Are you ready for your Practical Driving
Test
Naturally, most learner
drivers are keen to pass their practical driving test at
the earliest opportunity and to then enjoy the freedom and
benefits that come with holding a full driving
licence.
However, the current pass rate is only 43%* and for first
time candidates it’s even lower. The overriding reason for such
a high failure rate is candidates sitting the test before they
are fully prepared.
Listed below are the top ten reasons* why people fail;
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
Ultimately, your instructor will be the best judge of when
you are ready to sit your practical driving test. He will have
been trained
- to assess your current standard of driving
- to measure your likely progress if you were to apply
for a future test date
- to recognise the level of competence and skill required
to not only pass the practical driving test, but to also be
a safe and competent driver for life.
Remember, if anything, your performance will be worse on the
day, due to nerves and the pressure of the occasion. Research
shows that learner car drivers who have had around 40 hours of
professional tuition and plenty of private practice, stand the
best chance of passing their practical driving test.
As a learner can you answer "Yes" to all of these
questions?
1.Have you covered all of the topics on the "Driver’s Record for Pupils"? If
so have you achieved Grade 5 (independent) on every topic?
2.Can you drive on all types of road and in all traffic
situations without any assistance from your instructor or
accompanying driver, be it verbal or by using the dual
controls?
3.Do you feel confident enough to tackle any driving
situation alone?
4.Can you perform all of the manoeuvres (e.g. reverse
parking, reversing around a corner, etc) without any advice or
verbal/physical intervention from your instructor?
5.Have you sat a mock test with your instructor? If so did
you pass? During this exercise your instructor will pretend to
be an examiner and direct you around a route similar to a
driving test route. He will also ask you to perform any or all
of the driving test manoeuvres. Unless required he will not
intervene verbally or physically during any part of the mock
test. As you drive your instructor will mark down any faults
that you commit and you can then discuss them at the end of the
‘test’.
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