Learning To Drive
The driving license is one of a handful of ‘must have’ qualifications. Here are our top tips on passing the dreaded driving test. Good Luck!
Your driving test examiner will direct you through the route of the test which will contain a selection of typical road and traffic conditions. They will also ask you to carry out a series of set exercises. You’re bound to make mistakes during the test. The perfect driver is still to be found. You can still pass a test with 15 minor faults or less (although one serious fault will mean failing).
The examiner is looking for a safe overall standard of driving. The test isn’t easy and you’ll need sufficient preparation before you are ready to take it. Around 46% of people pass their driving test but the percentage of first time passes is much smaller than this figure. Scott Malcolm, driving instructor with Fast Pass was kind enough to share the benefit of his experience.
1. Be confident with your manoeuvres. If you are reasonably confident that you can carry out the manoeuvres effectively enough to gain a pass in this area it will leave your mind free to concentrate on your driving.
2. Procedures. Using the MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) routine is important, although I prefer the extended version of MSPSL (Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) routine, as this acts as a check list during the test and also gives you something to concentrate on if you feel nervous.
3. Observation and Planning. This is one of the most important aspects to be in control of. By looking and scanning as far ahead as you can for road signs, potential or developing hazards and road markings you are free to apply the MSPSL routine as appropriate for the situation. You should be recognising and dealing with hazards as early as possible.
4. Awareness and Anticipation. One of the hardest skills to learn for pupils. Being able to anticipate other road user actions will keep you out of dangerous situations and increase your chances of passing. Watch the way cars wheels turn at roundabouts to see if they are exiting and look into the side mirrors of buses whilst overtaking at bus stops (if conditions dictate) to see if the driver is thinking of moving off or still dealing with passengers.
5. Knowledge of the Highway Code. Obviously a good knowledge of the Highway Code is essential as the examiner wants to see you obey road signs and road markings. Common faults here are not noticing signs, not using bus lanes properly and not returning to the left hand lane where appropriate. 6. Dealing with nerves. There are many weird and wonderful techniques for dealing with nerves. Practise until you feel reasonably confident that you would be able to drive almost anywhere on your own. If you think you could drive on your own then you are ready for your test. Relax and rely on the skills and knowledge passed on to you by your instructor. Further information: www.fast-pass.net email: info@fast-pass.net http://www.dsa.gov.uk
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