Test Day Tips
For the best information about the driving test, written by the people who set it, click here. The link contains all the information you need to book the test as well as other details regarding what will happen on the day. Therefore, we won't dwell on the finer details here. Instead, here are some tips to help you have a successful day.
- Familiarise yourself with the test centre. Some time before your test date, take a trip to the centre. Take a look around, inside as well as outside. Strange surroundings will only add to your nervousness, so it helps to have a picture in your mind of where you will go and to be in familiar surroundings when you get there.
- Don't book an early morning test. In winter these are the mostly likely times to be cancelled at the last minute because of frosty/icy roads. General traffic is likely to be fast and busy for the morning rush hour and other motorists less patient with learners because they are rushing to get to work.
- Do book a mid-morning test if possible. Mid-morning tends to be the quietest time - kids have gone to school, the rush hour is over, lunch breaks haven't started.
- Get there early. There's nothing worse than being in a flap. Your instructor should already have arranged to meet you in good time. But if you are going with a friend, allow more than enough time to get there.
- The night before, relax, close your eyes and go through the manoeuvres in your mind - in real time. Sounds crazy, but it helps a lot if you have a clear idea in your mind of what you will be doing.
- Last, but not least, if you make a mistake, don't assume you have failed. I've lost count of the number of pupils I've seen come back from a test saying "I thought I failed!" when they passed. Only the examiner knows how you are doing. Remain calm throughout and, even if you made an error, you might be in for a pleasant surprise. And, remember, the test isn't over until he/she says so!
Good luck!
