HOW TO PASS THE DRIVING TEST

 

- - - - - - - by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - -

There is no magical trick to guarantee a pass in a driving test. It is best to consult a professional instructor before making a booking. Better still have a few driving lessons in preparation. 

Here are some practical tips to improve the chances of success:

1. Know what to expect.

During a test an examiner is not allowed to help you at all. You must know how to operate the windscreen wipers, the horn etc. Be familiar with the manoeuvres you have to demonstrate - parallel parking, 3-point turn etc. 

2. Don’t drive too slowly.

To play it safe and drive very slowly causes a problem: The examiner may run out of time to complete the test. He/she could also interpret your lack of progress as lack of competence.

3. Don’t drive too fast.

The examiner will sense the difference between a fast, competent driver and a fast, but nervous one. Drivers moving too fast often fail to see and obey speed limits at road works, inside school zones. They miss important hazards or pedestrians they should be giving way to.

4. Listen to directions carefully.

Don’t get left and right mixed up. if you have a problem, write the letter L on the back of your left hand. If you genuinely did not hear an instruction clearly, you may clarify. But questions regarding road laws or what action is required, are not permitted. 

(If a confused applicant turns right into a one way street, it's the end of the test.)

5. Be decisive.

If any tricky situations arise, you must act to solve the problem. You may never have experienced it before. Use common sense.

6. Never think you have failed the test, even after an obvious mistake. Keep going! You may still pass. Brooding over a small mistake may lead to a much bigger one that may fail you! 

7. Don’t worry about silence in the car.

It can be daunting sitting beside a stranger, who seems to just grunt: "Turn right, turn left". Never think that the examiner doesn’t like you. It only lowers your performance. If there is a little chit-chat to make you feel relaxed, be happy. But don’t expect it. 

8. Concentrate all the way.

The reason for silence in the vehicle is for you to focus on the tasks at hand. Rolling through a stop sign is a common fail item, caused by dreaming just for a moment. Don't be distracted, if the officer writes something onto the test sheet. He or she may be recording something you did well.

9. Do not try to be polite ...when it comes to road laws.

If other traffic must give way to you, don't disobey road rules to be polite. Stopping unnecessarily for other traffic, the examiner may think you do not know the give-way rules. (Unless, of course, it is an emergency).

 

A common misunderstanding: Nervous learners, during the driving test, often confuse these two signs. Keep left does not mean you can't turn right.     >>>    

The most common INSTANT FAIL errors:

Failing to give way

Not observing, or misjudging other traffic

Exceeding the speed limit

Driving down hill or at road works and school zones.

Disobeying lights or signs 

Not reacting on amber or slowly rolling through stop signs.

Dangerous driving 

Insufficient safety margin, too fast into corners, too close to parked vehicles etc.
 

Before the test the examiner will check your learner’s permit. It must be valid! There will be a brief mechanical check. Brake lights, indicators, tyres, horn and windscreen wipers must all be in good order. The vehicle must be registered and display L-plates. (Check local regulation). 

          Avoid misunderstandings. Don't expect to be tricked.

Example: You are driving in the left lane and the examiner directs you to turn right at the next traffic light. You must realize that a lane change must first be executed, because you can't turn right from the left lane. Changing into the correct lane for turning is part of the driving test. 

Do not have a casual attitude: "If I pass I pass, if not I try again." You may surprise yourself and just manage to pass the test - but will you be a safe driver? 

Passing the driving test is a reason to celebrate. But a more important milestone to celebrate is a clean, crash-free driving record after one year, five years or thirty years of motoring! It can be done!

(Compare it to a wedding; a very happy milestone in anyone's life. But the greater achievement is a successful marriage, which requires commitment and hard work.)  

All the best for your driving test and a crash-free motoring career!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - revised 2021.