journey and remind you of some of the key areas that must be always at the back of your mind, during and after you have cleared your test.
There are a few things that examiners will be mark you on during the test:
1.5 second signals – One may feel like an idiot with no one around in a little back street, keeping the car indicator on for 5 seconds, but do it. This is what the examiner will be looking for at the time of the test. You do not want to lose your points during test on such a simple and very basic thing, do you?
Be obvious when checking blind spots – One of the common complain from people who appears in the test is, “I was vigilant and looked before turning, still the examiner failed me.” They never realise that they were not obvious when they were doing so, the only person who knew that they have checked the blind spots were them. The examiner would expect you to show an obvious quick glance over your shoulder, when checking the rear-view mirror, you must flick eyes up in obvious manner for the examiner to know you have fulfilled the test requirement. Your head should move, when checking the side mirrors, this makes it easy for the examiner to notice and mark you.
Exiting the test area - Do not just jump into the swimming pool of cars just because you want to get rid of the test. You will need to be attentive right from the word ‘Go’. Focus on the traffic signs as you drive out of the test centre all the way till you finish your test. It will not be easy; you will be nervous but as the test proceeds you will get used to the situation and become relaxed. When you see a ‘STOP’ sign, do not just roll through, you will need to make sure it is a complete stop.
Do not rush, take your time – Most of the people are under tremendous pressure, they are nervous, and they think, if slow they will make the examiner annoyed. This is where the problem starts and leads to F mark in their test. When appearing for a driving test, you must not panic, take your time, ensure that you are all set before you release the brakes. Start your test in a safe and smooth way, focusing on road and safety signs that you may come across during your test.
Do not go way under the limit – A common misunderstanding is to drive 10KM under the speed limit as this will help avoid the assessor from pulling one up during the test. This is not a right conception. When driving, one must comply with the stated road speed limits for each road they drive on. One must drive slow only if the road is wet, in a rainy weather, crawling on the roads without any reason may result in traffic jams and above all may make it difficult for you to clear your test.
Do not be afraid to ask for directions - During the test assessor directs and you will have to perform according to those directions. If in any event, you are not clear, do not feel hesitant and ask again. This will help you in making the right move as per the instruction without any confusion.
You do not have to talk to them - Assessors usually will make a casual conversation with you; this is to make it easy for you to calm down. Once you settle down, they usually ask you to begin the test. On the other hand, conversation from assessors may be a source of distraction or further pressure, if so, it is not a must-must thing to reply to the assessor or get involved in a conversation with them. You do not have to reply or talk to them, if you want to focus on your test, they will understand and will not take it as rude.
Be Punctual, know the time
If your test is 8AM in the morning, you must be at there at the test centre at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the test. Keep factors like school timings, office hour traffic, road works, and other similar factors that can cause delays. So, be on time, do not miss your test.
Practice
Practice makes one perfect, old saying, isn’t it? Well, it perfectly applies in the driving scenario. The more you practice, the better road sense and grip you have. So, practice, practice and practice it will help you in the long run.
