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how-to-pass-your-driving-test-first-time

One of the big milestones in&nbsp;life is taking – and hopefully passing – your driving test. The freedom and independence you can gain by passing the test&nbsp;is exciting, but many learners are a bag of nerves on the day and are marked down for&nbsp;serious faults because of this.

In fact, statistics from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that between 2020 and 2021, 50.2% of learners failed the&nbsp;test.

With the current backlogs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will still be more than 250,000 people waiting to book their practical driving tests at the start of 2023 – all eager to pass first time.

To give you as best a chance as possible, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tag/new-drivers">new drivers</a>&nbsp;to help you walk away with a pass certificate on test day.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile&nbsp;

How to pass your driving test first time

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recommends having 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, along with 20 hours of practice with a family member or friend.&nbsp;

If you do practise outside lessons, make sure you have learner driver insurance and that you display 'L' plates on the front and back of the vehicle. The person accompanying you should be at least 21 years old and have held a driving licence for a minimum of three years.&nbsp;

Most instructors&nbsp;encourage learners to have a lesson just before their test. You can use this time to go over things you’re not confident with, such as low-speed manoeuvres, junctions or roundabouts.&nbsp;Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything&nbsp;you’re unsure about&nbsp;during this time.

1. Practice makes perfect

Learner drivers usually&nbsp;book their tests at their nearest centre, but with the current backlog, some learners are&nbsp;willing to travel anywhere in the country if it means securing a test.

If you do manage to find a test slot, familiarise yourself with the area and ask your instructor to take you on potential test routes during your lessons. This will make you more confident, because you will know what to expect and look out for.&nbsp;

If you’ve booked at a test centre you’re not familiar with, there should be information about test routes available online, so be sure to have a look.&nbsp;

2. Get to know the test route area 

During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two safety questions, known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.&nbsp;

You will be asked one 'tell me' question, which is where you will explain how you would carry out a&nbsp;safety task. These are typically asked at the start of your test, just before you move off. For example, the examiner might say: "Tell me how you would check if your brakes are working."

If you do get a 'tell me' question wrong, you receive a minor fault – you’re allowed up to 15 of these over the course of your test.&nbsp;

You will also be asked a 'show me' question, where you will have to show how to carry out a task safely while driving. For example, the examiner might say something like: "When it’s safe to do so, show me how you will wash and clean the front and rear windscreen."

The 'show me' question will take place while you're driving, so it’s easier to pick up serious faults&nbsp;(you’re not allowed any serious faults to pass). If it’s not safe to show the examiner the answer to their question, then wait – the examiner isn’t expecting you to do everything immediately. It’s better to be safe than rush and pick up a serious fault.&nbsp;

All the 'show me, tell me' questions are available <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions">online here</a>&nbsp;so you can revise them before your test.

3. Memorise your 'show me, tell me' questions 

Examiners want you to show them you can drive safely without being a hazard on the roads, so there’s no need to rush. Take your time and make sure you’re doing things safely.&nbsp;

Give yourself plenty of time to think about what you’re doing and always keep your eyes on the road so you can plan for any hazards that could come your way.&nbsp;

It’s also not an issue if you go the wrong way on a test route, so if you do end up in a situation where you can’t take a turn or change lanes safely, just proceed where it is safe to do so, and the examiner will reroute you. If you stall when moving off, just stay calm and carry on going, staying in control of the car.

It’s also better to book your test at a time when the roads are quieter, so try to avoid rush hours early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

4. Don’t rush 

Statistics from the DVLA reveal that the top two reasons for failing every year since 2006 have been the lack of effective observations at junctions and the insufficient use of mirrors.&nbsp;

With so much to focus on, it can be an easy thing to miss, which is why it’s all the more important that you slow down and take your time to allow yourself to make those observations. And remember MSM – mirror, signal, manoeuvre.&nbsp;

Examiners are looking for effective mirror checks, especially when you're&nbsp;carrying out manoeuvres or moving off, so make sure to do these often.

Some students even find it helpful to talk through what they are doing. This not only helps you but also helps the examiner know your thought process as you drive.

5. Remember your checks 

You need to take your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate with you to your test. Indeed, if you’re successful you’ll hand in your provisional licence at the centre after your test.

You can keep everything in your instructor’s car before the test and grab them when you need them.

