HOW TO PREPARE

Find a suitable Driving Instructor and take as many lessons as you need.  35 to 45 hours is a rough average although you may need more.  You should also try to get as much practice as possible.  Remember, learner drivers fail the driving test, drivers pass!  If you are still driving like a learner when you go for your test you are heading for a fail.  You need to be driving in a safe and competent manner to ensure you have the best chance possible.

I think I need to dispel some of the Old Wive`s Tales about the test.  Driving Examiners don`t have a quota.  You can pass your test on a Friday. No-one will be trying to catch you out by telling you turn into a No Entry.  And so on and so on.... 

THE DRIVING TEST  

1)  At The Test Centre

Make sure you arrive at the Test Centre in good time, remember you will have to park up and then make your way to the waiting room.  The Examiner will need to see your documents, photocard driving licence, paper counterpart and theory test pass certificate. Its a good idea to have your appointment letter to hand as well.  You will be asked to sign an insurance declaration and then to lead the way outside. 

The first part of the test is the eyesight check.  You will be asked to read a number plate at the prescribed distance. The distance requirement using old style number plates is 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the new-style number plate is used. New-style number plates are easily identifiable starting with two letters eg AB 51 ABC.

Once you get to your car you will be asked two "Show Me, Tell Me" questions. 

You get into your car, make yourself comfortable and wait for the examiner to join you.  You will be told approximately how long the test will be (40 - 45 minutes) and then that during the test you should follow the road ahead unless you are told otherwise.  Remember, the road ahead may not be the road that is in front of you, there could be No Entry signs, No Left or Right Turns etc.  Its up to you watch out for these things and react accordingly.

You then start the engine and the driving part of the Driving Test begins.

2) In The Car

You will follow a predetermined route, and will be given directions in good time.  The examiner will chat a little to put you at ease but will not engage you in conversation as this could upset your concentration. 

Everyone is nervous when they take their test, the trick is not to let the nerves get the better of you.  If you make a mistake (and almost everyone does) just forget it.  If you dwell on an error you will almost certainly make another - the first may be nothing but the next could be serious. 

The route will include many types of roads, from town driving to rural roads and fast dual carriageways.  During the drive you will be required to perform one of the manouvres you have been practicing, possibly an Emergency Stop and also show that you can drive without directions on the Independent Drive. 

3)  The Conclusion

Your test will end back at the Test Centre where you will be asked to switch off the engine and wait "a few moments" while the paperwork is completed.  If you have committed fewer than 16 driving faults and no serious or dangerous errors you will hear those wonderful words-"YOU`VE PASSED" 

If you are not successful please don`t make the mistake of applying again straight away.  You haven`t been unlucky, your driving is not at the right standard and you need to practice to put right those weaknesses before you try again!

It's changed a little since this film was made for Ford in 1935!