By Sylvain Kwambi
Getting ready for your driving test can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you’ll be hitting the road with confidence in no time. Whether you’re a first-time driver or retaking the test, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
Common mistakes to essential tips, here are five key rules you need to pass your driving test on the first try.
No.1: Take control
Adopt a positive attitude which will help you to break down fear, stay focused, and be relaxed during the driving test. This requires good sleeping the night before, not consuming alcohol or any form of drugs, and carefully reviewing the questions.
No.2: Know what to expect
During the exam, many skills will be required from you by the examiner, and knowing how to react is crucial. Knowing the rules is imperative, as well as a good assessment of the different scenarios you will face on the road.
No.3: Don’t forget anything
Fear on the exam’s day can play tricks on us, and forgetting is one of them. We must make sure that we bring with us the required documents. The advice is to gather your paperwork in a safe place the day before.
No.4: Check your blind spot
This practice is often neglected by learners, who are concentrating on the steering wheel with their eyes focused on the road ahead. And yet, beyond the road rules, it’s one of the keys of safe driving. Before entering the road, changing lanes or negotiating a turn, it’s essential to check your blind spots. To do this, you must look to the left and/or right of your shoulders after checking your mirrors, before taking any initiative on the road.
No.5: Have a good attitude
When facing the examiner, you must not lose control. You must remain serious during the evaluation process, polite and respectful. Don’t try to impress him by going too quickly, take your time to evaluate all situations and be ready to anticipate.
Remember, the examiner is not your enemy, they are simply examining your ability to drive safely.
Featured image: An examiner explains what will happen before hitting the road. Photo: Oregon Department of Transportation/CC/Wikimedia Commons
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