It’s nerve-wrecking, taking your driving test – you’re focusing on what you’re doing and sometimes it’s what the public is doing that’s the problem. We’ve all been there, trying to predict someone’s next move before it happens. Let’s take a look at some common and unusual points that learners fail on.
Using your mirrors
Checking your mirrors every time you change direction, speed or move off from a standstill is one of the easiest driving rules to forget. Not only do you have to be aware of everything going on in front of you, but everything behind and beside you too. This is all, of course, whilst making sure you’re in the right gear and going the right way.
Observations at junctions
You should always be aware of what is going on around you when approaching a junction, so check your mirrors again.
Be aware of the traffic in front slowing down, adjust your speed appropriately and make sure you leave enough space. Remember you should be able to see tarmac between you and the car in front. If you can’t then you’re too close!
Manoeuvres
Everyone has to perform two manoeuvres as part of their driving test, and with four to choose from, it’s a case of practice makes perfect. The concept of reversing whilst making constant observations can be a difficult one to grasp, but it should all come naturally once you’ve mastered the art.
Use of signals
The “mirror, signal, manoeuvre” sequence should be engrained into you by the time you come to take your test. Not only does this remind you to check those all important mirrors, but it also makes sure that you’ll never forget to show people where you’re going. Regardless of whether you’re the only person on the road, you should always use your indicators. Forgetting this simple rule could result in a very frustrating failure.
Inappropriate speed
Believe it or not, some people fail their tests for speeding. Whilst you should always keep up with the flow of traffic, make sure you keep an eye on the speedo and don’t get too carried away. Drive confidently but carefully. Breaking the speed limit will result in an instant fail but remember driving dangerously slow might too!
Incorrect road positioning
Positioning at roundabouts is where many learner drivers slip up. Try imagining the roundabout as a clock. If the exit is at or before 12 o’clock take the left lane, if it is after, take the right. Talk to your instructor about positioning at larger roundabouts during your driving lessons and you will soon be confident when it comes to road positioning.
Steering control
Keep your hands in the correct position at the wheel, without crossing them over or letting it slide through your hands, and you will be in full control of the car. You should also make sure you that you only take your hand off the wheel whilst changing gear. Follow these simple rules and the examiner shouldn’t find any fault in your steering control.
Moving off safely
As well as checking all of your mirrors before you pull away, you should also always check your blind spot. If you move off without doing so, you aren’t aware of everything around you, and you’re not completing the manoeuvre safely.
Hesitation at junctions
It can be hard to feel confident when you have an examiner next to you watching your every move, but the key to a successful driving test is decisiveness. This doesn’t mean charging out of a junction at the earliest opportunity, rather making sure you do so safely when there is a gap in the flow of traffic.
The more you practice, the better you will become at judging when it is safe to pull out and when it’s not.
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