Top Ten Tips To Pass Your Practical Driving Test

👉 Breaking down the driving test
👉 The top ten tips for passing your test
👉 Practical driving test FAQs

For most people, the practical driving test is scary. Passing first time is the goal for everyone, but not meeting this target doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad driver. Every driving test is different, and failing isn’t a definite stamp on your record as a driver. To give you the best chance of passing, we’ve put together our top ten tips for passing the practical driving test. As a car finance company, we know a thing or two about driving. Follow our advice and you should be in a good place to pass your practical driving test. This piece is part of a wider series focusing on driving test support. Visit our comprehensive driving test home page to get the low down on all things driving test.

Breaking Down The Driving Test

Your driving test usually lasts anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, but this can go on for longer if your examiner feels it’s necessary. As part of the driving test, you will be expected to:

• Make sure you can read a number plate from 20 metres away.
• Answer two vehicle safety questions.
• Show a general driving ability, which could include pulling away, pulling over, performing a hill start or performing an emergency stop.
• Reverse the car successfully, which could include bay parking, parallel parking or reverse parking.
• Drive on your own, following directions and reading road signs successfully.

Once the examiner is satisfied that the test has been completed, you will be instructed to drive back to the test centre. Once stationary, the examiner will let you know as to whether you’ve passed or not. If you have passed, you will be awarded with a certification that you can take to the desk of your test centre. Delivery will then be arranged for your driving licence – exciting! In order to pass your test, you cannot score any more than 15 minors and avoid any majors.

Now that you know how the test works, let’s break down the best methods to get you test ready.

The Top Ten Tips For Passing

• Find the right driving instructor: One of the first steps in the driving journey, getting the right instructor for you is so important. Look out for good reviews, plenty of experience, and a calm manner about themselves. We’ve already looked at what to look for in a good driving instructor, feel free to take a look.
• Make sure you have practiced your manoeuvres: There’s no such thing as over-practicing manoeuvres. This is one of the most common reasons for failing a test, so getting all of your manoeuvres right is key. Don’t be afraid to take your time and build up plenty of practice.
• Bring everything you need to the test: Make sure you have all the right documents for your test. On average, 4,500 tests don’t go ahead because the wrong documents or an unsuitable car have been brought. The items you need to bring to your driving test are: driving licence, the car you’ve learnt in, and your theory test pass certificate.
• Make sure you’re relaxed before your test: This is easier said than done, but nevertheless relaxing yourself will help you drive to the best of your abilities. Consider getting a good sleep beforehand and plenty of food and drink, and remember to keep calm – you’re taking your test because your instructor thinks you are ready!
• Master the area you’ll be taking the test in: Knowing the area where you test will be is so beneficial. Get to grips with road signs and lanes, so that nothing takes you by surprise on the test. The more of an area you know, the less chance you have of making a mistake on the day.
• Don’t be afraid to book in extra driving sessions: Keep your skills fresh in your mind by booking in a few driving lessons in the lead up to your test. This ensures the skills stay with you and you’re ready to meet the challenges a driving test poses. The more experience you can generate behind the wheel, the better.
• Master the ‘show me, tell me questions’. You will have to answer a show me and tell me question on your test. Make sure you know all the answers to these questions, to avoid starting your test in the wrong gear…
• Just focus on the road, you’re not the examiner: It’s easy whilst you’re doing your test to assume you’ve failed or done something wrong. Try and ignore this voice and just focus on the driving, you might be overthinking an action that could impact the rest of your lesson. Relax, trust your ability and focus on the road.
• Look back at your car theory: Make sure road signs and the highway code are fresh in your mind. On the test, you will have to follow guidance and read road signs. Make sure you can read signs effectively to prevent receiving minor offences on your test.
• Check your mirrors: A common source for minors, checking your mirrors is such a vital part of the test that lots of people neglect. Check your mirrors when leaving stationary positions, changing lanes, turning corners and approaching junctions. On top of this, generally checking your mirrors whilst driving is a great indication that you are aware of your surroundings and are in control. Don’t be afraid to over-do your checking, as making it clear to the examiner that you are checking can only help your pass chances.

There you have it, the top ten tips to pass your driving test. Looking for a car for when you pass? Roam our exclusive car marketplace and browse thousands of cars completely free. Find the car for you and apply for finance with no impact on your credit score. 

Practical Driving Test FAQs