I recently passed my driving test and have bought my first car – hooray!!! It did take me a couple of attempts to pass but it was mainly down to anxiety and not knowing what to expect – so I have given you my top tips to make sure you are feeling well prepared and ready to get on the road!
Make sure you are ready…
I’m 27 so I definitely left it a while to learn to drive but I certainly chose the right time for me. Everyone is different and you may not necessarily feel ready to get behind the wheel at 17 – that’s fine! Everyone learns in their own ways and at their own times so do not feel pressured into driving if you do not yet feel confident and comfortable to do so.
Learn Your Manouveres…
During your test you will be required to complete a couple of manouveres. These include reverse round a corner, turn in the road, parallel parking and bay parking. All of these need practice both with your instructor and privately but you’ll soon get them!
Revise Your Theory…
I passed my theory approximately a year before passing my practical but this meant that I could continue to use my theory more and more whilst I was out on the road. It’s great to keep up on everything that you have learnt in your theory, especially in regard to road markings, signs and the various hazards. Now that I’m driving everyday I’m certainly improving on my hazard perception and learning new things every time I am out on the road!
Keep Practicing…
I often had long gaps between my lessons but it is so much better to be driving on a regular basis when you are learning. This keeps things fresh in your mind in terms of what you are learning and ultimately aids you to becoming a better and safer driver. By building up confidence through regular lessons and practice in a parent/guardians car you are able to cover a full range of skills used in daily driving.
Revise the Show and Tell Questions…
These are so important and you will be asked two totally random questions. Make sure you know all the various buttons and where everything is located under the bonnet. Usually you will receive a book when you start learning to keep track of your lessons, and if you go with a company like the AA they will provide you with a book that contains these questions – make sure you take a read over them and jot down any notes to help you remember as these are great for revising on just before you take your test.
Keep Calm and Positive…
One of the main things that affected me in my driving test was panic and anxiety. This was particularly when I stalled and this was the reason I failed my first test. I made a common mistake of trying to set off in 3rd gear and thought it was in 1st! This panic and frustration is what caused me to fail. If you get in this situation, stop – making sure the car is secure, and think through your steps that you have been taught. Even now I still stall occasionally as I get used to driving regularly but it does start to get more natural! Remember – everyone was a learner once! If you’re like me and have learnt in London, you may well be used to those who are a little more impatient. The trick is not to panic and not to let them fluster you – in the end they are just making it more dangerous for themselves through rushing. Keep calm and have a positive mindset throughout!
Didn’t pass this time – Don’t worry!
It took me a couple of attempts to pass but in turn this has made me a safer driver. I now feel much more confident when I’m out on the road and those extra few practices were worth everything to be able to drive now.
Your Driving Test is just the start!
It’s a daunting experience driving out and about on your own for the first time. I remember being so nervous and excited to get behind the wheel. You’re bound to face lots of challenges. With my new job I have to travel a lot and rely on maps and sat nav – I have lots of stories of ending up in residential car parks and down one way roads but all is excellent practice to make you a better driver.
Good Luck! – Send me a tweet to let me know how you get on @prettyandpetit
Becky at Pretty & Petit
