tips to success in driving test

You must consistently demonstrate safe driving behaviours while driving in different traffic conditions. During the drive test, the licence testing officer will be assessing you on: observation signal use gap selection speed choice following distance lateral position stop position parking control.

Make sure you choose a date and time that best suits you. If you are not a morning person, make sure you book an afternoon test to maximise your chances of success.

Look to get plenty of good quality sleep the nights approaching your test; Studies have shown that getting good rest has cumulative benefits which improve concentration levels, increase confidence and affect areas such as perception and decision making.

In many cases nerves can be the reason for being unsuccessful in the practical test. If you feel these starting to build, look to control your breathing, taking longer breaths and breathing out slowly; this will help to lower your heart rate and keep you calm. Make sure you have enough air flow in the car or a window open slightly to avoid becoming too hot and uncomfortable.

Keep your focus from the minute you meet the examiner to the time you turn off the engine at the end of your test. Even if you think youve driven really well, dont become complacent until the examiner gives you the good news. Statistically many tests are lost in the first 5 or last 5 minutes, so keep your cool and focus right until the end. Start as you mean to go on; show the examiner you have a good style and technique.

You have probably spent a lot of time, effort and money to get to this stage make sure your confidence is high on the day. Think of the test as a simple task to complete; You know how to drive a car, so let your confidence come through and transmit this to the examiner.

Dont be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure what the examiner is asking you to do, dont feel silly about asking them to clarify. Its best to be sure what their instructions are rather than guessing.

A lot of people are nervous about manoeuvres, especially reversing. Remember the majority of the test is about driving forwards! Think of the manoeuvres as a small section of the test that can be dealt with quickly and successfully. The examiner is looking for good control of the vehicle, safe observation and a fair degree of accuracy. Youve done them successfully many times before. If they start to go slightly wrong, its how you put them right. Again, this is an opportunity to demonstrate this to the examiner. Dont feel rushed if there are people waiting, take your time, keep calm and concentrate on what you need to do dont let others potentially come between you and obtaining your licence.

If you feel that you may have made a mistake during the test, dont allow this to play on your mind as very quickly faults can multiply.Dont be tempted to try to have a look at the examiners sheet, keep your eyes on the road and your focus on the task in hand. Most mistakes are not as serious as you think; remember, you are allowed 15 driving faults and can still be successful.

To help keep your nerves in check, talk yourself through the things that the examiner is asking you to do. Repeat the instructions to yourself in your head.When the examiner gives you directions i.e. at the traffic lights turn right; take the third turning on the left; at the roundabout follow straight ahead repeat these to yourself this is particularly useful if you have had to stop for a few seconds due to traffic or hazards before you begin moving again. It also when doing manoeuvres as you can approach them in a systematic way and you will know whats coming next.