Top tips for passing your driving test

Learning to drive is one of the few life changing, momentous experiences most of us will go through. It's a life skill that enables you to become independent, opens doors to more career options and also makes a noticeable dent on your bank balance!

However, many of us will trip at the last hurdle, struggling to control our nerves and making silly mistakes. Here are a few great tips to help you along your journey of getting started on the road.

1 – Confidence

If you believe in yourself and your own abilities, then someone else is more likely to believe in them too. Getting into a car with an expert can be extremely daunting, but remember, your driving instructor wouldn't let you take the test if they didn't think you were capable.

2 – Know your car

As well as knowing which side the indicator stem is on, ensure you know how to activate and use all the car's various functions. It will mean that you're less likely to get flustered if you have to use one unexpectedly.

Spend time learning where the horn is located, how to turn on the lights, what to do when you need you windscreen wipers, how to open the bonnet and how the screen wash is activated. If you need any of these on your test, you will know exactly where they are and how to use them, meaning you can concentrate on the road ahead, not mess about looking for a control.

3 – Utilise all available sources

Being prepared (especially if it's your 1st test) is really important. There is a world of information available, and if you do your research there's nothing that should come as an unpleasant surprise. The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) website provides a break down of all the elements of the practical driving test, including a list of all the vehicle safety questions that you could be asked.

4 – Be friendly

We've all been in situations where you're meeting someone for the first time and there's an awkward silence; and we all know how uncomfortable it feels. So it is key to try and make the examiner feel as comfortable around you as possible. A small amount of general conversation will make them feel relaxed, and will also help relax you.

Don't over do it though, as a case of verbal diarrhoea will only make them think you're not concentrating.