Oct 15, 2019
The big day of your driving test is slowly approaching… you have already taken 20 odd lessons and you still can’t get the parallel park right, never mind how you’d demist the front windscreen?! (well... we actually have a blog about that one >here<)
Do not panic!
Here at MyCarNeedsA.com, we know how stressful the big day of your driving test is. That’s why we have created this blog to help you prepare and be confident in yourself as a roadworthy driver!
An ADI is an approved driving instructor: this means that they are qualified to teach you how to drive, whether this is your first time being in a car or you have your licence but it’s been so long since you have driven you need to do a refreshment course.
It may be more comfortable to practise driving with friends and family who hold a licence, however, you have to remember that they aren’t eligible to train you and help you pass your test.
A lot of people fall into bad driving habits after they pass their driving test, so to avoid picking up these habits, it’s best if you find and book lessons with an approved driving instructor (ADI).
Also by having an ADI teacher, not only are they responsible for teaching you how to become a safe driver, but also the rules of the road and it’s their job to teach you, help you remain calm, and a bonus is that there is dual control, meaning when you start out learning, the ADI has control over the clutch and brake, meaning that can step in if they need to.
By practising as much as you can with your ADI, it means that not only are you gaining more experience on the road, but it also allows the ADI to understand your weaknesses and strengths so they can tailor the lessons to what you need.
If you haven’t already taken and passed your theory test, then this is something that you will need to do before you book your practical driving test.
You are able to take lessons before you pass your theory, but it’s more beneficial for you if you have an understanding of the rules of the road so you can apply what you have learnt on paper to real life.
If you have passed your theory and you are now ready to take on the next step in getting your driving licence, it’s important that you still revisit and understand your theory inside and out.
The highway code is the backbone of how to be good and safe driver: not only will this knowledge help you identify each and every road sign but it will also help you understand the different kinds of lines on the road, make faster and safer decisions and help you be a more confident driver.
Some ADI’s will only take you on lessons that are possible test routes so when the big day comes, you are already familiar with any roads, hill starts, cheeky roundabouts that you may have to face!
If the big day is slowly approaching and you haven’t covered any possible test routes, don't panic! Ask your ADI if it’s okay in the next lessons that you go over some of the routes that you could take.
Some ADI’s will take you out the day before your test and act as if this is your test: making you drive on a test route, carrying out a manoeuvre and answering questions.
You can also take this on yourself and looking up possible routes and get familiar with them.
Best way to feel confident is through practice and being prepared!
A lot of people will take lessons in the ADI car and when it comes to the big day they will drive in their own car. Even though this is a cheaper option, it can hinder your chance of passing as your own car is a completely different car compared to the ADI: this means that the bite, the gears, the sensitivity of the brake, basically the majority of the car will be different.
If you are practising in one car and carrying out the test in another, or even if you are using the same car for both, it is vital that you get to know your car and understand how it operates, where are the fog lights, where do you fill up your windscreen wiper fluid etc, because you will be asked about this on the big day.
It’s easier said than done, however, it is important that you take care of yourself and make sure that you eat and sleep well and stay hydrated.
Being worried or nervous is definitely not uncommon, however, by taking care of yourself and remaining calm means that you will be more focussed and confident on your big day!
When it comes to actually take part in your driving test, it’s important to remember to stay calm. If you start to panic then you will forget the basic things and make more mistakes which in turn, can cause you to panic more.
It’s completely normal to make mistakes, and if it does happen, don’t panic or rush! Take a deep breath and show the examiner that you are a safe and roadworthy driver.
Want to ensure that your car is up to scratch and ready for the big day?
Book a service on our website so you can find the cheapest deal near you!
All you need to do is enter a few details, and then sit back and relax while we deal with all the hard work for you!
Last thing you need before the big test is to worry that something is wrong with your car!
