Preparing for Your Driving Test: What You Need to Know

Passing your driving test is a life-changing moment because it no longer means that you have to rely on your parents, siblings or mates to ferry you around.

The freedom and sense of achievement you get from succeeding are incredible. So, you’ll want to do everything you can to try and do so as quickly as possible.

However, to put yourself in a position to pass your test, it’s good to know what it will involve. That way, it will be less of an unknown when you go to take it.

If you are not familiar with what is involved, then fear not. This article is for you.

Here is everything you need to do and know when preparing for your driving test. If you follow this guide, you should be fully aware of what to expect on the big day.

Have a lesson before the test

It is a good idea to have a lesson before your test to make sure you have your driving skills down pat.

Try to schedule a one- or two-hour lesson with your driving instructor on the morning of your test if they are free. If they are not, you should consider booking EZ Licence AU driving lessons with another instructor.

You’ll be better for the run before your test, especially if you drive around the area where it is likely to take place. You should also benefit from the insights, confidence, and tips that another instructor will give you.

Be early for your test

It is imperative that you get to your test centre early because if you don’t you run the risk of the test being cancelled or arriving in a befuddled state.

When you start your test, you want to be calm and in control of your emotions, not stressing about whether you will make it on time or not.

Make sure you have your glasses with you

If you need your glasses for driving, make sure you have them with you.

You will be asked to read a number plate to ascertain how good your sight is for the road, and if you can’t do so properly, you will not be allowed to take the test.

Wearing your glasses is also important because your reaction time would be less without them. The last thing you’ll want to do is fail a test because you didn’t do something like brake at a zebra crossing in time.

Bring all the relevant documentation

Before you can take your test, you will need to show the instructor all the relevant documentation.

This includes your provisional driving licence, a form of identification, and your learner driver log book, which documents all of the hours and kilometres you drove prior to your test.

Again, if you don’t have this documentation on hand, you won’t be allowed to take the test.

Be confident

During your test, it is important to be confident in your ability to pass it.

No doubt you would have had several lessons in the lead-up to your driving exam. Most importantly, your driving instructor would be honest enough to tell you if they thought you were not ready for it.

They have a pass success rate and reputation to protect, so they will only encourage you to take your driving test if they think you have a good chance of passing it.

Make sure you should bear this in mind when you take the practical test.

Be positive in your decision-making

In addition to being confident in your ability, you should also be positive in your decision-making.

Hesitation is not a good thing and is more likely to get you failed. So, when you decide to enter a roundabout, do a three-point turn or reverse, if you do it with intent and purpose, you are more likely to do it well.

Seek clarification

At any point during your driving test if you do not understand what the instructor is asking you to do, then don’t be afraid to seek clarification from them.

If you do not do what they ask you to do, you run the risk of failing the test. So, ask them to repeat the instructions. Most examiners will appreciate you taking the step to confirm their request.

Check your mirrors often

During your test, it is important to check your mirrors regularly while you drive.

One of the major causes of minor faults is a lack of awareness or observation. So, to avoid this happening to you, make sure you regularly check your wing and rearview mirrors.

It is particularly important to do this when you engage the handbrake to drive off for the first time, as well as at all times when changing lanes or if you need to brake sharply.

Don’t think you have failed

If you make a mistake during the test, it is important to keep your head up and not think you have failed.

Driving test instructors let a few minor faults go when assessing your capabilities behind the wheel. As a result, try to remain in good spirits and focus on doing the rest of the test as well as you can.

You may just be pleasantly surprised!