Driving Test Advice

Advice on your driving test to help you pass

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Before you do any driving you'll be asked to perform an eyesight check and then be asked some vehicle safety questions

You'll then be tested on your general driving ability, usually including two reversing exercises

The 'Driving' part of your test will last about 40 minutes

Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for evidence you've reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific manoeuvres

You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. However, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you'll fail the test automatically

You must bring the following items with you to the test . . .

An insured and licensed car with L- Plates
The appropriate theory test pass certificate
Your appointment letter confirming your test time and date
Both parts of your photo card licence

If you don't take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you'll lose your fee If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and separate approved photo identification with you

don't worry our Weelz Cars are perfect for the job and readily available!

If you don't, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee

Test advice

The most important advice is not to take your driving test until you are ready

Don’t fall into the trap. Be prepared and understand what you need to do and you’ll be fine

Thousands of people pass this test every week all over the UK. There are no 'quotas', despite what some people say in the e-mails we receive. If you fail, then the examiner simply did not feel that you were ready to drive alone. That's all there is to it

The Test

Make sure you know the show me, tell me questions and answers. This will get you off to a good start. Don’t go getting minor errors before you even move off!! Thoroughly learn the cockpit drill and go through it each time you get in the car. Make sure you do it before you move off on your test

Try to think of the driving test as several 'mini tests' . . . you drive a bit, do a manoeuvre, then drive a bit more. Divide and conquer is the best way to think of it

Remember, always try to plan ahead. Look for the junctions and mini roundabouts well in advance. At roundabouts, look at the sign showing where all the exits are. Then you can plan your lane changes and stay calm on the approach

Driving between manoeuvres

Remember your 'normal driving position' and Keep well to the left, but avoid driving in the gutter. Try to follow the line of the kerb rather than the centre lines of the road. Never get too close to stationary vehicles or obstructions as you are pass them

Look out for pedestrians stepping out and remember that push bikes can wobble. Give them plenty of room

Never look down at the gear stick when driving along... learn to change gears without looking

Don't let the car 'veer' to one side when you change gear

Try not to stop at every junction if you can help it. Try to look well ahead - open your eyes and constantly scan the environment. You will get you marks for hesitancy if you don't progress at a reasonable pace

Don't ever forget that you must stop and apply the hand brake at a stop sign. Although many people will tell you that you don't have to, the truth is that is you don't apply the handbrake and you roll back even slightly, your examiner will almost certainly tell you that you've not passed

You may have to hold the vehicle on the clutch on a slope for a short time instead of applying the hand brake (not at a stop sign!). This will be usually at junctions and roundabouts. You just need to hold the clutch on the 'biting point'

Make sure that this is only for a couple of seconds maximum

Use your eyes and your brain. Have a good look all around and if there's no chance of moving off in the next couple of seconds, get the hand brake on. When you are emerging from junctions you need to look in both directions, no matter which way you turn

As an absolute minimum, when turning from a side road into a main road you should look at least right - left - right

When turning right into a main road across oncoming traffic, you should keep looking both ways constantly. Never forget to ask yourself "could I walk across?” when crossing the path of other traffic. Remember, "creep and peep" where you need to. If there's a danger, stop creeping but keep peeping!

As soon as it's clear move positively into the new road, check the mirror and cancel un needed signals. At every junction or roundabout ask yourself "What can I see? Is it safe? Can I go?"

Signals

Signals should be used to inform, not confuse. They should be used in good time as part of the MSM routine and then canceled when no longer needed. Always signal on approaching a junction to turn left or right, no matter how clear the road is

Moving Off

Moving off is one of the most important and basic skills to get right. During the test the examiner will ask you to stop on the left and move off again several times

When you move off you must use the Prepare, Observe, Move routine. You have to check all around the car by turning round to check the blind spots. A quick look in the mirror is absolutely not enough. When the examiner asks you to stop, make sure you use the MSM routine and stop somewhere that’s Safe, Convenient and Legal

Other road users

Always give pedestrians the right of way. They are the most vulnerable road users. Look out for kids and old people. They routinely take car drivers by surprise by stepping out without looking. expect the unexpected. When you see a pedestrian, expect them to step out, that way you won't be surprised

Mirrors

Try to get the habit of using your mirrors before you do anything at all

Use them in pairs, interior and at least one wing mirror. Use mirrors before you: speed up, slow down, brake, move off, change gear, change lanes, turn a corner etc. etc. always, always, always remember that final check in the side mirror before turning right or left. It's vital and so many people don't bother

What to take with you to your test

This is just a reminder of what you need to take with you

your provisional driving licence

 your Theory Test Pass Ceritificate

If you have an older-style paper provisional licence you will need to bring some acceptable proof of identity that bears your name, photograph and signature (like your passport, which does not have to be a British passport)

You can have the practical test in your instructor's car

If you are not driving in your instructor's car you must bring an insurance certificate. If you are not using a driving school car you must also display 'L' plates and have an extra rear view mirror fitted for the examiner

Please remember to arrive at the test centre 15 minutes prior your test time!

email me or call 07517 384139 or 0845 833 1143

Do you have what it takes?

skills required to become a driving instructor

The ADI examination process comprises of 3 stages

To be an ADI, instructors require a high standard of driving ability and a sound knowledge of the subjects related to teaching others to drive and must be able to apply these skills in practical situations

The examination process is carefully designed to test these skill areas, and good quality training is essential for success

Teaching others to drive includes being knowledgeable about:

how to teach people
how people learn
how to assess the performance of others
communication skills
interpersonal skills

Your training course will cover these aspects, each module enhancing your skills to a higher level

On you Part 3 course you will be taught all aspect required to instruct learners how to drive

For more information, just call Chris Harrison on 07517 384139 or 0845 833 1143

Intensive courses

You could have your licence soon

You're an individual in your speed of learning and your confidence to drive

With Chris Harrison you have the option of 2 or 3 hour lessons, so you could reach test standard in the shortest time

We may even be able to arrange one week intensive courses for complete beginners, so call now for more information

Weelz Driving School Intensive Courses are very much in demand, so make sure you call early!

email me or call 07517 384139 or 0845 833 1143