Follow Insight’s practical driving test tips to ensure you are prepared to pass your driving test the first time.
Before your practical driving test day:
- Remember to check that you have the following documentation safely stored and easily accessible. You will need it on the day!:
- Provisional License
- Theory Test Pass Certificate
- You are permitted to have one person above the age of 16 accompany you during your driving test. It is recommended that your driving instructor accompany you in this case. The instructor will not only help you to feel more comfortable, but they can also give you more constructive feedback if you fail.
- Remember to confirm with your driving instructor where and when to meet.
- Visit the test centre and familiarise yourself with it before your test.
- Use your instructor’s car during the test or remember to place a legal L plate if you choose to drive your own vehicle.
On your driving test day:
Your examiner will first check your eyesight and license. They will explain how the test will work. They will ask you a ‘tell me’ question and explain that they will ask the ‘show me’ question later during the test. You are allowed to ask the examiner to repeat if you cannot hear the instruction clearly.
During the test, always remember to check your mirrors, keep calm, and don’t assume you have failed if you make mistakes. You are allowed to make 15 minors mistakes, so remaining in control is the most important thing.
- Manoeuvre
You will be asked to complete a manoeuvre during the test. This can be the pull up on the right or forward bay park or reverse bay park or parallel park. Take your time to finish the manoeuvre safely. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions, your examiner will be willing to help you.
- Emergency stop
The examiner will ask you to pull over on the side of the road and explain that they will ask you to do an emergency stop next. Once you go back on the road, try your best to drive normally. When the examiner asks you to stop, you need to stop as quickly as possible whilst staying in full control. Remember to check Both Blind Spots before pulling away to avoid serious faults that can make you fail the entire exam.
- Independent driving
This will last for about 20 minutes. You will be asked to drive independently and follow directions from a sat nav provided by the examiner. Remember it is not a geography test, you will not be being considered as making mistakes if you go the wrong direction. The point is to show you can drive independently and safely.
For those still learning to drive:
If you are still a learner driver, you can stand out to other road users whilst on the road with Insight’s unique and revolutionary sign system available to buy via our shop here. Our innovative product comes with both L and P stickers so it can be used whilst you are learning to drive and once you have passed your test too.
By following our useful practical driving test tips, you should hopefully now feel better prepared to pass your driving test the first time. Good luck and remember to stay calm!
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