Hi, i have just done my theory and passes and currently taking some lessons with my driving instructor. I’ve done 12 so far got a few more to do. I just booked my Practical test for next week and im really nervous, i think im going to fail! is it really hard and how long is it for?
also how many takes would i have to do? anyone got any tips or suggestions? please do if you have.
thanks
Hi, i have just done my theory and passes and currently taking some lessons with my driving instructor. I’ve done 28 so far got a few more to do. I just booked my Practical test for next week and im really nervous, i think im going to fail! is it really hard and how long is it for?
also how many takes would i have to do? anyone got any tips or suggestions? please do if you have.
thanks
28 lessons is LOADS man! You ought to be more than capable of passing. The important thing is to concentrate on staying calm.
Why you feel nervous, just try to do practice a bit more. You will definitely get success in your practical test as your taking lessons from the driving instructor.
Your driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety questions. You will then start your practical driving test which will include some specific manoeuvres.
The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away.
After the eyesight test you will be asked two vehicle safety check questions. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
– reversing around a corner
– turning in the road
– reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
Best of luck 
Hi, i have just done my theory and passes and currently taking some lessons with my driving instructor. I’ve done 28 so far got a few more to do. I just booked my Practical test for next week and im really nervous, i think im going to fail! is it really hard and how long is it for?
also how many takes would i have to do? anyone got any tips or suggestions? please do if you have.
thanks
Make sure you exaggerate every movement you make to check for cars or to use your mirrors which you should be doing about every 10 seconds. Turn all the way around when you back up. Don’t drive too slow.Pretty easy if you do what the instructor wants you to do.
Hi, i have just done my theory and passes and currently taking some lessons with my driving instructor. I’ve done 12 so far got a few more to do. I just booked my Practical test for next week and im really nervous, i think im going to fail! is it really hard and how long is it for?
also how many takes would i have to do? anyone got any tips or suggestions? please do if you have.
thanks
The test will be fine as long as you act confident in your driving abilities and give the examiner a smooth and worry free journey. My test lasted around 25-30 minutes, but should have lasted around 45. The examiner will generally end the test early if he or she is confident in your driving skills. The test itself isn’t hard at all – all it is is a simple drive out with the examiner. If you just drive normally, you’ll pass!
As I’ve said before, one of my biggest tips would be to act confident (even if you are nervous). The examiner will feel much more relaxed and will be more impressed by your performance. Just treat it like any other drive out and you’ll do fine. Good luck!
Hi, i have just done my theory and passes and currently taking some lessons with my driving instructor. I’ve done 12 so far got a few more to do. I just booked my Practical test for next week and im really nervous, i think im going to fail! is it really hard and how long is it for?
also how many takes would i have to do? anyone got any tips or suggestions? please do if you have.
thanks
Just drive as if you were going to the shops, and pay attention to your driving test invigilator.
Make a big thing of moving your head to look in mirrors. Remember – Mirror, signal, manoeuvre.
Don’t look down to change gears or operate any of the controls.
Obey speed limits but don’t drive too slowly, and don’t hesitate.
Don’t stall the engine! Give it enough revs when setting off.
Remember the golden rule – only a fool breaks the two-second rule. Leave a two second gap between you and the car in front.
Always know what’s behind you by glancing in the rear view mirror, even when you’re not turning or stopping.
There’s information about the driving test at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022540
To summarise, the test will take about 40 minutes, and you’ll be asked to drive normally and perform two driving maneuvers out of the following three:
* Reversing round a corner
* Turning in the road (sometimes called 3-point turn)
* Reverse parking
You’ll pass your test if you commit no more than 15 minor faults, and no major faults. Exactly what constitutes a major and minor fault isn’t listed on the website (and is probably somewhat subjective, depending on conditions around the vehicle).
There’s also an eyesight check at the start of the test, in which you’ll be asked to read a numberplate from a distance. You might also be asked to perform an emergency stop.
You’ll also be asked two basic vehicle maintenance questions, and your instructor should have explained what this will involve in a bit more detail (e.g. you may be asked to check that all of the vehicle’s indicator lights are working correctly, or explain how you would check the oil level in the engine). Getting either of these questions wrong is counted as a minor fault.
I know your driving test can be a fairly nerve-wracking experience, but try not to worry. If your instructor thinks you’re ready, then you’re ready! Remember that you won’t be doing anything that you haven’t covered in your driving lessons.
If you think you have made a mistake, then try not to worry. Remember, you’re allowed up to 15 minor faults.
And finally, then don’t worry if you don’t pass first time, you’re far from the only one. In this case, then your examiner will explain why you didn’t pass, and as long as you learn from this, then you’ll do better next time around.
Good luck!
Expect to fail as you have had insufficient lessons – see it as experience for the second test and take it as a massive bonus if you pass. 3 out of 4 fail the first test.
if you are ready to drive on the road on your own you will pass.
if you are unsafe, to yourself and others you will fail.
dont think of failing the test as failure, think of it as the test instructor saving your life.