Learning how to drive in Bournemouth, or anywhere else, is an experience not many people look forward to. It is usually daunting, especially during the early stages. Even scarier is the driving test. Many people dread the day, with some putting off booking their test date over and over again because they don’t want to confront the test scenario. You can be different! Here are some top tips to help you sail through the test.
Work with a good Bournemouth driving instructor
You can book a single session or an assessment session for a start and take things forward from there. The best driving instructors in Bournemouth are good communicators, patient, supportive and knowledgeable about Bournemouth roads and test routes. Don’t proceed with the instructor if you are not convinced at the initial stage, because they are pivotal to your success or failure during the test.
Understand the routes
One of the worst possible ways to kick off your driving test is to be faced with an unfamiliar route. To avoid this, search online for the possible test routes you’d be taken to and use the last lap of your training to drive these routes. Your instructor should know a thing or two about routes you will be taken to. Ensure you get familiar with all road markings, speed limits and signage. If there are difficult roads then make sure you know what to do when confronted with different situations. In the learning phase you should repeat your manoeuvres until they feel natural to you.
Avoid the common pitfalls
During driving tests, the common pitfalls that can make you fail are covered by observation, signalling, awareness and control. Therefore, you need to avoid mistakes like not checking mirrors before reverse parking, inadequate observation at junctions and roundabouts, poor reaction to things in the mirror, giving confusing signals, poor hand placement on the steering, wrong use of the clutch etc. If your Bournemouth driving instructor tells you there are things to be changed then listen.
Ignore the bad advice
As soon as you notify people about your intention to go in for the test you will be inundated with suggestions on what you should do and what you should not do. Some of the people providing the suggestions may have passed their tests but it doesn’t rule out the fact that bulk of the things you will hear are baseless. Statements like “No one passes in that test centre” or “People that book late in the day fail/pass” should not be given audience at all. Equally, stick to what you learnt. Don’t tinker because outside parties tell you their “top idea”. Last minute changes, especially to manoeuvre technique, can be disastrous. You paid your instructor to teach you to drive, listen to and do what they say.
Understand the car
Lift the bonnet of the car and take a look at the real mechanics of the vehicle you will be tested in. Your instructor, and in fact everyone around you, should be able to take you through a quick guide of what is under the hood. This is important to pass your ‘Show Me Tell Me’ section. The questions are basic but many people fail them because they fail to learn the basics. You don’t want unnecessary deductions without even starting the car.
Prepare properly and expect a wait
Do you have any rituals you go through before going for an exam? They won’t be out of place as you prepare for your driving test in Bournemouth. Get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast and give yourself adequate time to get ready and browse your revision notes. Get yourself into a mental state that will help you pass. For most people a relaxed but excited min-set works. In the test centre is when the nerves really kick in. Expect a wait but be ready for a prompt start. Getting frustrated by a late start can be a really bad start to your test and get you in the wrong frame of mind.
Remain calm and speak up
Your examiner decides if you’ve made a mistake or not. You are supposed to remain calm even when you feel you’ve made a mistake. However, you need to avoid complacency even when everything is going great. Staying focused and relaxed will help you to avoid the big mistakes. During the test, ask what was said if the examiner says something you didn’t quite hear. Don’t pretend you heard clearly when you did not!
Be confident and be polite. Ensure you are safe and follow instructions. If you complete your manoeuvres well and give your tester a comfortable drive then you will probably pass. Don’t make it the be all and end all that you must pass. Keep things in perspective and you will reduce the pressure and stress you feel.
