When someone goes for their practical driving test, there is a lot to consider during it, but as long as you keep calm and apply what you’ve learned in previous lessons, then you should be ok.
There are all kinds of tips you can read online about how to prepare for their driving test, but here we’re going to focus on things you should definitely avoid during one.
Most if not all of the things mentioned here are mistakes you’ve probably never considered making, but considering some of the crazy stories that appear online about how people failed their driving test, you can never be too careful.
DON’T adjust the seat or mirrors after the test has started
As soon as you first get in the car with the examiner, this is the time to get the position of your seating and mirrors sorted before you set off (although don’t forget you may get some show me, tell me questions at this time too).
Make sure you take enough time to make sure you’re comfortable with how your mirrors are positioned, so they give you the clearest view of what’s behind. Last thing you want to do is start driving only to find you’re not quite happy with the mirrors, this is not good for safety and the examiner will be left unimpressed if you have to pull over to re-adjust.
That’s not to say you should spend ten minutes fidgeting with the mirrors before you drive making sure you’ve got their position absolutely perfect. Do take your time to make sure you are happy the mirrors are in the right position for you, but it’s not a job that should prove time consuming.
DON’T get angry at other drivers or pedestrians
On pretty much any road at any time you could witness either a bad piece of driving from another motorist or a pedestrian trying to cross the road in a careless, inattentive manner.
Such problems can therefore occur on the driving test too, making the test that little bit more challenging. While it’s annoying to have your manoeuvres or general driving disrupted by other peoples’ mistakes, you just have to accept it can happen and take it in your stride.
The worst thing you can do is start shouting angrily or do things like beep your horn in reaction to people or things that are a nuisance. The examiner will no doubt take note of these moments of road rage and they’ll count against you.
DON’T dispute any directions given
Your driving test may happen in a place which you know very well, which could work in your favour to some extent.
It’s best though to avoid acting like you know more about where you’re going than your examiner though. If, for example, it’s near the end of the test and you’re driving back to the test centre and the instructor tells you to go in one way, this isn’t a good time to mention how going in another direction is quicker.
It doesn’t matter whether your correct about such things or not, you should stick to the directions your instructor gives you. Chances are the examiner knows there is a quicker or less difficult route, but you’ve been sent an alternative way on purpose to help better assess your driving.
DON’T turn the radio on
A lot of drivers like to have the radio on to make driving journeys a little more relaxing or just to make things feel less lonely.
There’s no place for radio use during a driving test though. Saying it’ll help calm your nerves is a weak excuse as well. The examiner will want to make sure you hear all of their instructions clearly. The radio could prove a distraction, preventing you from hearing nearby cars or pedestrians during manoeuvres for instance.
When the test starts, the examiner will not care for catchy tunes, the latest news updates or your ability to sing along to songs (especially if you’re not that good at singing).
DON’T crack jokes with your examiner
The driving test can be stressful for many who take it, and while there are various things you can try to keep yourself carm, trying to act like you’re the examiner’s buddy won’t get you far.
Trying to lighten the mood with snarky remarks or jokes during the test will probably, at best, just be ignored by the examiner. At worst, they could annoy and concern the examiner because they think you aren’t taking the situation serious enough.
DON’T try and complete errands
This is a similar point to the one we made during our guide on things to avoid when your test driving a car you’re thinking of buying.
The driving test should definitely not be seen as an opportunity to run some errands, whether that be picking up a friend, going shopping, buying some fast food etc.
The examiner will understandably object to you trying to do things which don't benefit the test.
DON’T bring food with you
There’s not really any time during a driving test where it will feel appropriate to feed yourself. Certainly not in the eyes of your examiner anyway.
Rather than bring food, make sure you have a decent-sized meal before the test (preferably not so big that’ll leave you feeling bloated while you’re driving!)
If you have a bottle of water in your car, your examiner will probably be fine with you taking a swig at moments when you are parked in a safe, convenient place.