There are many reasons you might be looking to learn to drive. It could be that you are a racing enthusiast and want that to be your profession one day. It might be that you are moving somewhere remote and need a car to get around, you could need it to get to work, or it might just be a skill that you are looking to possess. No matter the reason behind it, learning to drive is a skill that you will use for the rest of your life. It gives you a new sense of freedom and really is invaluable in all that it offers. Once you have been learning to drive, you need to pass your test before you are allowed on the road. This can be one of the most stressful parts for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Here we have some top tips for passing your driving test that should make it a little less stressful.
Don’t put yourself in for it until you are ready
When you have been doing lessons for a while, it can become frustrating and you’ll want to get out on the road yourself. Yet while this is tempting, it’s important not to book your test until you feel completely ready and comfortable. You want to feel happy you can do all the required manoeuvres, know the highway code and will be able to drive with a cool head. By booking in too early you are more likely to fail and have to pay for another test a few months down the line.
Find a time when the roads are quieter
There are certain times of day when roads are busy, such as rush hour after work and during school pickup and collection hours. This can mean drivers are frazzled and less likely to be lenient to a learner on their test as well as provide more potentially stressful situations for you. To avoid this, try and choose a driving test time such as late morning or early afternoon where you should avoid this from happening.
Don’t assume you’ve failed and get in a flap
If you do something that you perceive as an error, don’t automatically assume you have failed and get in a flap. Chances are that you haven’t actually failed and if you keep a clear head are in a much better stead for passing your test and going on with flying colours. Just because you have done something doesn’t mean it is a major against you and might be a minor which you are allowed to get a certain amount of before failing your test. Keep calm and carry on as if it didn’t even happen.
Use your instructors car
If you have your own car ready for when you pass you might be tempted to use that, however it’s not the best idea. You’ve been learning in your instructor’s car and as such will know how it drives, the bite point and all the little things about it that you don’t know about your car. It can make you feel a lot more comfortable and at ease and help you to pass your test on the day.
Eat and drink something ahead of time
The brain is sharper when it has been fed, so you want to make sure you eat and drink something nutritious before your test. Have enough water to be hydrated but don’t overdo it as you don’t want to be desperate for the toilet during your test! Eat something with protein and not too much sugar as this should keep your energy levels up. Too much sugar can mean your levels spike then crash and leave you feeling lethargic and unable to concentrate.
These are just a few things you can do to help pass your driving test. A driving test is one of those things that is nerve-wracking but by going into it with a positive mindset and feeling as prepared as you can, it can have a really great impact on whether you pass or not. Ensure you have a nutritious meal, drink plenty of water and take some deep breaths. Remember even if you don’t pass, don’t beat yourself up about it as you can rebook and use your experience to try and rectify what went wrong last time. What are some things you do in order to help with your success rate at passing your driving test? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
