ExaminerThe BIG day has finally arrived and you’re excited at the same time nervous completely natural to feel that way.

You will be picked up by your instructor at least an hour before the test time and brought to the test center approximately 10 minutes before the test time.

Make sure you have the correct documents with you. The green provisional driving license (new phototype) or old type Driving Licence is accompanied by a current passport, Theory Test Certificate, and Driving Test Appointment letter.

Eye Test:

Get your instructor to check your eyesight a few days before the test. You should be able to read a car number plate from 20.5 meters or 67 feet.

Just before the test: You will meet with your examiner at the test center office. He or she will need to inspect all the above documents, and then ask you to sign an insurance, health, and residency declaration. Before heading out the examiner will ask you if you would like your instructor to accompany you on the test. If you decide you would like your instructor to accompany you then he/she will. But there is absolutely no way the instructor can help you in any way at all during the test.  After this, you will both make your way out of the office and to the car. Just before getting to the car, you will be required to read a number plate, and then be asked two questions on vehicle safety and maintenance from the Show me, tell me a list. After answering these questions, you will be asked to get into the car with the examiner. Make sure you have shut the door properly, checked that the hand brake is applied & that the gears are in neutral if your test is in a manual car. Then put on your seat belt.

Here comes the scary instruction:

“Shortly I will begin your driving test which will last approximately 38 to 40 minutes. I will ask you to carry out one reversing maneuver and possibly an Emergency Stop. During the test, I will also ask you to drive independently for about 20 minutes. If you don’t have any questions then I would like you to start the car, drive out of the car park follow the road ahead unless traffic signs direct otherwise. When I want you to turn left or right I will ask you to do so in plenty of time.”

If you are still unsure of the instructions, then ask them to be repeated. It’s ok to do that!

Moving Off:

Make sure the car is not in gear and then start the engine, select the appropriate gear, and don’t forget to check the mirrors. Signal & look over your shoulders, left shoulder first. Move off when you think it’s safe checking over your right shoulder. If your test has started in the rain or on a cold day, be sure to de-mist the windows first. If you are parked on a hill, use the hand brake to get the biting point & move off checking over your right shoulder. Don’t roll back. Good Luck !!!

Positioning & Obstructions:

Constantly look ahead & keep checking all mirrors. Position the car in the road just the way your instructor had taught you. Plan your every movement by looking ahead for all the obstructions you are about to meet. Keep a good lookout for road signs, cars, vans & bikes pulling out in front of you without signaling. Watch out for pedestrians crossing the road from between parked cars & keep an eye on your speed. You don’t get reward points for knocking down pedestrians.

Approaching Turns & Road Junctions:

Upon receiving instructions check your mirrors, signal, brake & position the car where appropriate. Select the appropriate gear & DON`T COAST. Then look into the road as you turn into it for more obstructions. Most serious faults are committed here, due to the candidate’s inappropriate speed in their approach. Thus causing the car to overshoot the turn or lead to harsh braking, cutting the corners, if turning right and of course, CROSSING HANDS.

Pulling Over & Moving Off:

You will be asked to pull over alongside the curb and then, asked to move off again several times. When asked to pull over, pick a safe spot. Avoid pulling over alongside a parked car, in front of a driveway way, or anywhere where you may cause an obstruction. Before moving off, check all the mirrors and look over your right shoulder, then signal if necessary, and away you go.

Pedestrian Crossings:

Almost anywhere & everywhere you will come to a pedestrian crossing. Look well ahead for them and any pedestrians nearby. You can almost bet they will cross in front of you or have pushed the button. Slow down and don’t get caught out. The most common faults committed here are that candidates don’t see the crossings, and pedestrians and then stop in the crossing area when in traffic.

Road Signs & Markings:

During the course of the test keep a good lookout for road signs & markings on the road as the examiner will not point them out to you. You will be expected to know them, observe them, and maneuver the car accordingly.

Meeting Vehicles:

When meeting vehicles on a narrow road remember NO ONE has a right of way. Don’t try and squeeze through, as you did in your lessons. Be prepared to give way. Don’t flash your headlights & don’t waive anyone on. After giving way and moving off check your mirrors, look over your right shoulder and move off. If you give way to someone, then make sure you can get yourself moving away without getting too close to the parked car, which may cause you to reverse to get out. If the driver approaches and gives way to you, then be courteous with a little wave. Examiners like that.

Crossroads & Roundabouts:

Understandably these junctions can be tricky. Take your time & don’t rush into them. Look out for road signs, chevrons, hatch markings, arrows, lane markings, traffic lights, and filter lights they are there to help you. Also watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbikes. Lack of observation & judgment is the most common faults committed here. READ THE JUNCTION.

Reversing Manoeuvres: During the course of the test, you will be asked to carry out one of the six reversing maneuvers you have been taught. The examiner will choose the maneuver. Before attempting the maneuver, take a moment and think about how you were taught this, then perform it. Pay attention to all around you, good observation is important, not just looking in the mirrors. Keep good control of your speed.

High-Speed Driving

You may at some stage, be brought onto a road where you will be required to exceed the usual 30mph speed limit usually on dual carriageways. Upon entering these roads the speed limit WILL be stated, so look out for it. Use the “two-second rule” providing the traffic situation and weather conditions allow you to drive up to the stated speed limit, DRIVE UP TO IT. You may need to use the 5th gear. If you need to change lanes or overtake, first check all the mirrors for other vehicles close to you, signal, then if or when it’s safe, move out.

Emergency Stop:

You may be asked to carry out an emergency stop. This will be a stationary instruction.

Independent Driving:

During your test, you’ll have to drive independently by either following, traffic signs, a series of verbal directions, or a map. It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember every direction or if you go the wrong way. Independent driving means making your own decisions and using the MSM routine on your own. The examiner will confirm the directions for you if you ask for a reminder of them. This will not affect the result.

Your test result won’t be affected even if you go off the independent driving route unless you make a driving fault. The examiner will help you get back on the route if you go off it or take a wrong turn. You can then continue with independent driving. The examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign if there are poor or obscured traffic signs.

O! Ow!

In only some cases, situations may occur during the test that has not occurred in your lessons. If faced with this you will have to use your own judgment, common sense, and initiative to deal with it the best you can. If you feel you have made a mistake IGNORE IT, it may just be considered a minor fault. The examiner will take the situation into consideration and judge you on your calmness and ability to carry on.

Heading Back

Believe it or not, the most serious mistakes are made moments before the test comes to an end. This is due to candidates thinking too much about how they did, instead of what they should be doing.

The Results

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you how you did. If you have been successful, you will be awarded a certificate. If not then you will be offered a verbal explanation with a report of the test, outlining the areas where you require a little further care and attention. If you commit 3 minor faults within the same category, this will count as a serious fault. For example, three minors due to inappropriate use of indicators will count as a serious fault. One or more serious or dangerous fault(s) will result in failure. Most driving tests are failed due to serious faults and not exceeding the 15 minors allowed.

The PASS PLUS

After you pass the test, don’t forget to ask about the PASS PLUS course, ask your instructor for details! – Find Out More