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Young drivers rarely know everything there is to know about driving, and recognising this can actually be an asset in helping them to pass their driving test. In order to ensure that new drivers are able to perform to the best of their ability on the day of the test, there are a number of helpful tips that should be taken under consideration.
Driving lessons
According to the DVSA, the average number of hours that young drivers should spend with a driving instructor in order to have the best chance of passing their driving test is 47, and that should be coupled with another 20 hours of private practice. Some new drivers make the mistake of thinking that the sooner they take the test and hopefully pass, the more money they will be able to save on driving lessons. The reality is that more lessons will be necessary if they fail, and they will then have to pay out another £62 in order to be able to take the test again. In the long term drivers who take more lessons will be better drivers whether they pass their test with fewer lessons or not, and that will also save money in the longer term, due to cheaper insurance renewal prices and their No Claims Discount.
Learn the Highway Code
New drivers are legally required to follow a number of the rules that exist within the Highway Code, and learning all of those legal requirements is absolutely necessary for young drivers to be able to avoid making mistakes and potentially getting into serious trouble. If you learn the Highway Code before you take your driving test, you will be better placed to make precise, calm decisions when in a pressure situation, and it can only result in you being a better driver overall.
Familiarise yourself with the test area
It is not a good idea to have to deal with a route that you are not familiar with when taking a test, which is already nerve-wracking. Make sure that during your last few driving lessons you practice in the area in which you are expecting to take your driving test. In some cases your driving instructor may even be able to advise you on which areas are most likely to be used during your test. Take special note of area features such as the likes of hills, complex traffic systems and how busy the roads appear to be, as this will give you advanced knowledge of what you can expect to face.
Watch out for common faults
There are a number of common mistakes made during driving tests that new drivers should watch out for. These include not checking mirrors prior to reverse parking or moving off, and a lack of the requisite amount of observation at roundabouts and junctions, as well as failing to react to what is observed in mirrors – and failing to adjust driving to traffic or weather conditions. Other common mistakes include unnecessarily hesitating in safe conditions at roundabouts and junctions, failing to drive at the correct speed, and failing to signal or cancel a signal, or providing a signal that is unclear.
Above all, get some sleep the night before, have all documents ready and be tidy and polite on the big day!
