How To Prepare for Your Driving Test
At Motor City Plymouth, we’ve laid out helpful tips to prepare you for your practical driving test.
Are you ready to take your driving test?
When it comes to learning to drive, it varies from person to person in terms of how ‘ready’ you feel to take the driving test. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), it takes, on average, 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of practising for the test. If at any point you don’t feel confident behind the wheel and it’s taken more or fewer hours, that’s nothing to be concerned about, as it’s more about how you think and whether or not you feel ready.
When can you book your practical driving test?
If you feel like you’re ready to take your practical driving test, you’ll need to make sure that you pass the theory test first.
The theory test can be booked online or by phone and will cost £23. The test will consist of a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test.
Once you’ve passed the theory test, the certificate will be valid for two years, and you are to book your practical test within that time.
What to do once you’ve booked your practical?
Now that you’ve booked your practical, it’s time to prep. You’ll want to discuss with your driving instructor to see if you can take additional lessons on any manoeuvres you struggle with.
If you know where the test centre is, visit it to familiarise yourself with the layout to avoid feeling overwhelmed on your test day.
If you need more practice, you can see if any family or friends can help, this will also help boost your confidence.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that nerves are normal. Any test can be daunting, so don’t feel concerned if you get a little anxious. After all, you will have worked hard to get to this point.
How to prepare the day before your test
Like with any test, you want to ensure you’re adequately prepared and ready the day before. If you feel you’ve put in enough practice hours, then it’s important not to overdo it and overload yourself with information.
Instead, make sure you take it easy the day before and get plenty of rest to ensure that you’re aware and not tired on the day of the test.
What to keep in mind on the day of your test
Before your test begins
Now that the day of your test has arrived, you must treat it like it was any other day. That way, you won’t feel any additional pressure or nerves. An important tip is to book the test for the morning so that you won’t be worrying about it all day.
Be sure to drink plenty of water, have a good breakfast and dress comfortably, so you can easily move around in the car and focus on driving.
Double-check the test time and address of the test centre, so you can be there with enough time to relax before your test.
If you would like a little extra support, you can bring a friend or family member with you.
Once the test has started
Before doing anything, perform the proper checks before starting the engine, such as the mirrors and seat belts.
Be sure to listen to the examiner and ask them to repeat any instructions if you don’t understand.
If at any point, you make a decision you’re not happy with, you have the opportunity to explain why you behaved that way.
You may have done lots of practice, but you always can’t account for other drivers. If you come across a new situation, remember not to panic. Instead, take a breath and think about what you’re going to do.
Finally, a mistake doesn’t automatically mean you’ve failed. You’re entitled to 15 minor faults, so there’s room for error.