Practical test booked, any tips?

[TwinTurbot]

As title says, booked my practical and seeing as this forum is full of drivers who have passed I was hoping you'd be able to give me some tips as to be entirely honest with you I'm very nervous

[mikeplayer]

Relax.

Do what the examiner says, check mirror all the usual.

Don't worry about passing first time, it's not a race and once you have passed no one gives a rats how Manu times it takes you.

[R0G]

Nerves are the biggest killer of any driving test

Thinking this way will help

If you know who have the ability then forget about trying to pass a test - just drive and enjoy it - have fun

If you do not have the ability then what are you doing going in for the test

If you want to let nerves and not your abilty take precidence then thats your choice !!

[Raize]

Make sure you don't touch the kerb. Ever.
Take your time with maneuvers, I did mine at about 1/4 walking speed to reverse round a corner, and I only got a minor.
The notion that they no longer use set test routes is not entirely true. If you run all the "old" test routes, you will have a better chance as it's generally the same roads.
Don't overtake unless whatever you're following is doing < 3/4 of the speed limit and it's COMPLETELY safe and good visibility. I nearly failed when I tried to overtake a guy going at 65mph on dual carriageway and the speed difference was too low for it to take an acceptable amount of time.

[SebastienClement]

Try and relax. Wen I took mine I felt more at ease with the examiner than my instructor. A thoroughly decent chap.

Every time you're asked to pull over, leave enough room to pull out again without sing to reverse.

And always remember: handbrake THEN neutral.

[davepoth]

Wear a short skirt and flirt with the examiner.

HTH.

Seriously though, if your instructor thinks you're ready, you're ready.

When you check the mirrors, do it obviously so that the examiner can tell you're looking at the mirrors.

Don't rush any manoeuvres. You have plenty of time to do them, so do them properly.

[Allyc85]

mikeplayer said:

Relax.

Do what the examiner says, check mirror all the usual.

Don't worry about passing first time, it's not a race and once you have passed no one gives a rats how Manu times it takes you.

This!

I wish you all the best

[Scootersp]

I'd go with the relax thing too........

I couldn't really!! and stalled on the first pull away, but eased into it from there and still passed. I know it's a big big thing but as others of said it doesn't matter how many times it takes really (more than 3 though and i'd be worrying!!)

[chrissull]

All the best. Just don't do what I did, and get demoralised after failing first time. I put it off that much that I'm going to have to do theory again. One of my biggest regrets. I failed on something that wasn't even my fault too, that's what annoys me the most.

(An old lady started crossing the road infront of me, I was forced to stop so I wouldn't run her over. The examiner said 'as it wasn't a designated crossing area, I should not have stopped and continued.
I bet he would have failed me if I hit her.

[moreflaps]

Before starting, check examiners seat belt is properly fastened.

Be calm, you ARE ready. f you are uncertain of any examiner request ask them to repeat it. You can't fail if you ask for clarification.

Cheers

[Big News]

'Turbot'

[7mike]

chrissull said:

All the best. Just don't do what I did, and get demoralised after failing first time. I put it off that much that I'm going to have to do theory again. One of my biggest regrets. I failed on something that wasn't even my fault too, that's what annoys me the most.

(An old lady started crossing the road infront of me, I was forced to stop so I wouldn't run her over. The examiner said 'as it wasn't a designated crossing area, I should not have stopped and continued.
I bet he would have failed me if I hit her.

Unfortunately, you failed to anticipate a developing hazard, just like clicking the mouse too late on the HPT but for real.

[crispyshark]

If you don't pass first time you're obviously sh*t at driving and should give up.... but seriously, good luck. Just relax and drive as you would in a lesson or when you're out generally.

[BMR]

crispyshark said:

If you don't pass first time you're obviously sh*t at driving and should give up.... but seriously, good luck. Just relax and drive as you would in a lesson or when you're out generally.

This, I've done 2 tests and passed first time.

[Situation]

If asked to stop do a full check of the mirrors and environment before pulling out.

If your examiner/instructor gives hyper-critical feedback take it with a pinch of salt. Don't get too demoralised. Learn from it.

[RJP001]

Can't add much more other than don't crash.

[Cosworth750]

Keep calm firstly and just enjoy it. Just drive like any other lesson you've had and remember what you have been taught as you go along. When you are asked to reverse round a corner etc, take your time and don't rush it either. Keep focused and you should do well.

If you make a mistake don't panic - remember, the instructor will want to see how you recover from any errors, so don't get into a tizzy if you stall and so on.

I'm sure you'll do well though