(Newswire.net — September 27, 2021) –The driving test is the best way to get your hands sweaty and your knees rattling.
It can be so frustrating. It can be very stressful to perform, especially when you know your family members are going for your Ps. The stress of having to be assessed by someone you do not know, the testing officer, can also be stressful.
Geared talks to real testing officers to help calm nerves and get ready. We can assure you that they are human. They want you to be as relaxed, focused, and safe driving as your parents or your instructor.
Every year, hundreds of learners visit testing officers. They have been kind enough to share their expertise on how to eliminate mistakes, calm nerves, and what the reverse park is like so you are fully prepared for the day.
Remember to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can take your driving test.
The Test
For you to pass the driving test you need to pass first the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), complete 120 hours behind the wheel, have your Ls for 12 months, and reach 17 years old.
You will need to submit your hours if you are using a digital logbook application before you book a driving test.
Common mistakes
The officers agreed that the biggest mistakes were the little but crucial signals, which can be forgotten to do or not done for long enough. observation – failing to inspect your blind spots or mirrors. Stop signs can be a problem, especially when they are concerned with stopping before the line.
Signalling
You can’t just turn your indicator and drive away. Signalling must be done for at least five seconds before you leave a parking spot or move from a kerb. Signalling at the correct time is important as signalling too soon or too late can cause confusion for other road users.
Blind spots
Another common mistake is not checking blind spots. When merging, changing lanes, or performing manoeuvres, you should check your blind spots as well as your mirrors. When turning left on wide roads, drivers often overlook their left-hand blind spot. It’s as simple as this: If you can fit a car between your car and the kerb, it is important to check your blind spot before you turn left. It’s impossible to predict what might be travelling up this section of the road. Don’t forget to perform an observation check to ensure that the vehicle is safe before you move on after it has been stopped at traffic lights.
Stop Signs
It is common to ignore stop signs and continue on your way. The whole car must stop behind the stop sign and traffic lights. It is not acceptable to stop behind the traffic light line and move forward. You must stay behind the line. If the view is obscured, you can still move forward at stop signs but only when it’s completely stopped.
Judgment
Another problem is choosing safe gaps in traffic. It is a matter of experience and judgement. Sometimes learners may pull out and make a mistake about the speed of a car coming at them. If it’s a truck, then you should consider that a truck is slower to stop than a car.
Right turns
Learners who are trying to turn right at the lights should be decisive. There may not be enough room, but you could get in trouble if you hesitate.
Prepare
Paperwork
Make sure you have read the Guide to the Driving Test PDF (753KB) and that all sections and forms are signed correctly. You can always ask a Service NSW officer for clarification if you are unsure of something or confused about something someone has said to you about the driving exam.
App for digital logbooks
You must submit your logbook details to Roads and Maritime if you are using a digital logbook application. They will ensure that the testing officer is aware you have completed the book and are available for the test. You can call to verify that your logbook has been received and is ready for the test.
Take Driving Lessons from experienced driving instructors.
It is crucial that you take at least a few driving lessons from experienced and accredited driving instructors in your local area. This will give you more confidence in the final test.
Keep on time
To allow yourself enough time to explore the area, it is important to be there early. The test will not proceed if you arrive late. It’s not a good idea to rush when taking your test.
Place your car in the best spot
Unless it is impossible due to unauthorised vehicles parking there, make sure your car is at the test rank before you begin the driving test. Service centres and registries have designated places or rank where the test will start. Avoid parking in the supermarket car lot. This will only increase your anxiety and make it more difficult to get to the car.
Calming your nerves
Talk to the officer, take a deep breath and be patient. The test should be treated as instruction in driving and not as a test.
Everyone is affected differently by nerves; testing officers are no different. You don’t need to feel any more pressure from testing officers. Keep in mind the old saying, “You can’t change the past”, so if you make mistakes, don’t dwell on them. It’s not easy, but we know that some learners make more mistakes than others because they worry about the minor mistake they made and lose sight of the rest of the test. Students who pass the test are relaxed and confident. Everything else will fall into place if you follow the road rules and drive safely.
Parking manoeuvres – tips for success
Practice! It’s all easier if you practice. You can practice in different locations. Don’t reverse park on the same street every time. And don’t think too much about the big day.
To learn more about the various manoeuvres required for the driving test, please refer to the Guide to the Driving Test.
They are only one part of the driving test. People place a lot of importance on reverse parking. It seems that people believe that if they can’t do it correctly, they have failed the test. It’s usually not a failure item unless it’s important enough.
You are ready, but what about your car?
Roads and Maritime Services doesn’t provide cars for license tests. You need to arrange your own. You need to ensure that your car is ready for the test, whether it’s your instructor’s or a family vehicle. You might be unable to pass the test if your car is damaged. This checklist will help you to have no problems.
Car checklist
- Is my rego current?
- Are my windows in good condition?
- Are your tyres properly inflated?
- Are my brake and indicator lights working?
- Are the mirrors, seat, and belt adjusted to my liking?
- How much petrol do I need?