How it works: Passing your driving test
The dreaded driving test. So much rides on it: your popularity, your credibility, even your very freedom. No pressure then.
We’re kidding, of course – plenty of the best drivers in the world failed their driving test before going on to become famous for their skills. Formula One world champion Jenson Button, no less, failed his test first time around. Still, we know exactly the type of pressure you feel before going into your test, which is why we’ve called on the help of a bona fide expert in these matters to guide you through the dos and don’ts of preparing for getting that sweet ticket to motoring freedom.
Ashley Bateman is one of the Driving Standards Agency’s Assistant Chief Driving Examiners, which means, when it comes to the driving test, he has pretty much seen it all. So, we’ll step aside now and let him tell you how best to prepare for both the theory and practical elements of the test:
Theory test:
“The theory test is vital because it shows you understand the rules of the road and the type of hazards you can encounter.”
It’s in two parts – a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test. Both are computer based, and if you fail one part you have to take the entire thing again.
“Use the source material from the www.direct.gov.uk to learn and understand the theory of driving.”
You’ll be presented with 50 multiple-choice questions in total, five of which are presented in a case study. You have 57 minutes to answer them using a touch screen monitor. Any less than 43 correct answers and you’ve failed, so swot up.
“The hazard perception test is designed to prevent accidents on the road. It’s there to ensure you can identify and react to situations before they become serious, so it’s as close to real life as possible.”
There are a total of 15 hazard scenarios presented during the test, each scores five points. These are presented in 14 clips, one of which has two hazards for you to spot and respond to by clicking a mouse. You need to score 44 from the 75 total to pass. All situations are as per those you’d encounter in real-life – so there are no second chances to see them, and the best way to train for this is in a car, but there are also videos and CD-ROMs available so you can practise.
While you learn to drive you still need insurance. If you are paying for lessons the instructor should have purchased cover. If you drive with family or friends while learning you need to make sure their policy covers you. If it does not you should be able to extend the policies cover for a couple of months while you learn.
Practical test:
“You shouldn’t even think about taking your test until you can drive independently.”
You should be comfortable driving on your own (although it’s illegal to do so on a provisional license, obviously), which means you should be making your own decisions when you’re out practicing and “there should be no prompting,” according to our expert. Too many learners rush into the test either to save time or money, but it’s unlikely that approach will pay dividends.
“You can’t be taught experience.”
Practise, practise, practise. Those that pass their test have, on average, around 45 hours of lessons and half that again in private practice. Find someone with a licence who’s willing (and qualified) to go out with you and get to know how the roads work in the real world. One in five new drivers has a crash within the first six months behind the wheel, so it’s vital you have sufficient driving experience before the test to avoid being a statistic afterwards.. You should have practised driving on all kinds of roads, and in as many traffic and weather conditions as possible.
“Get to know the test so that nothing will surprise you. Practise all the manoeuvres and learn the ‘show and tell’ questions”
Any two of the 19 ‘show and tell’ questions could come up during the test. They’re all fairly self-explanatory and designed to show you have a basic grasp on safety and the functions of the car. You’ll be nervous when you take your test though – so the better you are prepared the easier it will be.
“Use the DSA Driver’s Record to structure your learning.”
The Driver’s Record is a DSA guide that can be downloaded from its website (www.direct.gov.uk) and helps you and your instructor keep a structured record of your progress. It will tell you where you need to improve, as well as what you’re doing well.
“People often ask, ‘do I need to drive differently to pass my test?’ The answer is no.”
Just drive safely obeying the rules in a style that suits you. Some drivers ignore the rules once they’ve passed their test – from the slightly silly to the outright dangerous – so to keep safe it’s important to be able to distinguish what’s good safe driving practice and what isn’t.
