Preparing for Driving Test
Tips to ace your driving test with confidence.
You have long seen people driving- parents, siblings, friends and have always wished to be one of them. Enrolling yourself in a driving class is fun and exciting, you are finally getting closer to operating the vehicle yourself independently. And finally, you have gotten a date where you will be apperaing for the test! Eikes!
Here are some things that will help you ace the test!
Before you schedule the test date
Get lots and lots of practise. Use your learner’s permit to the fullest and make use of every free instance to practise your skills and expertise. Practising in an empty parking lot is great idea – they are usually empty Learn about the road signs and the traffic rules and request a friend, parent, sibling or anyone who is an expert driver to critically analyse and grade your driving skills during test drives.Ask them to be brutally honest and note down every minor mistake, wrong turns, incoorect lane change and disregard of traffic rules. Remember! This is not insulting- rather helpful and dont forget to treat them for ice cream or a coffee in return!
Once you schedule the test, familiarise yourself with the testing area. Normally test takes place nearer to the testing location. You can also take help from anyone who have recently appeared for the test.
The night before the test
Before you can even start driving, your car will be inspected to make sure that it meets minimum standards. So, make sure that the car you will be taking for the test drive, is in top condition. Check the tyres, headlights, brake lights, blinkers, turn signal, wipers etc. Also, mentally any physically you want to be in top shape for the test. So make sure you get a good night rest.
- Car Battery connection is tight corrosion free
- Fuel preferably a full tank and no leakages
- Lights & Electrical Equipements such as wipers, blinkers, horn, air-conditioning, system, brakes and accelerators
- Tyres air pressure balance spare is OK and available along with tools
On the day of the test
Make sure that you understand and are comfortable with the controls of the vehicle that you take to the test. For example, you should know how to easily turn on and off the viper options. When you sit in the car, adjust your mirrors and then leave them there. Ideally, do not adjust or move mirrors during the test. When driving, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands at all times. Use proper hand placement and focus throughout the test.
There are 2 acceptable ways to place your hands on the steering wheel. Some people choose to keep their hands at 10 and 2 and others opt for 9 and 3. The reasoning between choosing 9 and 3 is that in the event of an airbag deployment you will be safer and less likely to be hit by your own hands.
During the test, be mindful regarding the following:
- Change lanes when you are absolutely sure its safe to.
- Always maintain a safe distance between you and the other cars.
- It is always better that for a smooth drive, you maintain a steady speed. Speed up slowly and slow down well before you have to.
- Don’s turn on blinkers way before you have too and always check for blind spots when making a turn.
- When approaching a stop sign, make sure you come to a complete stop BEFORE the line.
How not to be nervous?
To ace your driving test, stay calm and focused. Nerves can lead to careless mistakes, like turning the wrong way. Instead, exude confidence and drive as if you own the road. Be yourself, stay alert, and keep your eyes on the road. This will help distract you from any nervousness. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle, especially if it’s the one you’ll be using for the test. Plan to arrive early to collect your thoughts and avoid last-minute stress. Rushing or running behind schedule will only increase your anxiety. By being prepared and calm, you’ll be well on your way to passing your driving test with flying colours!
Tips to ace the driving test
- Plan ahead- driving test can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful especially for young drivers. A sane step would be to schedule the driving test when you are free from other stressors like exams, a deadline at the office or a major event at home.
- Get plenty of Sleep- A well rested individual is always in a better shape mentally and physically to take a test.
- Be aware of the traffic signs – learn about the major traffic signs and rules- the most obvious being traffic signals! In weeks before the scheduled test, pay special emphasis to note the signs and signals and keep revising them.
- Tackle Theory early- Aim to appear and pass the theory bit of the test at an earlier date if possible or right after your training. This way you will be more prepared for the practical bit.
- Listen, not hear to your examiner- Your examiner is the person you want to impress on the test! Be sure to listen carefully to the instructions you are being given and don’t feel ashamed to ask your examiner to repeat an instruction if you have trouble understanding them the first time.
- Practise in all weathers- You never know how the weather decided to behave on the test day! Make sure that you are well equipped and prepped equally well for driving on a bright and sunny day, an overcast day or during a downpour.
- Practise, Practise, Practise- The number 1 tip is to practise as much as possible for the test. Make good use of your learner’s permit and the help of an experience driver to help, guide and critically analyse your skills.