10 Driving test tips
Do you have a driving test soon and are you a little apprehensive about it? Then this page is the right place for you. Taking a driving test doesn't have to be as exciting as people often think! Use these tips to make it less exciting than it is and get yourself through this difficult and exciting time.
The driving test is a fairly expensive affair and of course it is nice if you just pass the paper in one go. The tips will help you to stay calm and increase the chance of passing the driving test.
Tip 1: Preparation is half the work
The driving test is the conclusion of a long period in which you have learned to drive a car. You are trained to drive and in most cases it should not be a problem to pass an exam.
The driving test is a lot more exciting than a normal driving lesson and of course the right preparation is important. It is important that you get the feeling that you are completely ready and that you are in control of a car. The driving test only takes half an hour and is the moment when you prove that you have this control. In this half hour it is important that you take the lead and leave nothing to chance.
Tip 2: Ensure a relaxed start
Many students make a big point of the driving test. Of course this is not necessary! You only take the driving test if you are completely ready for this. You don't have to be afraid of the examiner. During the driving test, it is really only about you! Make sure you are completely relaxed and take a few minutes of rest before you start the exam. Take a deep breath in and out to release all the stress. Treat the driving test as a normal driving lesson and try to do it as you always do.
Tip 3: Don't worry about the special transactions
Everyone thinks they can drive a nice ride, but during the special operations the tension rises considerably. Parallel parking is often feared and most students are afraid of making even a single mistake. During the special operations it is important not to rush things. Take your time to park and carry out the assignment given by an examiner. It is mainly about road safety during this assignment and less about the way you park or make another maneuver.
Does the examiner ask to turn around? Then take your time to find a possibility and only carry out that assignment if you are ready for it yourself.
Tip 4: Always keep an eye on the speed
Before the exam, check how fast you are allowed to drive at a certain location. It is sometimes difficult to estimate what speed is desired. Can you drive 70 kilometers per hour? Then the examiner does not care whether you are a few kilometers above or below the speed limit. It is important to ride with the traffic to guarantee traffic flow. Many students are completely focused on speed and forget about the traffic around them.
Tip 5: Ask questions if you feel the need
Do you find the examiner's question unclear? Then ask if the question can be repeated or indicate that you do not understand the question. There is no need to be ignorant and an examiner is willing to help you with everything. On the other hand, you should never ask questions like 'How fast can I go here?' or 'Who should I give priority?'. Only ask questions related to the route or any other wish of the instructor.
Tip 6: Make your own decision and radiate self-confidence
Driving a car is a great responsibility and of course it is good that everyone has to take a driving test for this. An examiner wants to make sure that you are decisive and that you are confident behind the wheel.
Not sure exactly what to do? This could lead to unsafe situations in the future. Believe in the decisions you make and trust in the driving lessons you have taken in recent months.
Do you find it all very exciting and you have no idea what exactly to do? Then at least make it look confident and pretend to be decisive. Loitering and waiting gives an uncertain impression and increases the chance of making mistakes.
Tip 7: Just before the exam
The period just before the exam is an important period in which you should allow yourself the right preparation. A good night's sleep is important to increase the chance of a smooth exam. You can go through the traffic rules again a few hours before the exam, but it is actually better to do something that has nothing to do with driving at all.
Try not to drink alcohol the night before the driving test and take care of yourself as best you can! Are you completely sharp for the driving test? Then there is a good chance that you are confident and decisive behind the wheel. The chance of success will increase radically!
Tip 8: Don't talk too much about it with those around you
Of course the driving test is exciting, but at the same time you have to understand that you have complete control over it. You can make it as exciting as you want and here I have an important tip for you to make it less exciting.
Don't talk to anyone about the driving test!
Of course you get a lot of support from your environment, but at the same time it gives you enormous pressure to achieve results. If you find it exciting to take a driving test, you can choose not to share it with anyone at all. The tension and pressure will disappear and your chance of success will increase!
Tip 9: Take a closer look at the most common mistakes
Tip nine gives you insight into the mistakes that are most often made during the driving test. In total, ten different mistakes are discussed and you can avoid them:
Traffic insight
Traffic insight is something you can't just learn, but something to keep in mind. Traffic insight gives you the ability to predict the future. You know what will happen and you can respond to situations in time.
Look the right way
Looking in traffic is one of the most important ways to pass or fail an exam. Use your eyes to perceive distance and use your eyes to assess situations.
Adjust your speed when necessary
In principle, you drive the speed that is allowed or slower when a traffic situation requires it. Many students find it difficult to adjust their speed when necessary.
Use the space that is needed
During a driving test, candidates sometimes drive too close to various objects. Take the space you need to take a driving test as well as possible. Do not take tight turns and do not drive too far towards the other side of the road. Obviously this is something that you should keep an eye on during driving lessons!
Overtake in a safe manner
Overtaking is something you do to improve flow. Overtaking is only necessary if there is a heavy truck or a slow vehicle in the right lane. Move well away from the vehicle you want to overtake and slowly increase speed to achieve a safe overtaking maneuver.
Special transactions in a safe manner
While performing special operations, the focus in many cases completely disappears to the car, but of course you also have to keep an eye on the traffic around you.
Make a decision and exude certainty
Decisiveness is the only way to be safe in traffic. You exude decisiveness by knowing what you are doing and by making purposeful decisions. You have no fear of stalling the car and you simply do what you have been taught.
Swap strips
Students are often focused on one lane and forget to think about changing lanes. Switch lanes if you want to make a certain turn or if you think this will improve traffic flow.
Insert in a safe way
Merging is done by accelerating slowly and by adopting the same speed as the rest of the road users. You can only merge safely if you reach the same speed as the other road users.
Look at the rest of the traffic
You can maneuver yourself safely, but it is important to read the language of the road. Look at all road signs, look for signs on the road and communicate with other road users when necessary. You are not alone on the road!