How to Pass Your Driving Test First Time
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The day of sitting our driving test for the first (and hopefully last) time is one of life’s little challenges.
Actually, maybe “little challenge” isn’t the best way to describe it. After all, you will have put a lot of time and effort into learning how to drive, as well as spending a fair bit on money on it. Failing the test would be a tough blow to take, as well as costing you more time and money.
So, what can you do in order to give yourself the best possible chance of passing your driving test at the first time of asking?
Practise a Lot
It seems pretty obvious to say this but there is no denying that getting in as much practise time as possible will give you a better chance of passing the test. The Driving Standards Agency reports that the average driver need to get a minimum of 47 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private driving practise time in order to be ready for their test. However, there is no such thing as practising too much, so the more hours you put in the better.
The key to doing this is in finding an experienced driver who is happy to go out with you on your drives. Be sure to do your best to keep them calm, happy and relaxed so that they will keep on doing this for you. Start off with empty streets and large parking areas to build up your confidence.
By the time your test comes along you should be comfortable going out on the busiest streets, handling lots of traffic and – gulp – taking on roundabouts.
Study As Much As You Can
As well as the actual driving element of the test, you also need to be able to deal with the theory test. This is the hardest part of the whole thing for some drivers, while others are more comfortable with the theory test than with the practical issues. Of course, you need to pass both parts of the test to become a fully licensed driver. This means that you can’t afford to neglect the theory test questions.
The best way of getting ready for the big day of the test is to buy a book that sets out a huge range of possible questions. This might not be the most interesting thing in the world to do but it is the only way of understanding what you know. Rather than try to cram all of that information in during one marathon sitting you should break it up into chunks and read your theory test books every time you have some free time.
You can also buy theory test apps* that might make it easier for you to learn what you need to know at home and these days you can even practice the theory part of your driver’s test on your phone.
Check Out the Driving Test Area
Another smart move is to check out the area where you are likely to be asked to drive during your test. What you don’t want to do is to turn up on the day and have to deal with a completely unknown set of traffic conditions. Take the time necessary to try out the roads you are going to have to drive along on this important day.
If you know other people who have sat their driving test in the same place then ask if they remember the route they took or where they had to carry out the typical driving test manoeuvres. It will help you feel a lot better about the test if you know pretty much what is coming up ahead, rather than it being a complete surprise to you.
Some really good advice here. I took my first driving test aged 21 and failed on numerous points. I hadn’t put the practice in and tbh was a little cocky thinking I’d fly through the test.
Anyhow, the feeling of failure (and lack of cash) put me off trying to pass again until I was 30. This time I did put the effort in, I did learn the theory and only applied for the test once I felt I was ready. Happy to say I flew through the test and was on the road that afternoon.