Got my driving test in 2 weeks, any big tips?

Bill Door said:
An added bonus* is that as it is not public roads, you don't need to be insured on the car to drive there
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Yes you do. The Road Traffic Act - which makes third party insurance mandatory - applies not to 'public roads' but to 'roads to which the public have access'.

That means the RTA covers Supermarket Carparks and you need to comply with the requirements for insurance, license, etc in order to drive there.
 
Ahleckz said:
You have to be insured, the area is open to the public. I really wouldn't risk it if you're not insured, you can hire dual control cars with insurance for not too much if you need extra practise outwith your instructor if you haven't got your own car.
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Why would you want to hire a car with dual controls?! Unless you are a driving instructor you don't need a car with dual controls just to practice with a parent or something!
 
Dimple said:
If you know you've done something wrong then tut or grumble to yourself and that way the Examiner knows that you know.



I know 3 people who failed their driving tests because they didn't keep up with traffic.
Of course I also know people who failed because they did.
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Yeah but thats where they were going at maybe 40 in a 60, not going the speed limit and everyone else is speeding.

They can't fail you because you're abiding by the speed limit. It's when you go over / drastically under and cause issues for other road users.



It's annoying to hear but some of the best advice literally is relax and try not to think of it as a test. You don't need to be perfect, as long as you're safe and have good vehicle control. I know of someone who mounted the curb on a manoeuver, instant fail, still passed due to the general driving.


EDIT: Don't do what i did on my first test either... No one ever told me you couldn't drive on the pavement :(
 
Pro tip, if you are unsure on a roundabout go all the way around and then off. This caused me to fail my first test when I felt pressured to leave and cut some guy up, my mistake.
 
The best advice I can give is don't expect other drivers to follow the same rules you are, I failed my first test because I expected someone to give way (as they were meant to) and I started to pull away, They tried to shoot infront of me and the examiner had to use the dual controls, The failed me on that alone
 
If you have the time, try to find out what routes the examiners follow - your instructor may be able to help with this. Try to drive the routes looking out for the various hazards - maybe by following examiners and test candidates days before your test - AT A DISTANCE!

The examiners are likely to choose routes where you get unexpected features - varying speed limits, confusing traffic lights, lanes suddenly merging, a need to get into the correct lane early, etc.

As many people have said already, stay calm and try not to get too flustered. The driving test is a complete lottery and if you can drive properly and safely you may or may not pass.

When you do pass, don't forget everything you have learned - you will then be in sole charge of a lethal weapon - don't go mad and kill yourself or others.

Good luck :)
 
Go into the test with the mindset of 'I am going to pass'. If you doubt yourself then you're buggered from the outset IMO. Confidence will also pay divedends with the examiner, if you seem nervous they make deliberately find fault if they think you'll be unable to cope with driving alone.

So relax, practice a lot and keep believing in yourself.

Best of luck!! Looking forward to a spec me a first car thread in a couple of weeks.
 
I think a large amount of it comes down to the attitude you take towards driving as well. I remember back when I was in 6th form there was this guy who was so cocky and arrogant it took him 7 attempts to pass.

My instructor knew his instructor and aparantly even the assesors had said he would have passed if he wasn't such an arrogant little **** :) the amount of times he failed amused me greatly.
 
The single best piece of advice is: Chill out, and relax. A decent examiner will try to keep you at ease anyway, but do just take it as a sunday drive. Give yourself plenty of distance, don't assume that other drivers are going to do what you think they will, and get on with it safely and smoothly. It's not particularly hard -- I just passed mine 2 months ago, first time, 4 minors.

Despite being almost 30 I still got molested in terms of insurance cost. :(
 
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