Driving Mistakes to Avoid During Your Test

After you have taken a few driving lessons you will start to feel more comfortable behind the wheel of a car. As you draw closer to your test date, your driving instructor will start to focus on getting all of the little things right, rather than rehashing the basics of driving.

However, when the test day comes, many otherwise competent drivers end up making mistakes that cost them their tests. Here we will be looking at some of the most common so you can avoid them come test day.

Speed Over Safety

Examiners are looking for one thing in all you do when driving: safety. They want to see that you conduct observations properly, are aware of other road users and hazards and that you drive in a safe manner. Unfortunately, nerves can lead to good drivers rushing through things like changing gears and the other things that they would otherwise do with no problems at all. This focus on speed can lead to mistakes, some of which are minor but others that can lead you to fail the test.

Not Adjusting Your Mirrors

One of the first things you will be taught when you start taking driving lessons is that you need to adjust your mirrors to ensure you can see properly using them. In many cases, students find that the mirrors in their cars are adjusted well enough for them, leading to a false sense of security. If you don’t go through the motions, your examiner will notice.

Getting Distracted

Even something as simple as having a chat with your driving instructor can distract you from what’s going on in front of you. Distractions come from all over the place when you are driving, so you need to master the art of maintaining your concentration for the entire time you are behind the wheel. Keep doing your observations and watch the road ahead of you. Anticipate what might happen based on what you see and don’t allow your mind to wander.

Not Using Indicators Properly

Again, this is something that you will have been trained to do from the moment you started taking your driving lessons, but it’s still something that you may forget in the heat of the moment. The key mistake here is forgetting to use the indicator as you prepare to pull away from the curb or as you begin to pull in. On a contrary note, using your indicators too early can also be cause for a fail, as you give other road users a false impression of what you are preparing to do.

Cruising on the Clutch

Always remember that the clutch is used almost solely for changing gears and for keeping the car under control during your manoeuvres. Depressing the clutch before you start braking, for example, leads to the car cruising, which means you don’t have full control over it. Avoid doing this.

Poor Seat Positioning

If your seat is poorly positioned you won’t have full control over the car. You may not be able to grip the steering wheel properly or you might have trouble reaching the pedals. However, the most common mistake people make with their seats is forgetting the headrest positioning. The top of the headrest should be approximately level with the top of your head, as this offers the most protection should you be in an accident.