The Driving Test

Introduction

Have you wondered what is involved when taking your practical driving test?

How do you know when you're ready to pass the practical driving test?

In today's blog, we will delve into these questions, and much more.

An awful lot of emphasis is placed upon the driving test, which can often heighten a candidate's anxiety around the test. But, with the right approach to learning, focusing on your areas of development, and ensuring you wait for the right time for you to take your practical driving test, you give yourself the best possible chance of being successful.

Preparation is key. It's important to remember that everyone is different. We all learn at different speeds, and often in different ways, and that's okay - that's normal.

Here at Day Tripper Driving Tuition, we will ensure we adapt our approach to your driving lessons in such a way that we will get the best out of you.

Whilst the ultimate aim is for complete independence in your driving, we will never leave you to struggle. We will always be there to support and guide you in those "What do I do?!" moments!

Your driving lessons will take place in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and the surrounding area. A lot of time will be spent in the areas in which your practical driving test will take place. However, it's important that you can drive safely in all conditions, and properly manage all situations. Therefore, we don't teach you what all the test routes are, we simply prepare you for all of them!

Mock Tests

In the latter stages of your driving lessons, we will conduct 'Mock Tests' with you. These will be completed either with your driving instructor, or another instructor at Day Tripper Driving Tuition. This will optimise the realism of the mock test, as you may have never met your mock examiner before!

Whilst this may seem nerve-wracking, the purpose is for you to experience what your real practical driving test will be like, which will help build your awareness and confidence.

At the end of the mock test, you will be provided with a full debrief. Any faults which took place during the mock test will allow your driving instructor to target any particular areas in your driving that need attention - better preparing you for the real thing.

A key reason we conduct mock tests is because they act as an excellent indicator of whether you are ready for your practical driving test. If you pass a mock test, you may very well be ready for the real thing - and complete independence on the roads!

The Driving Test

On the day of your test, you will arrive at the driving test centre approximately 10-minutes before your test time.

You will wait in the waiting area until your test time, when the examiner will arrive and call out your name.

After presenting your provisional driving license to the examiner, which will be checked to ensure you are the correct candidate, you will be asked to read and sign a declaration.

Your examiner will ask you if you wish for your instructor to come along on the test. This is entirely your choice. There are pros and cons for whether you have your instructor present or not, which will be discussed in more details during your driving lessons.

If your driving instructor does come along, it's important to remember that they are a 'silent observer'. They can't help, and are simply there to observe.

If you choose to not have your instructor present during the test, you will be invited to have them present during the debrief. This is highly recommended, as it will allow your instructor to hear any feedback, which may assist any future lessons that are required.

You will be asked to complete an eyesight test, which involves reading a license plate from a distance of 20 metres. You can and should wear contact lenses or glasses if you require them.

Your examiner, if you wish, will explain the test to you. To summarise, they will inform you that the test will last about 35-40 minutes, and will include various roads and conditions. During the test, you'll be asked to complete one reversing manoeuvre, a period of independent driving lasting about 20 minutes (which involves following a sat-nav or road signs), and possibly an emergency stop.

Once you are in the car, you are using for your driving test (which will be the same one you have used during your driving lessons), the examiner will explain how they will direct you. This will feel very familiar to you, because we will also direct you in the same manner throughout your driving lessons.

Your test will then begin.

Once you arrive back at the test centre, the result, along with any feedback, will be provided to you.

Conclusion

Hopefully this blog has helped you understand how we will help you prepare for your driving test. We will support and guide you throughout all of your driving lessons, and provide you with the skills, experience, and knowledge to pass the driving test, and earn your freedom on the roads.

Please check out our other blogs for more information, guidance, and tips.

If you wish to book your lessons with us, please contact us.

Adrian

Company Owner