The UK practical driving test is actually quite easy to pass (how about that for a big assertion!!). I must, of course, qualify that and I hope, by the end of the page, it will become clear what I mean by this statement.
Let's firstly get one thing clear, it is NOT luck whether you pass your test, it is usually down to hard work, preparation and planning. If you go for your test thinking "I'll pass if I'm lucky" you will almost certainly fail. If you're ready for your test, you should be able to pass it on a bad day.
The overall pass rate for the practical test is 43% (DSA, 2004a) and is even less for those attempting the test for the first time. This means that well over HALF of all tests end in failure. This a pretty appalling figure and many candidates fail because they are SIMPLY NOT READY. In my experience, pupils who take more than 2 or 3 tests were almost certainly nowhere near ready for their first one. The DSA reckons the average is about 45 hours of lessons AS WELL as "plenty of private practise" (DSA, 2004b). Many learners will take more and those who do not get private practise will almost certainly take in excess of 45 hours of lessons with an instructor. The days of 6 hours from scratch and passing the driving test are LONG GONE.
There are plenty of sites out there that explain the marking system and the various categories that test candidates will be assessed on, this is not one of them, below are simply some observations from over a decade of preparing learner drivers for the driving test.
The best way to give yourself the best chance of success is to PREPARE PROPERLY, listen to your instructor (anyone who pays upwards of £20 an hour and then ignores the advice given is beyond me!) and try to take on board what is being said. ASK about anything if in doubt, however trivial it may seem to you. On the day of the test you will have to do it by yourself, so, if you don't completely understand something, talk to your instructor about it well BEFORE then.
Any good instructor will have regular discussions with a learner driver about their progress in relation to the standard required for the driving tests, regular target setting should happen with constant updates on performance. Honesty about your own ability is important and, in my experience, most learners know if they're not ready. Going for your test before you are ready is, not only financially expensive, but can be a very dangerous business, even if you do manage to "fluke" your test, it's not much good if you wipe yourself out driving on your own the following week.
***A thought for Parents***
Why spend 17 years caring for and looking after a child and then pushing to get them out on the road in a powerful motor vehicle before they're ready?
***Thought ends***
The test as a whole is a test of competence, nothing more, nothing less, it's about doing the basics right. Most of the things that were introduced in the early stages of learning to drive (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, etc.) are all the examiners want to see. The overall message is to KEEP THINGS SIMPLE and don't try to be too clever in order to "impress" the examiner. All you're looking to do is produce a nice, controlled drive with plenty of observation and show an understanding of the situations that develop in front of you.
Nerves will obviously play a part but you will be expected to deal with them. You may be forgiven the odd jolty gear change or brake in the early stages, but you will not be let off driving through a red light, for example, because you're nervous. Performing under pressure is all part of everyday life on the road and, if you can't deal with situations because you're nervous, you are probably not ready to be let out on the road on your own.
Contrary to popular belief (most) examiners are reasonable people, it doesn't matter to them whether you pass or fail. While the debate about pass quotas has never been officially resolved, if you can perform so that you are in the top 10 or 20% of candidates, you are likely to pass. Treat the test like a job interview, try your best to get on with the examiner, although they will still not let you off with major faults because they like you! Keep it simple and show them you know what you're doing, an examiner is more likely to be impressed by a good grasp of the basics rather than by someone "showing off" and acting like they're trying to pass a rally driving course!
Having said that, get on with it and don't mess around. You need to demonstrate an ability to make progress, but not (as many learners seem to do) at the expense of safety. Safety comes first, your speed must be APPROPRIATE to the road and situation ahead. You must plan ahead, under no circumstances should you just point the car and wait for something to happen. You must be proactive, not reactive.
Prepare yourself for failure, that statement is not as ridiculous as it may at first sound. Try to have the mentality that you're going to give it your best shot, but if you fail, you fail. If you do, you're just going to do the test again and not worry about it, another couple of months out of a driving lifetime of 50+ years really doesn't matter. I know it's difficult for those that are in areas that have a 3/4 month waiting list for test appointments but, fortunately, these areas are getting fewer and fewer. If this is the case, remember you can ring up for cancellations (persistence usually pays off), or explore the possibility of taking your test at another test centre. Most people assume that they have to take their test at their local test centre, this is not the case.
Many pupils reactions tend to be either "I've passed!" or "the examiner's failed me!" You can't have it both ways, YOU pass or YOU fail. It is very easy to blame the examiners, in reality it is very rarely their fault. If you do fail, be honest, hold your hands up, admit your mistakes and learn for next time. Driving examiners have better things to do than develop vendettas against people they have only just met! Also, try to look at it from the examiner's point of view, they have about 40 minutes to make a decision about somebody who they've never met before. You may know that you usually deal with a particular situation but, if you don't demonstrate this on the day, how can the examiner possibly know?
The top 10 official reasons for driving test failure, as published by the DSA, are listed below:
1. Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement
2. Reverse parking - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
3. Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information
4. Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
5. Incorrect use of signals - not cancelling or giving misleading signals
6. Moving away safely - ineffective observation
7. Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends
8. Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late
9. Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets
10. Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly or being hesitant
Overall, the driving test is just another step on the road (excuse the pun!) to learning to drive. When you pass the practical test you are at the LOWEST POSSIBLE LEVEL that is allowed out on the road. The driving test is not the end of your learning, in fact it may just be the beginning, you still have a great deal to learn. Recognise your lack of experience, you will still make mistakes. If you get in the way of another driver, be the big person, smile and raise your hand (making sure to definitely show ALL fingers!) by way of an apology and try hard not to make the same mistake again.
You are, statistically, far more likely to have an accident during the first 2 years of having a driving license, I would strongly recommend you consider further training, particularly the PassPlus course. You will, obviously not have had any experience on Motorways and this is a particularly valuable way to take those first steps.
For those who may feel more adventurous, consider the advanced tests of the IAM, RoSPA, RAC or DIAmond.
In summary, the practical driving test is nothing to worry about. If you follow a few simple steps, as outlined above, you can certainly enhance your chances of success. Preparation and attention to detail are vital, remember, if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
I hope the thoughts on this page have been useful, if you think I have omitted anything, or if you have any other comments, please contact me via the about me page.
Above all else, best of luck and see you on the road!
