Practical Driving Test Advice Requested

Hello All,

I am scheduled to take the practical portion of the driving test in February, and was hoping that I could get some tips from those who have passed.  I am taking driving lessons and studying, but some advice from those who have taken and passed would be great!

Thanks,

Don

Steering- Don't cross your hands while steering.  Keep the hands on the wheel at all times in the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock position.  Don't dry steer (ie steering when the car is not moving).

Road position, very important.

Check your mirrors ad nauseum.

Practice maneuvers.....

Best of luck!!!!

Also see items in the archive including http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=19354.0

Good luck.

Jim

I just passed my test last week -- first try! I had six faults, all relating to driving on narrow, parked-up roads. Maybe someday I, too, will be able to barrel down those roads at 40 mph and not blink an eye!

A good instructor and driving in the test area is the key. Drive those routes over and over again. Nothing will prepare you better for the test than being familiar with the test routes.

Tips:
Steering, like the previous poster said. It's awkward!
Brake first - don't down shift to slow down
Use your park brake whenever you're stopped for a few seconds; hover in first gear ready to go
Observations -- mirror checks every time you change speed or direction
Pay attention to signs and road markings; always watch the road ahead and adjust your speed accordingly. Get up to speed even if you think it's too fast.
Don't be too hesitant -- or too polite to other drivers or pedestrians
Ace the maneouvers -- parallel park, 3-point turn in the road, reverse around a corner. Observations are the most important part of these!
Don't signal unless it benefits another driver or pedestrian - only a fault if it would confuse someone
Pay attention to the different kinds of pedestrian crossings and how to handle each
Check to be sure all your paperwork is in order at least a week before the test - in case you have to cancel.

I had to cancel my first test after the local leisure centre cut up my provisional license 2 days before the test to put the picture on my gym pass. Customer service is a whole other topic! Anyway, you can't take the test without your license and counterpart.

The driving lessons were horribly expensive, but well worth it. Some of what I learned I will retain and use; some I will abandon, knowing what is important and what is not after driving for 30 years in the states. But no matter how stupid and awkward their driving rules make you feel, learn them and apply them for the test. Some instructors will judge you on the overall control you have of your car; others will mark you down for not following their routines, even if you are perfectly in control.

Good luck! And if you do fail the first one, realize that nerves and circumstances are variables you can't control.

Cher

Thank you for all of the responses, those are good tips that I will keep in mind.  I have lessons arranged and will have a total of 6 before my test...... I think my instructor is pretty good, so I will keep studying and having the lessons, and hope for the best!

Anyone else have any ideas??

  Don't dry steer (ie steering when the car is not moving).

Never heard of 'dry steering'... why would anyone do this?  (trying to picture it!)

Don't be too hesitant -- or too polite to other drivers or pedestrians

Good point!
My instructor told me i would fail instantly, if at any stage during the exam, i signalled to another car or a pedestrian that it was ok to cross, or ok to pass, or whatever...