It is entirely common to be stressed out before taking your driving test. After investing in expensive driving lessons and hours spent studying your practical test book, a failing grade can seem like the end of the world (if you do fail, you can try again in ten days). Follow these helpful tips to combat test anxiety and make sure you pass your driving exam with flying colours!
Know What to Expect
If you know what will happen on the day of the exam, you will likely be more relaxed going into it. You can also make it easier on yourself by completing the DVSA booking practical test online. Here is what you can expect the day of your driving test, from arrival to receiving your results.
1. Armed with your provisional driving license, both the plastic card and paper counterpart, you will arrive at the test centre ready to pass your exam. Your instructor may accompany you to both the test centre and on the driving test itself, although this is entirely up to you.
2. While in the waiting room, the test examiner will check your address details, check your provisional license, and confirm that you are insured to drive.
3. On the way to the vehicle, you will be asked to read a license plate to check your eyesight. When you arrive at the vehicle you will be asked 19 questions in which you will need to point out different parts of the car for the examiner.
4. You will then begin the driving test. The examiner will have you go through a specific route and test your ability to navigate, read road signs, and perform procedures such as an emergency stop.
5. Once you are back at the testing centre the examiner will let you and your instructor know what mistakes were made and whether you passed or failed. If you have passed, you will receive the test pass certificate and be allowed to drive immediately.
Preparation is Key
If you want to decrease your test anxiety, there is no better way than preparing for every aspect of the exam. There are a number of ways that you can study, you just need to find the best method for you.
Youtube Videos – There are a number of instructional videos that show mock driving tests, give student drivers advice, and show you specific aspects of the exam such as parallel parking. Start with this video from the DSA, which shows how the practical exam will go.
Supplementary Study Material – There are plenty of study guides on the market that cover the practical exam from dvd’s to study guides to computer programs.
Apps – You can also download a driving test app onto your phone or tablet so that you can study on-the-go.
Additional Tips
You should get plenty of rest the night before the exam so that you are alert. You may wish to consider booking the driving test during your most productive time of the day. Avoid rush hour time periods and arrive to the testing centre at least ten minutes before the exam begins.
Tests can be nerve-racking but if you prepare yourself well for the practical exam and know what to expect on test day, you will be more likely to walk away with that test pass certificate. Take your time, stay calm, and you will be on the road driving your car before you know it.
Book Practical Driving Test Online 