How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes on Your Driving Test
The ability to drive can make a big difference to your prospects in life. But actually learning to drive, and passing the theory and practical tests (while taking into account the new rules around booking), can be a challenge.
If you want to improve your chances, it’s worth focusing your practice time on the situations and manoeuvres that are most likely to cause a problem. So, what are the most common errors?
Ineffective Observations at Junctions
Junctions are arguably the most common point of failure during examinations. Pull out at the wrong moment, and you might fail the test instantly. Unfortunately, the rise of super-quiet electric vehicles has made it more difficult to spot incoming hazards. Use the ‘look left, look right’ rule, and try to err on the side of caution, especially if you’re in an area in which cyclists and e-scooter riders are active.
Incorrect Use of Mirrors (Changing Direction)
If you’ve acquired the habit of checking your mirrors while you’re in the process of turning, then you need to drop it. Mirrors should always be checked prior to any action taken. Remember the Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre routine, and that your examiner will be looking for a clear turn of your head. Don’t rush, and make sure that every stage of your pre-turning routine is practised and automatic.
Poor Move-Off Safety
Of course, it’s also essential that you check your mirrors, and indeed your entire surroundings, before moving off. Get into the habit of checking your blind spot, and remember the six points of a full check of your surroundings. Look straight ahead, in both side mirrors, the rear-view, and then in both blind spots. End with a glance over your right shoulder, since that’s the most likely location of an incoming vehicle.
Naturally, it’s essential that you signal.
Incorrect Positioning
Your position in the road matters. Along with your indicators, this is a way of communicating your intentions to other drivers. If you’re going to turn right at a junction, then you’ll need to be in the rightmost lane. Correct positioning will allow you to avoid blocking the flow of traffic looking to turn the other way.
Going on regular practice sessions, with the help of the right learner driver insurance, will allow you to refine this step until it becomes a habit.
Inappropriate Speed Control
If you’re speeding, then you put yourself at risk of failure. Straying even 2mph over the limit in a 20mph zone could cause you to fail automatically. At the same time, driving at 15mph in a 30mph zone could cause you to fail for driving with undue hesitation.
To be safe, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the speed limit, and to stick to it.