If you’re reading this, there’s an excellent chance you have failed your driving test. Don’t worry, you’re in great company. I failed the first time, too. And the second – but that’s as far as I’m going to go with this. But even great drivers fail first time – Jenson Button, for example. It isn’t the end of the world.
Image credit: NRMA Motoring and Services
However, there are some very good reasons why you have failed your driving test. In this guide, we’re going to go through some of the most common, and hopefully get you up to speed for your second, third, or even fourth shot at passing.
Table of Contents
Your confidence is shot to bits
No matter how comfortable you are driving with your instructor, nothing can prepare you for the horrors of sitting next to an examiner. It’s no surprise -with a pen in hand, and not a smile on their lips, they are intimidating by their very nature. They have to play it totally straight, which kind of adds to the tension. You can crack all of your best gags, but it isn’t going to make a blind bit of difference. Your best bet is to play it straight yourself. Just concentrate on the driving, and respond well to anything they say. Imagine it’s your instructor putting on a voice, and pay no attention to the marks they are making on your sheet. Above all, though; try and enjoy it.
You aren’t as ready as you think you are
Your instructor should have a good idea of whether you are prepared or not. But, of course, you always have the option of booking your test anyway if you have the confidence. The trouble is, as we mentioned previously, the experience is entirely different when you are being marked. Your best bet is to take your driving lessons and leave it up to your instructor to decide. If you think they are stringing you along, just find a new one and see how you go with them.
You have no road sense
Road sense is your ability to observe everything around you, and it’s a vital skill to learn. Your examiner will be watching you to see how you respond to other vehicles, and not paying attention is one of the biggest reasons many people fail. Keep your eyes open, respond to other traffic, and give yourself plenty of room. It’s not a race, and no matter how fast you go, you will still have to get to the end of the forty minutes or so the test takes.
You haven’t practiced your manoeuvres
Manoeuvres are an enormous issue for many people on their driving test. The average person is terrified of being asked to reverse park, and there is a general sense that you need to get it done as fast as possible. But, in honesty, you don’t. You can take as long as you like, and as long as you do it safely you will be okay. Take your time to adjust your mirrors and get a better view. Relax, take deep breaths and go as slowly as you like. Don’t rush it – because you will make mistakes.
With any luck, if you tackle these three critical areas, your next test should be a breeze. Keep your chin up, and start looking for a new car for next time – we are sure you will make it through!