 6. Make sure you take everything you need 

It doesn't create the best&nbsp;impression if you turn up late, so try to get to the test centre at least 10 minutes before your slot. This gives you time to stretch your legs and take a short break beforehand.&nbsp;

7. Be on time 

Try not to overthink it. If you feel like you might have failed, don’t let it affect the rest of your driving. Many drivers think they have failed and carry on for the remainder of the test worrying about that, rather than their driving.&nbsp;

The test lasts for around 40 minutes, so stay focused and try not to be put off by other drivers on the road.&nbsp;

 8. Relax 

Some learners let the pressure get to them and slip up because they know they’re being observed by an examiner. Try to treat the test like another lesson, and drive as&nbsp;you would if you had your instructor or family member in the car. The examiners aren’t there to catch you out, they’re just looking for you to show them you can drive safely.&nbsp;

9. Treat it like another driving lesson

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the day of the test so you can be attentive and alert to everything happening around you while you're driving. And if you do fail, learn from it and keep trying.&nbsp;

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/top-10-best-used-cars-for-learner-drivers/n24075">Read more:&nbsp;Top 10 best used cars for learner drivers&nbsp;&gt;&gt;</a></h2>

10. Have a good night’s rest

One of the big milestones in your life is passing your driving test. The freedom and independence you gain is an exciting experience, but many learners are a bag of nerves on the day and pick up serious faults because of this. Statistics from the Driver &amp; Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that between 2020 and 2021, 50.2% of drivers failed their test.  With the current backlogs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will still be more than 250,000 learners waiting to book their practical driving tests at the start of 2023, so many learners are hoping to pass for the first time and not ‘waste’ their test opportunity. To lend a hand, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips to hopefully help you walk away with a pass certificate on test day. <hr />

1. Practise makes perfect

The Driving &amp; Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recommends having 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, along with 20 hours of practice with a family member or friend.

If you do practise outside of lessons, make sure that you have learner driver insurance and that you display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle. The person accompanying you should also be over 21 years of age and have held a driving licence for a minimum of three years. Most instructors also encourage learners to have a lesson before their test. You can use this time to go over things you’re not confident with such as manoeuvres or junctions/roundabouts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on things you’re unsure of during this time either.<hr />2. Get to know the test route area

Most people book their tests at their nearest test centre, however with the massive backlog in tests, people are willing to travel anywhere in the country. If you do manage to find a test slot, familiarise yourself with the area and ask your instructor to take you on potential test routes during your lessons. This will make you more confident because you will know what to expect and look out for. If you’ve booked at a test centre that you’re not familiar with, some test routes are available to find online, so be sure to have a look. <hr />3. Memorise your show me, tell me questions

During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two safety questions, these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. You will be asked one tell me question, which is where you will explain how you would carry out a  safety task. These are typically asked at the start of your test, just before you move off. A question like this might be ‘tell me how you would check if your brakes are working.’ If you do get a tell me question wrong, you receive a minor fault – you’re allowed up to 15 of these.

You will also be asked a show me question, this is where you will have to show how to carry out a task safely while driving. For example the examiner may ask something like, ‘when it’s safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the front and rear windscreen?’The show me question will take place while driving so it’s easier to pick up serious faults there – you’re not allowed any serious faults to pass. If it’s not safe to show the examiner the answer to their question, then wait; the examiner isn’t expecting you to do everything immediately. It’s better to be safe than rush and pick up a serious fault.  All the show me, tell me questions are available on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions">gov.uk</a> website so you can revise these before your test.<hr />4. Don’t rush

Examiners want you to show them you can drive safely without being a hazard on the roads so there’s no need to rush. Take your time and make sure you’re doing things safely. Give yourself plenty of time to think about what you’re doing and always keep your eyes on the road so you can plan for any hazards that could come your way. It’s also not an issue if you go the wrong way on a test route, so if you do end up in a situation where you can’t take a turn or change lanes safely, then just proceed where it is safe to do so, and the examiner will reroute you. And if you stall when moving off, just stay calm and carry on going, stay in control of the car.It’s also better to book your test at a time when the roads are quieter. So try and avoid booking during rush hours – early mornings are usually the best time.<hr />5. Remember your checks

Statistics from the DVLA reveal that the top two reasons for failing every year since 2006 have been the lack of effective observations at junctions and the insufficient use of mirrors.

With so much to focus on, it can be an easy thing to miss, which is why it’s all the more important that you slow down and take your time to allow yourself to make those observations. And remember MSM - Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre. Particularly when carrying out manoeuvres or moving off, examiners are looking for effective mirror checks, so make sure to do these often. Some students even find it helpful to talk through what they are doing, this not only helps you but also helps the examiner know your thought process as you drive.<hr />6. Make sure to take all you need You need to take your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate with you to your test. Indeed, if you’re successful you’ll hand in your provisional licence at the centre after your test.You can keep everything in your instructor’s car before the test and grab them when you need them.<hr />7. Be on time It’s not the best impression if you turn up late, so try and get to your test centre at least 10 minutes before your test. This gives you time to stretch your legs and take a short break beforehand. <hr />8. Relax

