Am I Ready for my Driver Test?
Let’s look at a couple of facets that play an important role.
Many people mistakenly believe that if they have been driving for a long time their chances of acing their driver’s test is easy. Well, sometimes yes, but mostly no.
The habits we learn when we drive for the first time, and depending with whom we spend time behind the wheel thereafter is a very important factor as it directly influences you on your driver test. A small thing like the position of your hands on the steering wheel can have a significant impact and although it is not a high score item on the penalty list, it is one that could lose you marks consistently.
There are also other habits like not removing your foot from the clutch pedal once you’ve used it and following distance which, both of which are also penalised on a consistent basis. Then there is the dreaded Three Point- and Five Point Check. Not only do these have to be done in exact K53 order but they are also the “observations” crucial to your test and have some of the highest penalty scores. No matter whether you’ve done them or not – if they were done in the incorrect place or out of K53 order, you are penalised as if you didn’t do them at all.
On the road you may feel reasonably confident but if there’s any doubt whatsoever as to where you “fit in” among the traffic on the road you are not ready for your driver test. If you still struggle to do your Five Point checks without getting anxious, can’t seem to get the car geared down in time for a turn and it feels that the traffic around you is getting impatient with you, you are not ready for your driver test.
If you still question whether it’s your turn at an intersection or whether you have to wait for which car at an intersection, then you are not ready for your driver test. It’s not at all strange for these things to happen, I know. Once you go for your driver test you have to have the rules of the road down pat, know what your role is when and where, be confident that you know what you’re doing…and it should show by the way you’re driving.
Now if you can ace the yard test and drive with confidence, consistently, can do all your checks in the correct sequence, at the right time allowing yourself room to breathe, cars around you don’t seem to bother you anymore and you feel like you fit together with the rest of the traffic flow, while observing all the K53 procedures – THEN you may be ready for your driver test.
Why do I say “may”?
Well, there’s also the nerves to account for on your test day. It may very well be your very first practical test where someone is actually watching you like a hawk and that could affect you quite seriously. Never underestimate the role that your nerves will play – the more nervous your disposition, the longer I advise that you practice to reinforce your knowledge at a very deep level. In this way your instincts can kick in and carry you for the greater part.
Whatever you do – don’t EVER feel ashamed of failing.
Life on our roads is about life and death on a daily basis so keep that in mind as the greater issue at hand. You want to pass your test confidently knowing you are the safest driver you can be.
