Now that driving tests have resumed (as of the 22nd April,) thousands of eager learner drivers up and down the country will be taking their driving tests. Many of these driving tests may have been rearranged several times since March 2020. If you are one of the many thousands who are taking their test, remember to prepare thoroughly. You will be expected to drive safely regardless of experience.
If you don’t feel ready for the test and you are going, “for the experience,” be careful as this might not end up being the kind of experience you would care to repeat. Your confidence could take the kind of, “hit” that might put you off learning to drive completely.
This article will help you to know whether you are prepared for the driving test. Remember, it is possible to reschedule your driving test if you don’t feel ready. If you would like to postpone it, you can do so as long as you leave 3 clear working days leading up to it.
Have you had structured lessons?
This means have you gone through a systematic course of lessons which covers all the recommended syllabus. Examples would be different types of junction or country roads. If not, your driving might still have weaknesses and there is a good chance the driving examiner will pick up on this.
Has your instructor told you you’re ready?
Has your instructor advised you that you are ready? To know when a student is ready to take the driving test is at the heart of a driving instructor’s profession.
A driving instructor won’t always be able to predict the outcome of a driving test correctly all of the time. They will however be able to give you a good idea as to what the outcome will be the majority of the time.
Have you been mock tested?
The DVSA strongly encourage the use a mock test as a means to assess whether a driving test candidate is ready to take a test.
If you haven’t been mock tested by your instructor, it will be hard to know exactly what standard of driving is required to pass the test.
Do you know the area?
An established instructor will be able to show you around the test area and what local tricky points to look out for. They will also be able to tell you about what certain examiners will want so see you do at any given time. This knowledge could be very useful on the test.
Can you drive independently?
On the driving test you are in at the, “deep end” on your own driving without any assistance from your accompanying driver. The examiner’s role on the driving test is observational only. You have to be able to drive safely and independently, without anyone instructing you or prompting your actions. Do you have experience of this in car dynamic, or do you rely on the person supervising you for help? If you do rely on guidance from someone else whilst driving, this is a good indicator that you aren’t ready to attempt a driving test.
By answering these questions, you should be able to work out whether it really is the right time to take your driving test. If you have answered no to most, or all of the above, it might be wise to reconsider taking your test, saving you quite a bit of effort, time and cost.