Tips on passing your driving test

Everyone gets nervous before taking their driving test; the best way to control those nerves is to be as prepared as possible. Ease those driving test nerves with our top tips to help you pass the first time and get you out on that open road! If you are from Dudley, West Midlands, find your nearest test centre in Dudley and the surrounding areas by checking with your local driving instructor.

1. Be on time – It may sound obvious but turn up with plenty of time to relax and prepare yourself, arriving late can put you at risk of missing your test, rushing to get there will leave you flustered and in a panic, which is not ideal before taking your test!
2. Have a lesson beforehand – A lesson beforehand will help put you in the right frame of mind for driving; you can go over any manoeuvres and ask any last-minute questions you may have.
3. Use your driving instructors car – Make the most of taking your test in the car you know and feel comfortable in, not only will it be up to the examiners standard, you will also be familiar with all the controls that you will need to use.
4. Check and double-check – Check you have everything you need with you, you will need your theory test pass certificate and provisional driving licence.
5. Don’t assume you have failed – You are allowed up to 15 minors during your test, so try not to dwell on any small mistakes you may make, remain in control, move on and continue with your test.

After you have passed your test

Congratulations, you did it! Enjoy your new-found freedom on the road, but remember that passing your driving test doesn’t mean you know everything there is to know about driving. This is your first step to becoming a skilled driver, you will be learning as you go! The way you have been taught to drive is the safest way to drive so try not to pick up any bad habits. As many as one new drivers in five has some kind of accident in their first year of driving, read our tips for new drivers here:

1. While you might dream of driving a fast sports car, it’s much more practical and cost-effective to settle for a smaller car that falls within the lowest car insurance group and tax bands.
2. Your first drive – Once you have your car and car insurance sorted you can venture out on your own for your first drive, stick to local roads that you know at first to gain experience and develop your driving skills.
3. Consider putting on some P Plates – you may think they are lame but they warn other road users that you are a new driver so makes other road users more patient and they might think twice about pulling up real close to you especially on a hill, as you no longer have those dual controls for back up!
4. Don’t pick up a bunch of rowdy mates, it is so exciting that you have passed your driving test but do not be tempted to show off in front everyone, get comfortable in your new car first; you need to be super alert and concentrate until you feel totally confident.
5. If you still feel apprehensive about going out on your own in the car, you could always enrol on a pass plus course, this would give you the opportunity to improve your skills such as night or motorway driving. An added bonus of this is insurance companies may offer lower premiums to drivers who have completed the Pass Plus course.