Mock Driver’s Test?
A mock driver’s test is always a good idea to give you immediate feedback on test readiness.
When I do mock driver’s tests, I highlight your weak points and do a proper de-briefing so you’ll know straight away whether you’re going to waste your time pitching for your test. I don’t believe in mincing words because it doesn’t help for me to raise your expectation, effectively, just seeing you fail, not to mention your huge disappointment.
Wanting to do a mock test and being prepared for it necessarily means that you would have learned to drive with confidence, you are over most of your nerves, and you should be able to hold your own. What this means is that, on a mock test you would not receive any driving instruction but only exercise and route instructions, like you can expect from your examiner who is not there to chat, but to test your skills. At the de-briefing, after your mock test, you can then shoot with any and all questions you may have about issues and situations you may have encountered which still rattles you a bit.
Many people have told me that, surprisingly, they found they were all tensed up on their mock test as if they were actually busy with their real test, contrary to their belief that it would be a breeze. This, coming from people that have been training with me for up to 18 months, I may add.
As a first indicator, I normally ask learners to complete a 14-point questionnaire based on recalling their first few days of driving, it then indicates how many lessons they would have needed to be ready for their test. Based on the results I can often save them the money to even do a mock test straight away. It is often is patent that they would not be ready to pass even a mock driver’s test.
There are some learners that do two, or even more, mock driver’s tests as a final test readiness exercise alone, and for them it is absolutely invaluable.
In about 90% of cases, the outcome of the mock test confirms whether you’re test ready….or not, with about 80% accuracy. The other 20% can be attributed on a ratio of 10% of factors not within my control and 10% of factors not within the control of either of us, such as weather, examiner attitude, nerves, etc. on your actual test day. Don’t ever underestimate your nerves.
It all depends on you in the end. On a mock driver’s test or on your actual driver’s test – it’s you in the seat; it’s you in charge…remember that.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of success!
