Get ready for your driving test
Passing your driving test gives you independence and freedom. But taking your test too early could lead to a failed test, disappointment, and potentially delays to you getting on the road.
51 out of every 100 driving tests were failed
between October and December 2021.
If you’re not ready to pass, it’s best to move your test back. It’s the best way of getting your independence and freedom as soon as possible.
Check you're ready to take the test
You’ll usually be ready when:
1. You do not need help or prompts from your driving instructor.
You need to be dealing with every part of driving consistently, confidently and independently – without any prompting from your driving instructor.
You’ll be getting ready for your test when you can adapt to situations and see why perfecting your skills makes you safer and more fuel-efficient.
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2. You do not make silly mistakes when you’re driving.
You need to be a good driver to pass the driving test. If you regularly make silly mistakes during your driving lessons, you’re not ready to take and pass your driving test.
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Find out the top 10 reasons people fail the driving test.
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3. You pass every mock driving test you do.
Lots of people who fail the driving test incorrectly think it’s because they were marked too harshly. It’s actually because they did not know the standard that’s needed to pass.
Taking and passing mock tests with your driving instructor will help you understand how the marking works and if you’re ready to pass.
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4. You can control your nerves.
Controlling your nerves is a really important skill for driving safely.
Make sure you’ve got a plan in place to manage your nerves when you take your test.
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5. Your driving instructor says you’re ready.
If your driving instructor says you’re not ready to take your driving test, listen to them. They’re a trained expert with lots of driving experience, and they know what it takes to pass the driving test.
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Remember, they want you to be a safe driver, keep your insurance costs low, and enjoy driving for years to come.
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"You’re ready to take your driving test when you can drive safely and follow The Highway Code without any prompts from your instructor, while keeping your nerves under control."
Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner
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​Move your test if you’re not ready
Moving your driving test back a few weeks if you’re not ready can give you vital time to:
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brush up on your skills
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take a few more mock tests
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make sure you’re ready to pass
By moving your test, you’ll free up an appointment for someone who is ready to take their test. This could help them get their dream job, or help with caring for their family.
It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 3 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.
Keep track of your progress
It’s best to take driving lessons with a driving instructor and have private practice with family or friends. Driving instructors are road safety experts, trained to help you learn to drive.
People who have a combination of both do best when they take their driving test.
1 in 5 people who fail their driving test say the main reason they fail is because they made a silly mistake on the day.
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If you’re making silly mistakes
If you’re making silly mistakes during your driving lessons or private practice, it means you’re not ready to drive safely on your own yet.
The best way to avoid making silly mistakes is practice, practice, practice.
You’ll be ready to take your test when you’re reaching level 5 on all of the driving skills on our client App during every lesson you have.
Take mock driving tests
You’d never take an exam without doing a few mock exam papers first. And you probably took more than one mock theory test before taking the real thing.
Mock driving tests are just as important.
1 in 5 people who fail their driving test say the main reason they failed is because they were marked too harshly.
Driving examiners are trained road safety experts with lots of experience of driving and marking tests. They mark based on how you drive during your test.
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Benefits of mock tests
Take mock tests with your driving instructor to:
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get used to how the driving test works
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understand the standard that’s expected
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understand how the marking works, so you’re not left thinking you were marked too harshly during the real thing
Talk to your driving instructor about taking mock tests.
They might suggest you take a mock test with a different instructor, so you’re used to driving with someone you do not know.
Learn to keep your nerves under control
1 in 10 people who fail their driving test say the main reason they failed is because they were too nervous.
Everyone is nervous to some level when they take their driving test.
Driving examiners expect that. They’ll do their best to help you relax.
Being able to control your nerves is a really important skill – and not just for your driving test.
You might be nervous the first time you:
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drive in an unfamiliar city on your own
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have to deal with a really complex roundabout
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drive on country roads at night
So learning how to control your nerves is a vital skill for new drivers.
Talk to your trainer about mindfulness training. Mindfulness can help you to manage anxiety, feel relaxed and stay focused.
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You can also search for apps that help with mindfulness.
If you cannot control your nerves, it means you’re not safe.
Take the right things to your test
On average, more than 9,000 driving tests get cancelled every year because people:
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forget to take the right documents with them
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take a car that does not meet the rules
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arrive late for their appointment
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go to the wrong driving test centre
Don’t be one of them.
How the test works