Try not to overthink too much, if you feel like you may have failed, don’t let it affect the rest of your driving. Many drivers think they have failed and carry on for the remainder of the test worrying about it and letting it affect the rest of their driving. The test lasts for around 40 minutes, so stay focused and try not to be put off by other drivers on the road. <hr />9. Treat it like another driving lesson

Most of the time, learners let the pressure get to them and slip up because they know they’re being observed by an examiner. Try and treat the test like another lesson, drive how you would if you had your instructor or family member in the car. The examiners aren’t there to catch you out, they’re just looking for you to show them you can drive safely. <hr />10. Have a good night’s rest

Make sure you get in a good night’s sleep the day before so you can be attentive and alert to everything happening around you while driving. And if you do fail, learn from it and keep trying. <hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/top-10-best-used-cars-for-learner-drivers/n24075">Read more: Top 10 best used cars for learner drivers &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

One of the big milestones in your life is passing your driving test. The freedom and independence you gain is an exciting experience, but many learners are a bag of nerves on the day and pick up serious faults because of this. Statistics from the Driver &amp; Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) show that between 2020 and 2021, 50.2% of drivers failed their test.

With the current backlogs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will still be more than 250,000 learners waiting to book their practical driving tests at the start of 2023, so many learners are hoping to pass for the first time and not ‘waste’ their test opportunity. To lend a hand, we’ve compiled a list of our top tips to hopefully help you walk away with a pass certificate on test day. <hr />1. Practise makes perfect

The Driving &amp; Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recommends having 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor, along with 20 hours of practice with a family member or friend. If you do practise outside of lessons, make sure that you have learner driver insurance and that you display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle. The person accompanying you should also be over 21 years of age and have held a driving licence for a minimum of three years.

Most instructors also encourage learners to have a lesson before their test. You can use this time to go over things you’re not confident with such as manoeuvres or junctions/roundabouts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on things you’re unsure of during this time either.<hr />2. Get to know the test route area

During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two safety questions, these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. You will be asked one tell me question, which is where you will explain how you would carry out a  safety task. These are typically asked at the start of your test, just before you move off. A question like this might be ‘tell me how you would check if your brakes are working.’ If you do get a tell me question wrong, you receive a minor fault – you’re allowed up to 15 of these. You will also be asked a show me question, this is where you will have to show how to carry out a task safely while driving. For example the examiner may ask something like, ‘when it’s safe to do so, show me how you would wash and clean the front and rear windscreen?’The show me question will take place while driving so it’s easier to pick up serious faults there – you’re not allowed any serious faults to pass. If it’s not safe to show the examiner the answer to their question, then wait; the examiner isn’t expecting you to do everything immediately. It’s better to be safe than rush and pick up a serious fault.

All the show me, tell me questions are available on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions">gov.uk</a> website so you can revise these before your test.<hr />4. Don’t rush

Examiners want you to show them you can drive safely without being a hazard on the roads so there’s no need to rush. Take your time and make sure you’re doing things safely. Give yourself plenty of time to think about what you’re doing and always keep your eyes on the road so you can plan for any hazards that could come your way. It’s also not an issue if you go the wrong way on a test route, so if you do end up in a situation where you can’t take a turn or change lanes safely, then just proceed where it is safe to do so, and the examiner will reroute you. And if you stall when moving off, just stay calm and carry on going, stay in control of the car.It’s also better to book your test at a time when the roads are quieter. So try and avoid booking during rush hours – early mornings are usually the best time.

<hr />5. Remember your checks

Statistics from the DVLA reveal that the top two reasons for failing every year since 2006 have been the lack of effective observations at junctions and the insufficient use of mirrors. With so much to focus on, it can be an easy thing to miss, which is why it’s all the more important that you slow down and take your time to allow yourself to make those observations. And remember MSM - Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre. Particularly when carrying out manoeuvres or moving off, examiners are looking for effective mirror checks, so make sure to do these often. Some students even find it helpful to talk through what they are doing, this not only helps you but also helps the examiner know your thought process as you drive.<hr />6. Make sure to take all you need You need to take your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate with you to your test. Indeed, if you’re successful you’ll hand in your provisional licence at the centre after your test.

You can keep everything in your instructor’s car before the test and grab them when you need them.<hr />7. Be on time It’s not the best impression if you turn up late, so try and get to your test centre at least 10 minutes before your test. This gives you time to stretch your legs and take a short break beforehand. <hr />8. Relax

Most of the time, learners let the pressure get to them and slip up because they know they’re being observed by an examiner. Try and treat the test like another lesson, drive how you would if you had your instructor or family member in the car. The examiners aren’t there to catch you out, they’re just looking for you to show them you can drive safely.

<hr />10. Have a good night’s rest

Many people fail their driving test because of silly mistakes caused by nerves or overthinking. Here's how to avoid them

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