5 Tips for Passing Your Practical Driving Test

Getting out on the road and enjoying the freedom that comes with a driving licence is a privilege many individuals want to enjoy. The moment you take your practical driving test isn’t exactly a peaceful one, however. Many seasoned drivers look back and remember their anxious feelings and sweaty palms as they sat next to the stone-faced examiner wielding the clipboard that would decide their future. It’s a daunting thing, but a necessary one if you want to enjoy the freedom of owning a driving licence.

What to Expect

The practical driving test isn’t the first roadblock you have to overcome in order to obtain your driving licence. You’ll spend hours behind the wheel with your parent or a professional driving instructor learning the rules of the road. You’ll obtain your provisional licence, then study like crazy to pass the driving theory test. This written test involves several multiple-choice questions that examine your knowledge of road rules based on DVSA guidelines and the Official Highway Code. There is also a hazard perception test included with the theory exam, which assess how aware you are of the potential risks and danger that might happen while you are driving.

After completing the theory test and passing it, you may take the practical driving test, which involves an eyesight check, a driving assessment and a serious of vehicle safety questions. The driving assessment is separated into two different parts: manoeuvres and an independent driving test.

Eyesight Test

Testing your eyesight is the first thing the examiner will do prior to the actual driving test. You’ll be asked to read a number plate from about 20 metres away to determine if your eyesight is good enough to take the driving part of the test. You’ll be given two chances to read the number plate correctly. If you need contacts or glasses to read the number, you will be required by law to wear those during the driving test and as a licenced driver afterward.

Vehicle Safety Questions

Often referred to as the “Show me, Tell me” part of the exam, these questions help determine what you know about the car parts beneath the bonnet. You’ll need to be able to know and perform vehicle safety checks prior to actually getting behind the wheel. The examiner will often ask you to show him or her how to perform a vehicle safety check, like checking the oil level on the Land Rover. A tell me question works in the same way. However, with this type of question, you don’t have to actually do the check, you just have to tell the examiner exactly how you would perform it.

First Part: Manoeuvres

During this part of the test, you’ll be asked by an examiner to drive through a set course that demonstrates how well you handle various manoeuvres behind the wheel. You may need to drive through traffic cones.

Second Part: Independent Driving

During this part of the test, you’ll be expected to take a specific route the examiner has chosen for you. This route will introduce a number of traffic conditions and traffic signs. You must be able to show the examiner you know how to handle each one in the correct way. You’ll also be asked to perform a reversing exercise. This may involve reverse parking, reversing around a corner or reversing onto a road. The instructor may also ask you to do an emergency stop.

Tips for Passing Your Practical Driving Test

Want to pass your practical driving test the first time? Here’s what you need to know.

• Make Sure Your Land Rover is Prepared- If you decide to use your own vehicle for the driving test, be sure you’re prepared with all the correct documents, including proof of taxation and insurance. An up-to-date MOT certificate must be provided to show its Land Rover parts are road-worthy, but you should also have a mechanic check out the vehicle beforehand. It can’t have any warning lights on, tyre damage or problems with acceleration. The examiner will evaluate the Land Rover and its car parts prior to the test to ensure it is safe to drive.

• Take Regular Lessons- Being prepared for the exam is important, as it requires a lot of money to get to the end stage. An average of 45 hours is recommended for drivers prior to taking the exam. Spend this time with a professional instructor and pay close attention to what he or she says.

• Practice- Don’t assume the time you spend behind the wheel with an instructor is enough. Practice as much as possible before taking the practical driving test. Put yourself in various traffic situations so you’re comfortable handling them when you take the exam. You can practice with another adult in the vehicle over the age of 21 as long as they have had their full licence for more than three years.

• Take a Mock Test- Get your nerves out early by taking a mock driving test before the big day with all the test conditions and a mock test route you might expect from the real thing. Many driving schools offer these types of tests, but you can plan your own with a friend or loved one if you want.

• Sleep- You might be nervous, but try to get a good night’s sleep prior to the test. Sleepiness can not only get in the way of making the right decisions during the exam, but can prevent you from focusing on the task at hand.

Are you ready to get behind the wheel and enjoy the freedom of driving on your own? Make sure your Land Rover and Land Rover parts are ready for the exam, then do the same for yourself. Being prepared and concentrating on your goal is the best way to ensure you pass the exam. If you do happen to pass, don’t take it for granted. Continue to take lessons and gain experience every day so you can be a defensive and careful driver on the road.