In a recent article, we saw that the pass-rate for the UK driving test was below 50%. If you're expecting to take your test in the near future, that statistic might seem pretty scary or discouraging, but it needn't be.
Driving is a skill and acquiring any skill requires preparation and practice. If you focus on those and put in the work, then your driving test will start to look less like an ordeal to be endured, and more like what it really is - an opportunity to attain the independence and freedom a car can offer.
What happens during a driving theory test?
There are two main parts to the test:
- A set of multiple-choice questions based on three books - The Highway Code, Know your traffic signs and Driving - the essential skills;
- A hazard perception test that involves watching videos and identifying hazards presented therein. The government website offers mock theory resources to help you prepare.
You are required to turn up 15 minutes early for your theory test. If you are late, your test may be cancelled and you will lose the money you paid when booking.
You must turn off your phone for the duration of your test and leave it, and any personal belongings, in the locker or box provided by the test centre. There are no waiting facilities for friends or family members.
Make sure you take your provisional licence with you to the test centre.
Preparing for the driving theory test
- Begin your preparations in plenty of time. There is a lot to learn and life throws up plenty of time-consuming distractions, so make sure you give yourself several weeks to study.
- Use the resources that are available. There are many books and websites that can help with your preparation. Bear in mind that hardcopy books may soon become out of date should any aspect of the test change, whereas websites and apps can be kept up to date as and when required. Check out the following:
- Drivingtheorytest.com - a comprehensive website covering the highway code, revision and mock tests
- Driving Theory Test UK Kit - an Android and iPhone app (paid) offering a vast array of preparation material.
- Do plenty of mock tests. Familiarise yourself with the test format as well as the information you are likely to be tested on.
What happens during a practical driving test?
The test comprises several parts:
- an eyesight check, wherein you will be asked to read number plates from a distance;
- 'show' and 'tell' questions regarding vehicle safety;
- an assessment of your general driving ability;
- an assessment of your ability to reverse the car competently;
- a period of independent driving, during which you will be asked to follow either road signs or sat-nav directions.
Your test should require you to drive for about 40 minutes altogether.
You are allowed to take your driving instructor or another person with you in the car during your test, but they must sit in the back and remain quiet. They must not communicate with you or interfere with the test in any way.
Tips for the practical driving test
- There is no such thing as too much practice Practise your driving as much as you can, in different areas and different weather conditions. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel and the less pressure you will feel when test day arrives.
- Don't book your theory test until you feel comfortable and fairly confident with your driving Rushing to practise for an impending test will just make you tense and is likely to mean that you don't revise thoroughly. A test failure will delay things more than taking the time to prepare properly will.
- Be aware that you can choose where to take your test Some areas have higher pass rates. This may be because road and traffic conditions in those places are less demanding. Discuss the possibility with your instructor and consider their opinion. Remember that if you pass your test in an 'easier' area with a high pass rate, you will still have to deal with the road conditions in your local area when you get your licence.
- Take at least one mock test with your instructor Your test will be less traumatic if you've experienced something that shows you what it will probably be like.
- Have a driving lesson before your test Having a driving lesson right before your test will give your instructor the chance to point out any areas where you need to sharpen up and pay attention.
- Take your practical test in a car you are familiar with You do not want to be caught out by problems such as not knowing where the indicators or windscreen wipers are.
- Take the correct documentation to your test You should ensure that you have your theory test pass certificate and your provisional licence.
- Get experience of driving in the area where your test will take place. If possible, practise some of the possible test routes Your instructor may know at least some of the possible routes. Be aware that each test centre uses a dozen or more different routes, and you will not be informed beforehand which route your test will take.
- If you need glasses or contacts then wear them Your eyesight will be checked as part of your practical test.
- There will be questions Even though it's a practical test, you will be asked questions, so be prepared to answer or demonstrate something when asked.
- Make sure you practise your reversing and parking The current driving test does not require the candidate to reverse around a corner and to demonstrate a three-point-turn using forward and reverse gears. Your instructor will probably teach you these, but they will not be in your test. Nevertheless, your ability to reverse will be tested by the parallel parking and bay parking manoeuvres.
- Be observant during your test (Common failure issue!)
- Check your mirrors and make it fairly obvious that you are doing so
- Keep an eye on road signs, especially speed limits, and keep an eye out for road markings.
- Don't forget to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, even when driving slowly Tailgating is one of the most common bad habits, even amongst experienced drivers. It is so easy to find yourself drifting closer than you should to the vehicle in front of you. If there's one time you really don't want to make basic errors like this, it is during your test
- Don't panic if you make a mistake If you make a mistake such as taking a wrong turn, it is not the end of the world and it doesn't necessarily mean you will fail. Just continue driving safely unless your examiner tells you otherwise. You are allowed to make up to 15 minor errors, so stay calm.
General tips
- Get a professional driving instructor. Friends and family may show you the absolute basics but there's a good chance the test and/or the highway code have changed since they learned to drive or took a test. A professional instructor will have some knowledge of test routes, including any potentially awkward parts. Many professional instructors have dual-control cars which offer additional safety, as the instructor can take over immediately if you should encounter a potentially dangerous situation.
- Get enough sleep, food and water before your tests. A lack of any of these can ruin your concentration for both theory and practical tests.
You can do it
Preparation is the key. Plenty of practice will not only fix information and driving skills in your brain and in muscle memory, it will also mean you will be more relaxed when you take your test. In the unlikely event that you make a big mistake and do fail, you can just try again.
This is where your humble blogger confesses that he passed his driving test on the third attempt because he didn't prepare properly the first two times.
