Whether you signed up for driving classes as soon as you were eligible or have taken a more relaxed route towards becoming a driver, most people have a lot of experience taking tests in general by the time they get into a car with a driving instructor. All that time in school will definitely come in handy, as the driving test is quite similar to other forms of exams you may have taken in the past. However, there are some key differences—and thus different approaches to passing—between a math exam and a practical driving test. At Ambitious Drivers, we want you to get the most out of your driving school experience. To prepare for driving test, practice regularly in various conditions and review road signs, traffic laws, and safety protocols. Ensure you are comfortable with the vehicle controls, and focus on building confidence and skill to pass the test successfully.
Here are some general and driving-specific study tips to help you ace the test on your very first try:
Understand the Criteria
This may seem obvious, but you need to know the rules of the road to pass your driving test. More than that, though, you need to know how your own knowledge will be assessed. With enough practice and great instruction, anyone can be a safe and conscientious driver. However, many of those great drivers failed their test the first time. That is because there is a difference between understanding something yourself and being able to communicate that understanding to others. The best way to bridge that gap is through communication. While talking to any experienced driver is a good way to gain insight into the skill and realities of the road, your driving instructor has the most valuable and direct knowledge about your upcoming driving test. During your last few classes, make sure to take a moment to ask them about the details of the test: of course you’ll be tested on parking, but how, exactly? On what type of street and in what conditions? Every test experience is unique, but the more information you have, the more you can fine tune your practice sessions.
Be in the Right Frame of Mind
As you will have gone over in class, distracted or drowsy driving can be incredibly dangerous on the road. No matter how well you know your stuff, anxiety can take its toll before any kind of test. That is why we recommend drawing up a study plan a few weeks ahead of your test. Knowing what you are going to practice on each can take a lot of the pressure off, and make for calmer and more productive driving sessions. Similar to physical workout routines, it can also help to have a driving “warm-up” and “cool-down.” Have a set route or series of actions you take at the beginning and end of each practice session. Having a solid routine in place will translate into readiness for the actual test.
The evening before the test, try to do a non-driving related activity you enjoy. Eat a filling, but not too heavy meal, and get to bed at a reasonable time. You will want to be at your test appointment at least 15 minutes early, so that means you need to make sure you have enough time for a good night’s sleep and the commute there.
For more information about driving tests, and comprehensive personalized lessons, contact us at Ambitious Drivers today.
