Five Simple Ways You Might Fail Your Practical Test

So your theory test is in the bag and you are finally ready to get behind the wheel with somebody other than your driving instructor and prove that you are capable of passing your driving test and thus can be free to finally drive your own car wherever your please.

A few nerves are natural, but if your instructor has put you in for the test then the odds are that you are ready. Now you need to make sure that you keep the simple things in mind so that you don’t fail.

Here we will look at five of the simple things that can cost you your practical test.

Poor Observation At Junctions

Whenever you reach a junction, always be sure to properly observe everything before pulling out. While you don’t need to be overly obvious with your actions, your examiner needs to be able to see that you are looking around, checking your mirrors and ensuring that there are no hazards that can prevent you from pulling out.

Simply put, always observe and always react to what you see in the appropriate fashion. This means pulling out when everything is clear or reacting to any hazards that present themselves.

Failing to Use Your Mirrors

There is a common adage that states you should be checking your mirrors every 10-15 seconds while you are driving. Just a quick look to make sure that nothing behind you is amiss.

It can be very easy to forget the importance of your mirrors, so it is important to keep checking them as you examiner will be looking out for how you use them and if you are aware of everything that you can possibly be aware of on the road.

Poor Signalling

For many it seems like signalling your turns should be one of the easier aspects of the test. After all, it becomes somewhat second nature after enough driving lessons. However, poor signalling can lead to strikes against you if you are not careful.

Be sure not to signal too early or too late when approaching a turn. Too early and those behind you may think you are doing something else, whereas too late forces them to react to something they weren’t expecting.

Furthermore, make sure you don’t let the indicator turn off before you reach your turn and that it doesn’t carry on when the turn is completed. The whole point of those lights is to inform other drivers of what you are intending to do, so failure to control them properly can be hazardous to other road users.

Incorrect Road Positioning

You need to be aware of where you are on the road at all times and ensure that your car maintains proper road positioning.

This goes for every aspect of the test, from standard driving to the way you take corners and roundabouts. Failure to keep to the correct road position can be a serious fault that can spell the end for your practical test, so always be aware of what you are doing at all times.