The best ways you can get ready for your driving test

Are you a learner driver right now? Did you know that there is a backlog of around 420,000 driving practical tests, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)? Learner drivers have found it increasingly difficult to find driving tests and make their dream of independent driving a reality due to the driving test backlog.
Out of all the cities in the UK, their data places Birmingham at the top of the list, with an 86% decline in the number of driving test taking place, which can have a huge impact if you’ve been learning to drive in Birmingham and are now looking to book a test.

You can, however, use this to your advantage, and make the most of the extra time you have before you take your test. You could do this at home, or with your instructor if you manage to book a lesson with them and so, here are some of the top ways you can prepare for your driving test. 

  1. Practice makes perfect

The best way to know what to expect on the day of your driving test, is to practice driving on the roads that are likely to be included. If you know where your test centre will be, take some time to get to know the type of roads nearby, so you’re fully prepared for all different kinds of road conditions. 

You can do this with your instructor, but if you’re finding it tricky to book in lessons at the moment, then you can always practice with a family member or friend. As long as they are over 21 years old, have held a valid driving licence for over three years, and have the right insurance, then you are good to go! 

Another thing you can do is simply search the area on a map to get to know the roads you’re likely to be driving, and look up any travel restrictions or speed limits of the surrounding area. This is a great way to improve your knowledge in the time between lessons and your driving exam. 

  1. Learn the ins and outs of a car

Part of the driving test will include questions about the maintenance of a car — from where the oil is located and how to check it, to the tread of the tyres. Getting up to speed with the workings of a car beforehand will not only help you with this part of the test, but is also good knowledge to have for when you have to run your own car. 

The joys of British weather mean that you are likely to drive in varying conditions, including on the day of your test. Having experience of driving in a range of adverse weather is one thing, but learning the stopping distances of the car in different conditions is also an important part of being prepared for your test. 

  1. Improve your reaction times 

When driving normally or as part of your test, you will always have to be aware of any obstacles presented to you. So, it’s a good idea to practice your reflexes and improve your decision making under heightened circumstances. 

A hazard perception test will be part of your theory test, so you may have already experienced some of this before. Whether you have or haven’t taken your theory, you can look to refresh these skills, especially if there are long waiting times until you take your practical test. You can find plenty of online hazard perception tests that can help you to practice, and improve your reaction speed. You can then go into your test with the knowledge that you are ready for anything! 

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Christophe Rude

Christophe Rude

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